converting 2wd to 4wd - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

hecticblasts · 03-05-2004, 03:29 AM

What would it take to make the conversion on a '72 long bed 3/4 ton?Can '73 and up parts be used or is it only possible with the same generation trucks?

72 CustomCamper · 03-05-2004, 05:20 AM

I had thought about doing the same thing. I have a doner 71 blazer for parts but after looking at the two I decided it would be eaiser to find a 4x4 truck frame. One spot on the 2x frame behind the front wheel has a dimple that would have to be flattened out so you could bore the hole for the shackel mount. You would also have to change the engine and trans crossmembers to a 4x4 style. It looked like a real PITA to me...

Chuck

ronh72c10 · 03-05-2004, 11:32 AM

I was given the drivetrain parts from a 73 blazer and thought about converting my 2wd into a 4x4 but decided the same as 72CustomCamper, it was definately possible, but not an easy conversion. It's even harder if you don't have a leaf spring frame because they are different in the back, apparently straighter rather than flared out where the read diff and coils are.

Ron

Blue_71 · 03-05-2004, 12:37 PM

steps to do this assuming rear leaf springs (i have no clue how to do it with rear coils):

take out 2wd engine crossmember and transmission mounts
cut floor for high hump
put in 4x4 engine and transfer case crossmember
cut rivits off of radiator support mounts, bolt on 4x4 radiator support mounts with grade 8 bolts (this holds your eye bolt in the front)
bore hole for back shackle mount, put shackle on (this includes the little peice inside the frame where the bolt goes through/holds it straight)
mount front spring
mount axle to spring
mount shocks
put in engine and transmission and transfer case
hook up front driveshaft
get rear driveshaft cut to length, put it in (4x4 uses 1 peice shaft)
wire up engine and transmission, hook speedo cable to transfer case
hook up transfer case shifter and transmission shifter/linkages
fill all fluids
put in high hump
put in carpet
find the nearest mudhole

03-05-2004, 03:29 AM	#1
hecticblasts Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Concord,NC Posts: 94	converting 2wd to 4wd What would it take to make the conversion on a '72 long bed 3/4 ton?Can '73 and up parts be used or is it only possible with the same generation trucks?

03-05-2004, 05:20 AM	#2
72 CustomCamper huh ??? Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Fredericksburg,Va. Posts: 3,369	I had thought about doing the same thing. I have a doner 71 blazer for parts but after looking at the two I decided it would be eaiser to find a 4x4 truck frame. One spot on the 2x frame behind the front wheel has a dimple that would have to be flattened out so you could bore the hole for the shackel mount. You would also have to change the engine and trans crossmembers to a 4x4 style. It looked like a real PITA to me... Chuck __________________ 90 Blazer Silverado 350w/ 700R4 and 32" Kelly's "I am a bomb technician. If you see me running try to keep up!"

03-05-2004, 11:32 AM	#3
ronh72c10 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Mount Forest, Ontario, Canada Posts: 978	I was given the drivetrain parts from a 73 blazer and thought about converting my 2wd into a 4x4 but decided the same as 72CustomCamper, it was definately possible, but not an easy conversion. It's even harder if you don't have a leaf spring frame because they are different in the back, apparently straighter rather than flared out where the read diff and coils are. Ron __________________ 72 Chevy C10 (rust repaired, starting body work) 72 GMC 3/4ton 4x4 72 Chevy C20 Suburban 38 Ford Tudor Humpback Sedan (from the darkside) 67 Pontiac Parisienne 55 Studebaker Commander 2dr Hardtop (Starliner) My Youtube channel with Video Updates!



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