1969 IFS 4x4
 

Hi, I am thinking about converting my 2wd 3/4ton 2wd to 4wd, It has a 305sbc and a sm465 tranny. I have looked all over and cannot find the information I need. I know what I need to do to mate the tranny to the np208t-case. My question is would it be better to go with a IFS set up off of a newer truck ('94+) or go with a 4 link solid axle setup? 95% highway crusing and 5% off road and snow driving is what it would see.

Brian

Re: 1969 IFS 4x4
 

you need a 1981 82 or 83 and newer 4x4 sm465 as well as the adapter and 32 spline np208 transfer case and the corresponding crossmember.

4 link and coilovers will ride 95.7 times better than IFS. then again, it could be some hackjob. but if done correctly four link is the hot ticket.

Re: 1969 IFS 4x4
 

95% road driving? That might explain why anybody would consider swapping a IFS setup from a newer truck. No offense intended, but for the 5% you do plan on running off pavement a locker in the rear of your 2wd would do with a mild lift with 33" tires.

Cost alone to fab and retro-fit newer torsion bar IFS would be quite a lot if you had to pay a shop to do it. You'd be further along to swap your body onto a newer chassis if that's what you really want. Going with a 4link and coil-overs would be mega-overkill for something that runs only 5% of the time off road.

Re: 1969 IFS 4x4
 

Seems like just a solid axle swap like a Dana 44 on a set of leaf springs would be the easyer route to take.
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Re: 1969 IFS 4x4
 

Thank you for the ideas, I think I might go with the solid axle and leaf spring idea.

Random question I thought of while reading the replies. If I swapped the bodies onto say a '04 gmc dmax and allison 4x4 since I would need to do extensive fab work anyways, how hard would it be to make an extended or crew cab? I mean the fram is longer on the new truck so I would have room to extend the cab or the box, but I want more cab room so prolly go that route.

Or just buy the new truck and put the money into that and keep my truck the way it is and make it a summer project.

Brian

Re: 1969 IFS 4x4
 

For the money you would spend its cheaper to buy a newer truck,I would keep your old truck as a weekend toy and a newer truck as a daily driver so your more happy that way.