Anyone convert a 2wd to 4wd?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Tink · 12-05-2007, 07:51 AM

Thinking about converting the 85 to 4wd... we've got the tranny and transfer case to do it. I'm thinking all we would need is the front axle (with steering compontents) and drive shafts - some new leaf springs and fab up shackles... Sounds easy, so what am I missing and has anyone done it?

**71blksuper4x4** · 12-05-2007, 12:32 PM

I would think if you were converting an 85 style truck over, it would be more cost efficient to just put it on a 4x4 frame. That way you don't have to spend the money on the shackles and all that jazz, unless you are wanting good flex for crawling and heavy off road use? You could buy a frame, slap in the drivetrain from your truck and the parts you have, put the body on the frame, and you are almost home free except hooking up wiring. This is just my own thought, but around here you can buy a whole 4x4 for a few couple hundred bucks. Trevor

rwgregory · 12-07-2007, 02:59 AM

I did it about 25 years ago with a short/step side Dodge and I'm still having nightmares about it. I used a Navy surplus donor truck and was amazed at the number of parts involved besides the obvious ones. I worked on it for about 8 full weekends straight until it was done. Go with a complete donor truck for parts or you will be in a straight jacket before you gather all thats necessary.

1969k10stepside · 12-07-2007, 03:49 PM

Just get a 4wd truck,or atleast a rolling chassis.You will need the tranny and t-case from it too,and having the driveshafts included helps...Then just drop in the motor from the 2wd,spend a day swapping bodies and hook it all up..

duallyjams · 12-07-2007, 06:56 PM

I have a 86 swb 4x4 chassis if your interested.

Russell · 12-07-2007, 07:14 PM

also keep in mind registration concerns after you change it from 2wd to 4x4. The VIN will remain 2wd

Roper · 12-08-2007, 11:30 AM

Floor hump, I think at least one cross member, and the spring hangers(rear) are different.
My uncle converted one years ago. I cant remember the details except that he would never do it again. Much better to put your body(swap the floor hump) on to a 4x4 chassis.

70rs/ss · 12-09-2007, 02:14 PM

I am going to do it to a dodge 1 ton dually. I want a cummins powered 4X4 67-72 Suburban. I found a great deal on the dodge, so out comes the 2wd front and dually rear and into it goes a 14 bolt dana 60 along with a transfer case and the stuff you mention. In your case a 4X4 frame is a slam dunk, fix up the 4X4 chasis with whatever parts, springs, front end parts etc etc, then unbolt the body and bolt it onto the 4X4. You'll have a like new drivetrain and still have the use of your 2wd untill you get ready to swap.

12-05-2007, 07:51 AM	#1
Tink Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: VA Posts: 1,337	Anyone convert a 2wd to 4wd?? Thinking about converting the 85 to 4wd... we've got the tranny and transfer case to do it. I'm thinking all we would need is the front axle (with steering compontents) and drive shafts - some new leaf springs and fab up shackles... Sounds easy, so what am I missing and has anyone done it? __________________ 69 Chevy C10 88 Sierra 02 2500 Suburban And too many S10s to list!

12-05-2007, 12:32 PM	#2
71blksuper4x4 SWB 4x4 Collector Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Osage City, KS Posts: 5,156	Re: Anyone convert a 2wd to 4wd?? I would think if you were converting an 85 style truck over, it would be more cost efficient to just put it on a 4x4 frame. That way you don't have to spend the money on the shackles and all that jazz, unless you are wanting good flex for crawling and heavy off road use? You could buy a frame, slap in the drivetrain from your truck and the parts you have, put the body on the frame, and you are almost home free except hooking up wiring. This is just my own thought, but around here you can buy a whole 4x4 for a few couple hundred bucks. Trevor __________________ TREVOR 1970 CST swb 4x4 (speedwarning,cruise,tilt,tach,8track, original red shoulder belts,tow hooks) 1972 Jimmy (soon to be Hickey cloned) 1971 Cheyenne Super 4x4 swb (tilt,tach,buckets, original blue shoulder belts,am/fm,cruise,tow hooks, dealer 8 track) 1972 Cheyenne Super K20 4x4 Custom Camper (tilt, tach, am/fm, tow hooks, bed toolbox, aux gas tank 1972 Cheyenne Super Crew Cab K30 4x4 Duramax, Allison, np205, buckets, tow hooks (CURRENT PROJECT) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=624819 1989 V3500 Crew Cab (454tbi, NV4500, np205) 1970 Chevelle SS (LS5 454,th400,8track,buckets,tach) :2004 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (daily driver) WTB: 1968-70 Cruise Control Lever

12-07-2007, 02:59 AM	#3
rwgregory Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Chula Vista, California Posts: 495	Re: Anyone convert a 2wd to 4wd?? I did it about 25 years ago with a short/step side Dodge and I'm still having nightmares about it. I used a Navy surplus donor truck and was amazed at the number of parts involved besides the obvious ones. I worked on it for about 8 full weekends straight until it was done. Go with a complete donor truck for parts or you will be in a straight jacket before you gather all thats necessary. __________________ rwgregory 67 GMC 2500 ,2w/d wide box 305 V-6, 4-speed

12-07-2007, 03:49 PM	#4
1969k10stepside Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: USA Posts: 21,019	Re: Anyone convert a 2wd to 4wd?? Just get a 4wd truck,or atleast a rolling chassis.You will need the tranny and t-case from it too,and having the driveshafts included helps...Then just drop in the motor from the 2wd,spend a day swapping bodies and hook it all up..

12-07-2007, 06:56 PM	#5
duallyjams Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Deale Md Posts: 4,663	Re: Anyone convert a 2wd to 4wd?? I have a 86 swb 4x4 chassis if your interested. __________________ James 63 GMC V6 4speed carryall 65 chevy swb bbw V8 auto 68 K20 327/4 speed, buddy buckets 2002 GMC CC Dually Duramax 64 GMC lwb 3/4 V6 4speed SOLD 66 GMC swb bbw buddy buckets SOLD IG duallyjams The only thing that stays the same is constant change!

12-07-2007, 07:14 PM	#6
Russell Professional Grade Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 7,915	Re: Anyone convert a 2wd to 4wd?? also keep in mind registration concerns after you change it from 2wd to 4x4. The VIN will remain 2wd __________________ 1995 Chevrolet 2 Door Tahoe (6.6L LBZ Duramax / ZF6 / NP241 with 1 ton solid axle swap)

12-08-2007, 11:30 AM	#7
Roper Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Alberta Posts: 248	Re: Anyone convert a 2wd to 4wd?? Floor hump, I think at least one cross member, and the spring hangers(rear) are different. My uncle converted one years ago. I cant remember the details except that he would never do it again. Much better to put your body(swap the floor hump) on to a 4x4 chassis.

12-09-2007, 02:14 PM	#8
70rs/ss Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,270	Re: Anyone convert a 2wd to 4wd?? I am going to do it to a dodge 1 ton dually. I want a cummins powered 4X4 67-72 Suburban. I found a great deal on the dodge, so out comes the 2wd front and dually rear and into it goes a 14 bolt dana 60 along with a transfer case and the stuff you mention. In your case a 4X4 frame is a slam dunk, fix up the 4X4 chasis with whatever parts, springs, front end parts etc etc, then unbolt the body and bolt it onto the 4X4. You'll have a like new drivetrain and still have the use of your 2wd untill you get ready to swap.



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