Parts needed to convert R/cab 2wd F150 to c/cab 4x4 idit zf5

Kiwif150 · Jun 3, 2017

Well i've been bothering you guys in here for a wee while now and have been kicking this idea around of swapping a c/cab onto my r/cab 87 f150. It would be preferable and much simpler to just get myself an f350 c/c 4wd but the way our laws are setup out here that would mean the truck would probably owe me more than $35k by the time i got it converted to rhd and certed for it's weight class plus our obsession with small cars means i'd never get the thing to fit in a supermarket car park.

I'm putting together a list of parts i'll need to get on our next trip over to the States and i'd like to ask you guy's to have a look at it and tell me what i've missed or what you think i'd need if you could.

The list so far:

Crew cab preferably 87-97

4x4 axle plus both driveshafts

Zf5 incl transfer case plus shift levers and floor plates – already have manual pedal box assembly.

IDI incl or plus turbo 6.9 or 7.3?

H.D front springs from diesel f250 4wd - $80/pr from rockauto

New shocks for front

Diesel radiator core support

Extra battery tray

riotwarrior · Jun 4, 2017

So you are in New Zealand

How does licensing a d registration and ins work

You will be taking off F150 cab and serial no and replacing w an F350 C/Cab with itz serial.

You will need papers indicating cc is legally aquired I am guessing?

Thsn swaing into cc your F150 dash and so forth correct for RH Drive???

Not worring about the 4x conversion just yet just dealing w the legalities of swaps.

IMHO your best bet to 4x swap is source some newer iirc 05 up SD axles they have coil springs up front and that would make it much easier seeing as you have to locate thos parts do so w least amount of conversion issues.

Where are you accessing all these parts including IDI? Trans tcase d shafts etc... OFF SHORE??? As in USA and Canada?

franklin2 · Jun 4, 2017

Putting a crewcab or extended cab on a regular cab frame will require a body lift. Look at your regular cab 2wd frame, there is a kick-up right behind the cab, you will need to miss this somehow. I guess you are planning a custom short bed of some sort?

A f250 or 350 4x4 frame would make your life much easier to start with.

VandalS · Jun 22, 2017

franklin2 said:
Putting a crewcab or extended cab on a regular cab frame will require a body lift. Look at your regular cab 2wd frame, there is a kick-up right behind the cab, you will need to miss this somehow. I guess you are planning a custom short bed of some sort?

A f250 or 350 4x4 frame would make your life much easier to start with.

Do you know how much body lift is needed to do a SC on a RC frame? I'm about to find out, but hoping to plan ahead and maybe just order the kit before swapping the body.

IDIoit · Jun 22, 2017

when i built my last 4 dr bronco, i did it on a SC LB frame.
you don't absolutely need a body lift, but if you don't youll have to cut the floor.
in my case it was easier to clearance for the frame.

all crew cabs are essentially the same, 83-97 minus the dash and config of the rear door windows.

if i were you, and i do have some experience in modified vehicles, id build a 4 door bronco.

about the same work as shortening a bed. and unique.
plus you can still take the fiberglass top off when you need bed space.

this is what i built using a SC LB chassis, which is the same as a F150 of the same SC/LB.
check out my thread

https://www.oilburners.net/threads/centurion-bronco-build.74223/

Kiwif150 · Jun 22, 2017

riotwarrior said:
So you are in New Zealand

How does licensing a d registration and ins work

What i would have to do is use my current registration details and put it through a low volume technical vehicle process - paperwork exercise plus chequebook diplomacy . Insurance here is optional but i always have my gear insured even if it's only third party.

You will be taking off F150 cab and serial no and replacing w an F350 C/Cab with itz serial.

Not to much of a problem due to modified certification plate being added to vin .

You will need papers indicating cc is legally aquired I am guessing?

To export cab from the US it has to have a title.

Thsn swaing into cc your F150 dash and so forth correct for RH Drive???

As long as i keep it as a modified F150 it's GVWR is listed under 7700lb and i can leave it LH drive as it is over 20 years old

Not worring about the 4x conversion just yet just dealing w the legalities of swaps.

IMHO your best bet to 4x swap is source some newer iirc 05 up SD axles they have coil springs up front and that would make it much easier seeing as you have to locate thos parts do so w least amount of conversion issues.

Where are you accessing all these parts including IDI? Trans tcase d shafts etc... OFF SHORE??? As in USA and Canada?

I have a good friend up in Yuba City CA who helps out when we are over buying up parts etc .... i've been using West Coast Shipping in San Pablo for loading and shipping the containers back here to NZ

Kiwif150 · Jun 22, 2017

franklin2 said:
Putting a crewcab or extended cab on a regular cab frame will require a body lift. Look at your regular cab 2wd frame, there is a kick-up right behind the cab, you will need to miss this somehow. I guess you are planning a custom short bed of some sort?

A f250 or 350 4x4 frame would make your life much easier to start with.

Yes i was planning on either cutting down the welldeck or building a custom flatdeck - i was thinking about buying a complete F250 idi and bringing that back to piece one truck together from 2. Ive spotted a c/c conversion online and the owner said he did a 2 inch body lift to clear the kick up ..... even though my ass is a bit close to the pavement i reckon i could live with a lift

VandalS · Jul 2, 2017

On my SC conversion I've found that a 3" body lift is required, 2" is just enough to sit on the kickup.

natnovus · Jul 3, 2017

I've just about completed this same conversion. I opted for cutting out the rear floor, all 3 feet of it plus the rear crossmember. I raised it 3 inches and built a new floorpan from scratch. This kept the truck body from being raised. I also cut down the bed to 5 feet. Its a lot of work but its worth it for me to keep the overall length down and keep it from being skyjacked.

VandalS · Jul 5, 2017

If I had the time and a shop I would consider it. Too much fab time for what I need it to do.

Parts needed to convert R/cab 2wd F150 to c/cab 4x4 idit zf5

Kiwif150

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riotwarrior

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franklin2

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VandalS

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IDIoit

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Kiwif150

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Kiwif150

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VandalS

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natnovus

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VandalS

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