Hi, I have a 1982 Ford F150 4x4 with the twin I beam. I would like to convert to a solid front axle. What axle can I use and what other parts will I need for the conversion? I would like to get into rock crawling, and this PU is a prime candidate for a first-timer newbie. It's really beat up on the body, but the mechanicals are very good. I am a ASE Cert. Master Tech with access to full auto shop. Welding, fabrication, and so forth is not a problem.

The reason for my user name is there are 6 Ford pickups in my family. I have the '82 F150 4x4, and a 1992 F250 4x4 (460 engine). My Dad has a '96 F250 2x with Powerstroke and a 1963 F100 unibody shortbed (292 V8), my mother-in-law has a 1989 F250 2x with 460, and my brother-in-law has a '95 Ranger 2x 4.0. We love Ford trucks!!!

Thanks!

Ian

This is an easy one. Get yourself a 75 to 79 Ford straight axle front end. Get some radius arms, spring tower's and assorted brackets from a wrecking yard. Yank out your old stuff and put the new stuff in.

You don't even need to change the spring tower's. The top of the 80+ coils is the same as the 79- coils. But you should use at least a 4" lift to get the center section away from the crossmember that held the TTB.