2wd to modern 4wd ?

[Mater/10]

im doing a whole modern drive train in my 84' gmc and was wondering how hard it would on a scale of 1-10 on converting it to a straight axle up front im running a 5.3ls.

[obijuan]

about a 3.

its all relative.

[andrewmp6]

Its not hard just a lot of time and parts,I would skip the swap and buy a 4x4 truck to start with.

[LONGHAIR]

Conversion is just that, adding 4 wheel drive to something that was not originally available that way.
Buy a 4x4 truck, then do your engine swap.

[350TacoZilla]

the 4x4 swap on these trucks consists of unbolting the 2wd parts, adding the 4wd mounts up front and putting in a 4wd trans and transfer case. I have personally done the swap in 1 day with 1 other helper, on a scale of 1-10 I say 3 if 1 is changing spark plugs. If you are going 4x4 now is also a good time to go with 52" spring mounts up front along with poly bushings and good shackles. I suggest getting all your parts in order ahead of time and since truck is 2wd you can basically go straight for cross over steering if the axle you are swapping in can accept it.

[obijuan]

been down the 52 front springs road and i went back to standard 47s.

if youve got the motor out, all you gotta do is a motor crossmember and bolt in spring hangers. it really is very easy.

starting with a 4x4 truck to me is a waste of money because they are wildly overpriced.


what most dont mention is the rear spring hangers are also lower for a 2wd, swap those out too or just get taller lift springs.

[Mater/10]

Originally Posted by obijuan

been down the 52 front springs road and i went back to standard 47s.

if youve got the motor out, all you gotta do is a motor crossmember and bolt in spring hangers. it really is very easy.

starting with a 4x4 truck to me is a waste of money because they are wildly overpriced.


what most dont mention is the rear spring hangers are also lower for a 2wd, swap those out too or just get taller lift springs.

I agree on the over pricing and thanks guys! So as far as a parts list? Correct me if anything else is needed.

1. Front Axle

2.Transfer Case

3. Springs/shackles/bushings

4. mounts

5. 4x4 engine cross member

6. Drive shaft.

[Mater/10]

Update on my truck : Lost the camper an grill guard. prepping for the 4x4 swap as wel as sbc.

[350TacoZilla]

looks like you got the basics down, it depends on height you are going for also. shocks and brake lines if lifting truck (though 2wd rubber lines are little longer than stock 4x4 so if only going small lift you can retain them.)

[andrewmp6]

The trans tunnel in the cab is taller on a 4x4 truck.

[350TacoZilla]

yeah the hump is little taller and removable on 4x4 cabs, I have only had interference with the sm465/np205 combo.

[Mater/10]

i bought a 87' k20 ! for 720$ runnin an drivin so were on track now thanks guys!

[swamp rat]

Time for a build thread?

[Mater/10]

i will start a good Build thread with lots of pics Sunday or Monday!

[motornut]

Originally Posted by 350TacoZilla

yeah the hump is little taller and removable on 4x4 cabs, I have only had interference with the sm465/np205 combo.

not all are removable

[LONGHAIR]

Why would you need to do a build thread?.......Now you have a 4x4 truck.