Help with differential!
 

Hey guys, I have a 1981 silverado 10 2wd, I want to convert it to 4x4 but do not know wich is the correct differential. I appreciate any help!

Re: Help with differential!
 

Save yourself the aggravation and buy a 4x4 truck. There is no point in "converting" to something that is already available. The only exception to this that I see is swapping in solid axle on an IFS truck.

Re: Help with differential!
 

The only way I would attempt that conversion is if you buy a complete rolling 4x4 with a rotted body, and swap your body onto the 4x4 frame. Still a lot of work, and you will need to modify the floor in your cab. I would just trade your truck for a 4x4 truck

Re: Help with differential!
 

Howdy there;

2WD <> 4WD Conversions are not something that is done here in the states on a regular basis. In the late seventies there were a number of these conversions being done on the Toyota & Datsun (now Nissan) pickups using Jeep running gear, or similar type. Also a number of vans were bootlegged as well, they did not turnout well….

This was a nightmare before the factories caught up producing 4wd minis. From those early lessons comes the knowledge that my fellow posters share “It’s just not worth the aggravation” . Most folks when trying conversions quit halfway through and began selling off parts.

I would not recommend it; :pty:

Re: Help with differential!
 

Thanks for your help guys, I'll consider it!

Re: Help with differential!
 

I'm generally not a negative person, but like the others I would also suggest you abandon all thoughts of this project.

Converting to 4wd involves a huge amount of work. You've got to remove everything involving the front wheels, EVERYTHING, including cutting all the mounting hardware off the frame. Then you have to carefully measure and weld new brackets and springs on the frame for the front axle, as well as changing the transmission, crossmembers, and driveshafts to accept the transfer case.

It is a major, major project, with a lot of work, money, and headaches. All to create something that already exists.



Maybe we don't quite understand what you are asking about, because the differential is only a very very small part of a 2wd to 4wd conversion. So why don't you tell us what is on your mind, and maybe we can help you reach your goals.

Re: Help with differential!
 

You can buy a running long bed 4x4 cheap lately if you look hard.Or keep your truck and find a k5 blazer and have a nice off road toy.

Re: Help with differential!
 

Guys, he is from Argentina so finding a cheap 4x4 is probably next to impossible.

Re: Help with differential!
 

He would have to source the parts from somewhere, so they must exist.
If not, this would be an even bigger pain than it would be in the first place.

Re: Help with differential!
 

Guys, what happens is that I love this truck because it belonged to my grandfather. I'm going to travel around Argentina and there are very difficult terrains like deserts, snow, lakes. Then I turn it into 4wd. And as you say, nothing is impossible!

Re: Help with differential!
 

See if you can find a 4x4 parts truck first.

Re: Help with differential!
 

You're going to need a complete rolling donor chassis. You'd be better off swapping the good body and engine to a complete clean 4x4 frame.

Re: Help with differential!
 

Four-wheel trucks rule: I have a 1995 GMC 1500HD -SLE & a 1979 Chev K-30, I also have 1996 Nissan 2wd

However two wheel drive trucks that are set up with the correct tires, tire chains(for mud/snow) with a strong winch, Hy-Lift jacks, come-alongs, log chains, straps & other type equipment can and do go where 75% of four wheel trucks go. Might be more work getting there, but you can still make it.

Two wheel drive trucks are what blazed the majority of the trails in the early days of “Off Roading” don’t sell them short.

Re: Help with differential!
 

Hey guys, I got a Dana 44 differential, I would like to know if this is for my truck. Thank you all for your help!

Re: Help with differential!
 

The Right Hand side differential is correct for a GM truck.
If the spring perches have the correct location and spacing you can make it work.
5 lug on the rear and 6 or 8 lug on the front isn't a show stopper. You can swap on a matching rear axle or get 16inch 5 lug wheels for the rears and carry 2 spares.

You'll need the engine mount crossmember and the frame hangers for the leaf springs off the donor. You still need a 4x4 transmission with a transfer case and both driveshafts too.