absolutezero273c
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• Toledo, OH, USA |
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• Registered on 4/9/2004 |
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• 81 posts |
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 Posted:3/16/2005 08:38 |
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OK. Like the Subject said. It may be a crazy idea, but I ended up buying a 4x2 due to time constraints.
I would like to hear some (not too harsh) opinions on making it a 4x4. I've got a really good vehicle. Everything works like is should, paint it good, interior good, no rust, low mileage (for me) and mechanicaly everything seems fine. But I miss my 4x4. So now I am wondering what it would take to add a transfer case and front axle, among other things. Would it be a really REALLY big pain in the rear? Or should it be very simple and not tedious? If I don't do that I would like to settle on putting a limited slip rear end in so at least I will have 2 drive wheels instead of 1. Anyone have thoughts on the subject?
Thanks!
2001 Excursion XLT 7.3L 2x4 145K
2001 Flagstaff 829-BHS |
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CHPMustang
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• Plano, TX, USA |
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• Registered on 7/24/2002 |
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• 1,800 posts |
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Posted:3/16/2005 09:59 |
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Going to 4x4 from 4x2 I can imagine is one heck of an undertaking but not impossible long as you have the budget for it,4x4 conversion shops can do it in the neighborhood of $8k.
To go from an open setup to LS you'll just need the limited slip differential guts and that I'd farm out to a ring & pinion/differential shop so they can set it up accurately.
Bill
2002 Excursion XLT-P 4x4 7.3L Powerstroke Diesel
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E. Long
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• Subscriber since 1/1/2001 |
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• Atlanta, GA, USA |
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• Registered on 1/23/2001 |
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• 2,229 posts |
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Posted:3/16/2005 15:47 |
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I would not make the conversion simply because you can sell yours and buy another one with the same specs fairly easily and without spending as much money. It's certainly doable. Things I can think of that would possibly be involved for this:
- front axle
- front springs
- new rear lift block
- potentially longer brake lines
- transfer case
- front drive shaft
- new rear driveshaft (your current one will be too long)
- steering-related components (I have no idea how the 4x2's are setup)
- new shocks
- new tires (4x2 tires on a 4x4? ewwwww ;) )
If it were me, I'd go with a limited slip in the rearend and be done with it...that or sell it and buy an equivalent X just with 4x4!
-Eric
'67 Galaxie 500 - 390 FE, .030" over, FE to AOD adapter, disc brake conversion. The Daily Driver.
'00 Excursion - 7.3L PSD, LANDYOT Gen-II Radius Rods, Factory Tech Valve Body, 200K+ miles and going |
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LANDYOT
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• Subscriber since 11/23/2003 |
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• Newport News, VA, USA |
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• Registered on 7/15/2003 |
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• 1,110 posts |
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Posted:3/16/2005 17:01 |
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You can easily invest way more time & $$$ than simply buying a 4WD would run. On the other hand, if you were able to buy a totaled 4WD X from a salvage yard, then you'd have all of the mechanicals ... assuming they weren't damaged ... and you're looking at labor only. With all of the hassle involved, my choice would be to purchase a 4WD model. One more thought ... a factory-produced 4WD will have higher resale value than a "put together" ... and your VIN will always indicate your X is a 2WD. |
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absolutezero273c
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• Toledo, OH, USA |
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• Registered on 4/9/2004 |
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• 81 posts |
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Posted:3/16/2005 19:55 |
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I did realize that it would be a pain to convert, but didn't think about the VIN not matching. Got a point there, Landyot. And like you all have noted, it does costs considerably more to build a car from parts than buy it from the mfg. The thought crossed my mind after a friend told me about a source of Ex parts from test vehicles from Ford. He does business with this shop that gets all sorts of parts and complete vehicles from Ford after the factory tests them.
Guess that settles it. I'll have to go with LS. Thanks for bringing me back down to Earth.
Oh, and I will be buying 4x4 tires for when I find the right one.
Thanks, again!
2001 Excursion XLT 7.3L 2x4 145K
2001 Flagstaff 829-BHS |
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birdman127
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• baltimore, MD, USA |
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• Registered on 10/13/2002 |
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• 581 posts |
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Posted:3/17/2005 16:20 |
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absolutezero,
I would not worry, With gas hitting all time highs(& diesel) the X will become cheaper and even more will be for sale!
Moderator
Scott
2000 ltd 6.8 V10*4.30LS*
Lots of mods
check my gallery
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absolutezero273c
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• Toledo, OH, USA |
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• Registered on 4/9/2004 |
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• 81 posts |
• 1
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Posted:3/18/2005 07:48 |
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Scott,
You do have a point there. When I was looking for my diesel I saw comparable gas "X"s out there for almost half of what the diesels were going for.
Dana
2001 Excursion XLT 7.3L 2x4 145K
2001 Flagstaff 829-BHS |
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