[DieselRat]

Pretty overwhelmed with my intended plans I just read around a drooled a lot while gathering a game plan. First order of business was to sell the 454 as I wanted to be able to show it running (and it ran very well) and get top dollar for it, I was gonna need it! Then tear the front end apart and get an axle under it.

I've read over and over again all the advise about just swapping the cab, its easier yada yada. I just don't feel like it is! Maybe if I had a gigantic garage or barn with a lift and a full band of helpers, MAYBE. But to do it solo, I just didn't see how tearing apart a perfectly good truck was going to be quicker than changing the suspension components, and now that I have it all but done....I was right...well get to that part...

I want to compile this up not only as a build of my truck, but also a little more in depth of the 4x4 swap, because I'm sure I am not the only one who gets sick of searching for posts only to have everyone say, 'find a frame and swap it over' I will admit if you are trying to keep your stock engine/trans etc then YES it may just be easier to swap, but since my engine mounts, crossmember, trans etc all needed changed anyways, it simplified some of that stuff..

My 4x4 shopping list. Necessities:
front axle
Springs
Front spring hangers/body mount
rear shackle mount or FUSH kit from offroad design
rear shackles.

rear axle:
front and rear spring hangers from a 4x4
At minimum you need the forward spring hangers, the rear you can use a shackle flip kit from Offroad design or similar.

Your build specifics may require. 4x4 engine mounts, engine crossmember, steering, trans tunnel/floor pan fron 4x4 truck, pedals and other misc interior parts.

What I actually used was: 4x4 truck front and rear spring hangers and 3" HD tuff country springs. 2wd steering box and eventually going crossover steering with a chevy passenger drop dana 60

Rear spring hangers and Offroad design 2" shackle flip.