Atmobil Posted June 17, 2015 Posted June 17, 2015 Would it be possible to convert the AMT 1992 Ford F-150 long bed kit to a 4x4 or does one already exist?
Chuck Most Posted June 18, 2015 Posted June 18, 2015 The way to do it would be to use the transfer case and front axle components from the Monogram Bronco that was reissued a while ago, or the F150 Ranger, which is slated to be reissued this year. These are 1:24 scale, while the AMT kits are 1:25, but they should still work. These are the coil sprung "Twin Traction Beam" setup used on F-150 models up to 1996. Typical Monogram, they are a bit simplified as far as parts breakdown, but they do look pretty good with a little detailing. Adapting them to the AMT chassis shouldn't be too difficult. MPC did a 1:25 Bronco, and it was reissued as a special edition by AMT a few years ago. But, I can't speak for how well done or accurate the front suspension would be in these kits, as I've only ever built the Monogram kits... hopefully somebody could chime in with a bit more info on those. Those are the only full-detail kits I'm aware of that have the proper TTB front suspension.
Atmobil Posted June 18, 2015 Author Posted June 18, 2015 Thanks for the info, I will have too be on the look out for these kits
Fabrux Posted June 18, 2015 Posted June 18, 2015 You are much better off adapting the MPC Bronco suspension. It is quite detailed and has a high parts count. The Monogram front suspension is all one piece and has the typical open top differential.
Atmobil Posted June 18, 2015 Author Posted June 18, 2015 I see that my LHS actually has the AMT reissue of the MPC Bronco on the shelf. I will have to take a trip to town some day
mk11 Posted June 18, 2015 Posted June 18, 2015 The '78/'79 parts might work, but they wouldn't be accurate for a newer F150. The front axle design was different from '80-'96. mike
Chuck Most Posted June 18, 2015 Posted June 18, 2015 If you wanted to do a non-factory SAS (solid axle swap) you could go with the Super Stones parts, though the appearance of the axle in that kit leaves a lot to be desired. I'd say if your local shop has the AMT Bronco in stock, and if that's better than the Monogram kit pieces, go for it.
c-plane362 Posted June 18, 2015 Posted June 18, 2015 Steve Perry at Calnaga Castings makes all the parts to make that truck 4 X 4 you can get in touch with him at steve@calnaga.com or go to his web site just google him up
Atmobil Posted June 18, 2015 Author Posted June 18, 2015 Thanks for the tips, some resin parts would be great. I think I have to contact Steve about the parts
c-plane362 Posted June 23, 2015 Posted June 23, 2015 I bought several as I plan on doing a Ford Quadravan Ambulance in the near future
Chuck Most Posted June 24, 2015 Posted June 24, 2015 Steve Perry at Calnaga Castings makes all the parts to make that truck 4 X 4 you can get in touch with him at steve@calnaga.com or go to his web site just google him up Is it on his site? I know he makes a solid-axle Dana axle and some radius arms, but I've never seen a TTB setup from Calnaga.
Atmobil Posted June 24, 2015 Author Posted June 24, 2015 Number two from the top, is that it? http://www.calnaga.com/Store.html
ChrisPflug Posted June 24, 2015 Posted June 24, 2015 Those parts are for the earlier late 60s- 70s style solid front axle with coil suspension and radius arms- the OP seemed to be asking about the 80-96 "Twin Traction Beam" setup
Chuck Most Posted June 24, 2015 Posted June 24, 2015 That's the solid Dana 44- it's broken down so you can build it as a driver or passenger's side drop. The '95-96 F-150 was never offered from the factory with a solid front axle.
Atmobil Posted June 25, 2015 Author Posted June 25, 2015 (edited) Anyone got a good image of what the front suspension on a 4x4 F-series from 92-96 should look like? Edited June 25, 2015 by Atmobil
ChrisPflug Posted June 25, 2015 Posted June 25, 2015 Anyone got a good image of what the front suspension on a 4x4 F-series from 92-96 should look like? From the internet: Second pic is an aftermarket suspension with longer coils and radius arms- stock radius arms are like the ones in the 2WD kit T
Atmobil Posted June 25, 2015 Author Posted June 25, 2015 Ahh...thank you very much. Looks like a very interesting 4x4 setup.
ChrisPflug Posted June 26, 2015 Posted June 26, 2015 Here's a quick picture of the front end parts included in the early 80s MPC Bronco
Longbox55 Posted June 26, 2015 Posted June 26, 2015 Ahh...thank you very much. Looks like a very interesting 4x4 setup. Mechanics love 'em! They're notorious for premature balljoint and center pivot and radius arm bushing failure. Rated at 4.5 hours per side flat rate just to replace the balljoints, easy money if you know how to do 'em fast.
Atmobil Posted June 26, 2015 Author Posted June 26, 2015 Thank you very much for the picture of the MPC Bronco parts Chris. I sure have to buy that one and maybe I can make resin copies of the parts. I can understand that it is easy money for mechanics to fix the balljoints if they know the job but I'm guessing that it can also be a real PIA if you have not done it before
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