1991 F150 convert 2x4 5spd to 4x4 auto

[New Ford Guy]

I am new to ford trucks, and am very pleased with my 1991 F-150 Custom 2x4 no option truck. It has a EFI 300 six and a 5 speed trans, which I believe is a 4 speed plus overdrive. Anyway, it has five forward gears. The truck has 38K original miles and is rust free. I traded a pair of doors for it!!! I live in snow country and would like to convert the truck to 4x4 and automatic transmission so my wife can drive it. It will do light farm duty, mostly hauling hay and rarely pulling a two horse trailer.


I need advice on the best combination of used parts, front differential, trans and transfer case to install. I have been told that converting the front suspension is just a matter of swapping the I beams for a front differential assembly and that it is a direct bolt in. Also, have concerns about the computer working with the swap, need to change steering column, and no PRNDL indicator on the instrument cluster. Is installing a floor shifter an option to avoid having to change the column?

I have a complete 2x4 86 f-150 with a 300 six and auto trans (C-4??) which I could bolt in, in place of the 5 speed and swap radiators, steering columns and rear differential yokes. I'm not sure if that would be possible. I believe that my 1991 F150 could have been ordered with the E4OD Trans and borg warner transfer case.

I would greatly appreciate any suggestions you may have.

[LCPDuke]

I would suggest selling the 2x4 and buying a 4 wheel drive truck. Much less work and will be happier at end of project I think.
If you do this let me know how it comes out because it is big project.

[yaImAfordguy]

What you really should do is have your wife learn how to drive a stick shift so you dont have to go to all that trouble of converting it to 4x4 automatic. Also, you can identify automatic transmissions by the bolt pattern of the oil pan on the bottom of the transmission itself. I could not say for certain, but the transmission from your '86 model most likely is a C-6 rather than a C-4.

[yaImAfordguy]

oh yeah, you are right about your 91 model. The E4OD transmission along with the I think the BW 13-56 transfer case. Also, If your truck now is 2x4, and if you are not too concerned with the ground around your land, then I would recommend using tire chains. They work fine for me, I have an 89 F150 300 six with the 5 speed manual, and its gets me around just fine.

[New Ford Guy]

Swapping the 5sp for an automatic seemed like an unreasonable thing to do. Thank you for your advice.

Most every 4x4 f150 that is reasonably priced in this area are rusted due to salt on the roads during winter months.

Perhaps I could find a 4x4 f150 with an auto trans with a good cab and swap out the bad sheet metal for what is on this truck.

What about converting this 2x4 5spd to a 4x4 5spd? I don't think there would be any computer issues with the swap. It looks like its just a matter of installing a transfer case on the end of the current 5spd trans and swaping the current front I-beams for a front differential. Any advice would be appreciated?

[30fords]

The whole job should take about 10 minutes. pop the hood loosen the radiator cap jack the cap up push the truck out of the way. push a 4wd with auto trans under the cap lower the jack tighten cap, close hood. eat lunch

[New Ford Guy]

Originally Posted by 30fords

The whole job should take about 10 minutes. pop the hood loosen the radiator cap jack the cap up push the truck out of the way. push a 4wd with auto trans under the cap lower the jack tighten cap, close hood. eat lunch

I tinker with my ford truck and browse truck web sites to get a break from my wife's criticism and sacastic remarks. I didn't know there were other wives patrolling the web waiting to point out how foolish my project ideas may be. Why don't you go cook that lunch you want me to eat and serve it to me in my shop. While your at it bring me another beer, I've got big plans to hatch concerning my truck!!! Here's ten bucks, go get your nails done.