I'm sure this has been asked about a 1000 times
 

I'm asking this for a friend. Can you turn a 87swb 4X2 into a 4X4? I know you are supposed to have a taller trans tunnel for a 4X4 I assume for the extra clearence for the transfer case. instead of replacing the tunnel could you just put a body lift to get the extra clearance or am I way off here. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Yes, i'm assuming you can use a body lift on the newer styles trucks like you can on the 67's-72's. Is he gonna swap frames or? Someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

Yes. How much trouble it is I dont know. You would need almost a complete 4x4 rolling frame to get spring perches X member etc.
A guy in town turned a 1 ton 4x2 into a 4x4 buy bolting all the stuff onto the front of the frame. I could ask for more details if you want.
I do know that the truck he got the parts from was crunched in the back.
And he owns a body shop so parts a eaiser to come by.

I appreciate the info Im not sure what he has planned right now he just wanted to know if it was even a option. I belive he was wanting to use the 4x2 frame and fab up the brackets