Newb with some F150 questions...

[onlyontwo]

Hey guys and gals,

So a buddy of mine introduced me to the site a little over a week ago and I have been hooked since. :Wow1: Thanks Seth!

So here is the deal...Wife and I have a 04 F150 heritage 2x4 that is payed for (oh yeah). We are AVID (read obsessed) with mountain biking, but also love camping and just exploring. We are planning on starting a family so the Jeep I was looking at is out. So now I'm looking at building the Ford.

I'm looking at doing a SAS on it with a Dana 44 and leafs. Not looking for a crawler or anything insane, just a capable trail rig to explore with. I was thinking just a spring over axle in the front with some shock hoops. Was thinking of a divorced Tcase. I think the motor mounts would have to be moved up in order for clearance. The biggest tire I would run is a 37. I want to keep it as low as possible.

So would it be worth it to just throw an ARB in the 8.8 and regear and use it? Or should I look at doing the more costly and involved build? Thanks all.

Cheers,
Andy

 

[MotoDave]

I'm thinking it would be a lot cheaper to sell the 2wd and buy a 4wd F150.

 

[1leg]

90% of my offroading is done in 2wd.

Spend the money on a locker for the rear and Lift it enough for some
255-85-16s (everyone wants them, they are expo approved)

If you want a 4wd, then sell the 2wd and buy one. then Spend the money on a locker for the rear and Lift it enough for some255-85-16s (everyone wants them, they are expo approved)

If you don't do anything else but load the truck and get out, you'll be way a head of most of us.

Don't forget we need lots of pictures!!!! :drool: :drool: :Wow1: :costumed-smiley-007


Wecome,

 

[onlyontwo]

Thanks guys. I looked into selling it and getting another truck, but it is so nice not to have a payment. Plus, I'm kind of attached to the truck for family reasons. It is actually already leveled with 285 BFG AT's on it. I have a buddy that said he would help me make some rock sliders and bumpers for it. Well, I will see what I can do. Maybe just a re-gear and an ARB will fit the bill for now.

Thanks again, and I will for sure post up some pictures.

Cheers,
Andy

 

[MotoDave]

I don't know Fords, is it possible to swap over the front suspension & drivetrain from a 4wd?

Maybe its different where you explore, but I know for me it usually entails a decent amount of on-road driving to get to the trials, and I definitely like the comfort and reliability of a fairly stock suspension and driveline to get me there and home.

 

[chet]

putting a solid axle under your truck is not an easy or cheap endevour. The amount you would spend you could sell your 2wd add the amount on and have a nice 4wd truck or SUV.

If you already have big tires and maybe a locker you can go 75% of the really nice places with no problems in 2wd.

 

[bftank]

doh i had my post written and i switched pages before posting.

try this again.

i would suggest taking your time. put a selectable locker(arb) and a winch in the one you have. go as many places as you can with this set up and then consider a 4wd swap.

research how and why people have done this swap. pirate 4x4 is a wealth of information regarding this if you have the right attitude. start collecting parts as you can afford it and after you have decided how you want to build it.

i suggest this route for a couple reasons:

1) yes you would probably be financially ahead to sell this one and get a 4wd model, however your inheriting a whole new can of worms in regards to how this new 4wd model has been taken care of etc.

2)yes the new one would technically have 4wd, but the newer trucks ifs systems have limited potential and strength, generally don't do as well as a solid axle offroad. my opinion and experience.

3) i am a tinkerer, i have tools, and i would rather convert a truck to 4wd than go golfing or any number of things. and with no concrete or garage to do it in that's saying something. if you don't have tools this will be a very expensive modification.

i say go for it, learn by doing.

it is possible to swap the f150 drivetrain from 2wd to 4wd with the older trucks, pre 2000. don't know with the newer ones, i would assume not. iirc the new 2wd are coilspring and the 4wd are ifs like chevys are.

check out the comvee rig. 2wd dakota same thought process. http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29182