2wd to 4wd swap

[RustyHunk-O-JunkGuy]

Anybody out there that could answer a few questions for me? I'm looking to pick up a 67-72 suburban now that wife and I have a couple kids. My folks had one when I was a kid and you can't beat the trucks when it comes to looks, solid build and just plain awesomeness. Only problem is every truck I've found for sale lately is 2wd or a very beat up/ over priced 4wd. I really would like to get a 4wd (auto so the wife can drive it)!

Somebody has got to have made the swap before. What all is required? I know the front spring hangers are riveted on the 4wd trucks, but that's about it. Front crossmembers the same by chance? What about center crossmembers, do I have to grab the 4wd crossmember for any transfer case mounts? Are the floor pans/ trans tunnels the same? Is there any sort of raised area for the quadrant for the transfer case boot to mount to on the 4wd truck floor that isn't there on the 2wd? Steering boxes and locations the same right? Also is there any chance the driveshafts being the right lengths if I find a long bed truck for parts? What was the common gearing usually in the rear 2wd verses 4wd?

On a related note if I wanted to swap a 700R4 into it while I'm there what years should I look for?

Any help would be much appreciated.

[mosesburb]

There is one going on right now over here. He did it in the dirt, so it can't be too tough. Also, it is recent enough that he may not have forgotten the small details yet. Check it out, you'll be glad you did.

[k5kev]

I did the 2wd to 4wd swap myself. Much easier to find a decent 2wd Burb.

1st recommendation would be to try and find a 4x4 burb frame or rolling chassis. You can find them here on the board every so often. The 2wd and 4wd bodies are the same as far as I know.

2nd would be to pick up a 4x4 long bed frame. The have the same wheel base as the burb, the only differences are a couple of body mount brackets, which can be bolted on, and the rear frame horns, which can be welded on. This is the option I chose. It works. Check my Build post.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=313438

Converting a 2wd frame over looked like a lot of extra work to me. The frame rail channels are different towards the rear, a few of the crossmember are different and you'll have to do a lot of measuring to bolt in all the leaf spring hangers. Not saying it can't be done though!

For the trans tunnel you just need a "High Hump" for a 4wd. 2wd's had "low humps" if it had a t350, and "High" if it had a t400 or SM465 trans. Easy swap if needed.

Good luck.

[msgross]

diy4x.com has most of the parts that you need, or can make anything else...

steering boxes are different, 2WD moves left and right and 4WD moves back and forth. If you are sticking with converting a 2WD frame then get an entire donor truck/frame so you can pull the axles, crossmembers, steering, springs etc...

[Average Joe]

I am curious about this as well.

[RustyHunk-O-JunkGuy]

Thanks guys for the info. Very helpful.

[RustyHunk-O-JunkGuy]

I've got another question for ya. You say I need a "high hump" trans tunnel to fit the t400/700R4 size tranny. I've been looking around at some pics and it looks like the trans hump bolts in. Is this true? I was figuring it would be a cut and weld type operation. I'm a weldor by trade so that wouldn't be a big deal, but a bolt type operation would be sweet! No fitment issues farther back or anything?

[Yukon 400]

I'm also doing the same thing with mine, going from 2wd to 4wd due to the same reason, all the 4wd suburbans were beat up and rusted out.

If you look around you might find some 4wd suburban rolling chassis, that may be teh easiest route. I know here in Vegas there are two 4wd suburbans in the yard that you can get a rolling chassis out of. So you might want to take a look around up there.

[63chevyll]

I would recommend keeping the 2WD BOX and converting to crossover steering if going with 4 inch of lift or more and you want to wheel it.

I'm in the same boat, I can convert one or set inns different frame. I'm leaning toward the conversion as of now and have most what I need from a 78 1 ton.

I'm just gonna purchase the ORD engine cross member. It will save me some time.
Posted via Mobile Device

[olblue60@aol.com]

I think that if it were me that I would be patient and buy a 4x4. They do come along. If it isn't an automatic, then just change the trans.

[duallyjams]

Originally Posted by olblue60@aol.com

I think that if it were me that I would be patient and buy a 4x4. They do come along. If it isn't an automatic, then just change the trans.

Side note olblue60 just swap a 72 burb 4x4 frame to his 67 panel and converted to a 700R4 od trans with a np205.

[olblue60@aol.com]

and the best part, with duallyjams help, I just got aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaalllll the bugs worked out of it yesterday!! Its gonna be a fun year!!!!

[RustyHunk-O-JunkGuy]

What were the bugs? So far the 4wd drive frame and running gear swap looks the easiest to me. I've got my eye on a 4x4 '69 burb, but the guy wants a bit much in my opinion. Over all it's pretty clean, it's got some through cancer behind the wheel wells though. Also it's a stick/manual brakes/ manual steering truck. (NOT going to work with the wife) While not a hard swap it's just more to find/spend money on. I don't have a ton of coin to put in it up front and it's going to have to be put into service pretty quickly. There is however a '69-70 burb that's been sitting behind a house by me for as long as I can remember. I'm thinking about trying to prick it up and just bide my time on the 4x4 swap when I have the time and funds together. I've got the motor already for whatever I find so that's no big deal.

[RustyHunk-O-JunkGuy]

Also, Yukon 400, I'm pretty sure that your truck sounds like just this side of the perfect truck. only thing cooler would be a '67. Can't wait to see pics of it done!

[duallyjams]

Originally Posted by RustyHunk-O-JunkGuy

What were the bugs? So far the 4wd drive frame and running gear swap looks the easiest to me. I've got my eye on a 4x4 '69 burb, but the guy wants a bit much in my opinion. Over all it's pretty clean, it's got some through cancer behind the wheel wells though. Also it's a stick/manual brakes/ manual steering truck. (NOT going to work with the wife) While not a hard swap it's just more to find/spend money on. I don't have a ton of coin to put in it up front and it's going to have to be put into service pretty quickly. There is however a '69-70 burb that's been sitting behind a house by me for as long as I can remember. I'm thinking about trying to prick it up and just bide my time on the 4x4 swap when I have the time and funds together. I've got the motor already for whatever I find so that's no big deal.

I am not 100% on this but a automatic was not offered on 4x4 until 1970 and also disc brakes so just keep looking you will find one.

[olblue60@aol.com]

The bugs in mine were small. The trans swap was easy. My bugs were a short in the distributer. Good luck with your project

John