Converting a IV to a buffalo truck

[79ford]

Has anyone done this have a build thread or pics on the site what all parts are different from the factory looks like the engine is lower and the trans moved forward but couldn't find any good pics through the search function earlier

[fmints]

Has anyone done this have a build thread or pics on the site what all parts are different from the factory looks like the engine is lower and the trans moved forward but couldn't find any good pics through the search function earlier

Hey buddy,, I had a chance to look at a buffalo first hand this past spring Busco. ArgoJim had his there and its very well put together. 1st, it has a IV frame, meaning the axle holes are about identical to that of a IV. 2nd, it has the t-20 craddle like the MaxII, that sits far forward to allow the motor to sit super low on the frame. I believe that it even has MaxIV chain adjusters. I would give ArgoJim a holla, and raid his gallery for pics,, I'm sure he won't mind!!!

[amphibious drew]

This has been discussed before. I'm sure you can find some info on it here. Member Robinhood(some numbers follow his names think but I can't remember what they are) claimed to have made the conversion at one point I think. Although, I have not seen him post in a while. Fred has you on the right track. I believe you need a jack shaft tower from an old Max II frame for the t-20. You may even be able to use the motor mounts from a 2.

[ARGOJIM]

Both you boys are right on track. My Buffalo's are setup with basically a 4 frame with a 2 cradle with jack shafts, 4 front adjusters, 2 rear adjusters. I believe the center sprocket combo is large, perhaps the same as a 4.
msafi will probably chime in as he seems to have a lot of experience with these.

What year is your 4? Also if you moved your engine forward like Mike's it would possibly be more feasible.
I'll take a look again but I'm sure the Buffalo frame is flat like a 2 frame on top with out the angle sticking straight up like a 4.

[ARGOJIM]

If you look at my gallery in the Buffalo folder at pictures "crossview and sag" you'll get a good idea of the differences between your 4 frame and the Buff frame.

If you convert yours like the factory there will be no rear passengers as the cradle is too close to the rear seat for legs.

[Mike]

If you are going to go to the trouble of relocating the T20, I would eliminate the jackshaft.

[LarryW]

Mine dont have a jackshaft. Buffalos do use them though.

[msafi65]

Just about the only thing the same on the buff frame and 4 frame is the axle placement. Buffalo uses a jack shaft to get a lower gear ratio(my opinion it's very necessary)All the axles and sprockets are different. Your 4 looks like the experimental from buffalo that was in back for a few years. You could reuse the 4 axles with lock collars or regrove the axles. O ring chain buffaloes run a narrower chain # 520 to the wheels for clearance on the wider drop chain from the jack shaft. I've looked at putting a 4 rear seat in a buff and shrinking the cargo area but it's so nice to be able to carry so much.

[79ford]

I all ready took my rear seat out I am thinking about just moving the engine foward and down in the tub lower that looks like the easiest thing but who knows I am waiting on my wheel spacers to try out the new vendettas for now but after that I may get back on the engine or trans relocation and bed fabrication project

[ARGOJIM]

If you interested in building a Buffalo truck from a project 2004 machine pm or email me and I'll tell you what all it needs, that is if you want another machine in your fleet.

[79ford]

Man I wish all you guys weren't so far away I had another member pm me about a buffalo truck project but he was up north too we 6 wheelers are few and far between in Alabama

[ARGOJIM]

I believe you'll find the other Buffalo is currently in NC if that helps you out. I could also get mine down that way later in the year.

[amphibious drew]

I believe you'll find the other Buffalo is currently in NC if that helps you out. I could also get mine down that way later in the year.

Most likely, but by next weekend it should be in Ohio.