Hey Scotty,
Got a 1984 f-150 106,000 miles, and I wanted to install 4x4 in it. Since it doesn’t have computers I thought this might be a viable option, do you think this is a good idea?
Thanks!
No. A 4WD chassis and drivetrain is not a "bolt-on" upgrade.
You'd have to pretty much completely overhaul the front end, then get the right transmission with transfer case, front differential, drive axles... that's not including cutting a hole in the floorboard for the shifter.
that's assuming you can even cram that stuff in there. Usually 4WD vehicles will have a completely different chassis. Frame cross-members to support front axle, different suspension system to accommodate front axle, etc.
That's what I thought, my Ranger has a completely different front end structure from the 2WD models. There's a huge crossmember that basically supports the entire front end that hangs from underneath the motor.