Hello everybody,

This is my first post and I am looking for suggestions. I have a 2001 F150/4.6l/2wd/auto with 112000 and would like to end up with a 4wd truck; should I done an engine/transmission swap with a 5.4 or would it be easier just to look for a transmission and the 4wd components (not sure what to look for)? I need help please. Thanks in advance!!!

 

You looking to upgrade your existing truck?

Guess we need more info about you and your skills with tools and how comfortable are you with completely disassembling your truck?

1st things first. What front axle are you wanting to install? A IFS or a Solid Axle? If you want an IFS, I'm 100% positive you could easily find one at a truck wrecking yard. If you want a solid front axle, you can find one but, you'll have to do more cutting/welding to get it installed then if you did a swap in IFS from a 4WD truck.

IF you find a good donor truck for the IFS, you may also have found your source for your tranny and t-case as well.

Do you want to stick with an Auto? Or do you want to swap in a 5 speed? What are you going to be doing with your truck once it's converted? Are you planning on rock crawling? Baja racing? Or, is this just to convert it for the fun of it?

BTW: welcome to the site.

Had a 97 F150 X Cab 4x4 with the 4.6L V8 and 5 Speed tranny. I loved that truck but, wanted something BIGGER. So, I traded it for my 01 F350 that only lasted me <2weeks. Oh well, live and learn...

 

I really appreciate the feedback. I have some mechanical skill, but I'm no greasemonkey! I've modified liftkits before, but never tackled something of this size. Does it sound like I'm in over my head? If so, what are some mods/upgrades I can do? Exhaust? JLT intake? Programmers?

 

This may be a really crazy idea but could you sell the 2WD and buy a 4X4? It could easily cost you enough in time and parts to make swapping trucks well worthwhile.

 

As much as it makes sense, and as much as I agree, it may be cheaper to sell the 2WD and buy a 4WD, I'm kinda in the mindset of "Why Not"?

If you think you can do it, you probably can. There's enough mechanical skill on this site to offer a hand.

My recommendation, get a parts list together. Then, go shopping. Find out how much the parts are going to cost you. ADD 25% of the total cost of parts for all the hidden expenses you won't find. You'll spend that in the tools and oils and other misc doodads you'll need. Then, determine if the project is worth going forward with.

IF I had a garage and dedicated time, I'd easily help out with a build like this. The end result is worth the bragging rights of saying "I did this myself".