Frame Differences. 2wd Vs. 4wd. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Crank · 01-12-2004, 02:11 AM

Okay, if were to buy a 2wd truck, and wanted to convert the beotch to a 4wd, what all would i need, i know a transfer case, front axle, and i already have a Corp. 14 bolt in my '76. This beast is like a 69 C10, 4.3L Diesel??? anyway... what all frame differences were there in the frames between these 2, cuz I could put shackle mounts on it, and change prolly the crossmembers, what else. Thanks.
Brandon

Longhorn Man · 01-12-2004, 02:13 AM

No clue how it is done up, but the 4X4 has an entire diffirent front end using torsion bars for springs.

72 CustomCamper · 01-12-2004, 03:19 AM

Chevy didn't start using IFS in a 4x4 until 88...

Chuck

mikep684x4 · 01-12-2004, 04:33 AM

If I remember correctly there are several things you will need to do but not in this order.

1)Drop out the coil front end, leaveing the motor mounts in place.

2)Cut the top portion of the crossmember out of the coil frontend so the motor mounts are supported,or find a 4x4 crossmember and drill new holes to bolt it in.

3)Find the front leaf spring hangers for a 4x4.these are rivited to the frame so you will need to drill the rivits out of the old frame and make new holes in the other frame.

4)depending on the rear suspention( coil or leaf) you will need to add some hiegth to the rear to get it to sit level.I know on the 2wd version,the spring hangers are shorter than the 4wd style making the rear spring closer to the frame,expl, a 6 inch lift block will be a 4 inch in a 2wd frame.

5)By this time you should feel like I did, abandon all hope,cry and cuss,and stick it all on a 73 4wd frame because there easy to find.

Hope this helps

*1972C10* · 01-12-2004, 06:27 AM

The engine cross member is totally differnt so you would have to get another engine cross memeber

steering gear box and front spring mounts rear spring mounts for the front springs The frames apear to be the same other than having the extra / differnt stuff for 4wd

Longhorn Man · 01-12-2004, 08:07 AM

ouch....yeah, I ment leafs...not torsion bars.

**StingRay** · 01-12-2004, 10:48 AM

Probably best to start with a 3/4 ton 2X4 frame if you are going to do this as I understand it all of the k10/k20 frames are based on the C20 leaf frame

01-12-2004, 02:11 AM	#1
Crank Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Crittenden, KY Posts: 1,964	Frame Differences. 2wd Vs. 4wd. Okay, if were to buy a 2wd truck, and wanted to convert the beotch to a 4wd, what all would i need, i know a transfer case, front axle, and i already have a Corp. 14 bolt in my '76. This beast is like a 69 C10, 4.3L Diesel??? anyway... what all frame differences were there in the frames between these 2, cuz I could put shackle mounts on it, and change prolly the crossmembers, what else. Thanks. Brandon

01-12-2004, 03:19 AM	#3
72 CustomCamper huh ??? Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Fredericksburg,Va. Posts: 3,369	Chevy didn't start using IFS in a 4x4 until 88... Chuck __________________ 90 Blazer Silverado 350w/ 700R4 and 32" Kelly's "I am a bomb technician. If you see me running try to keep up!"

01-12-2004, 04:33 AM	#4
mikep684x4 Seeker of the big and bad Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: wheatland,Calif,yuba Posts: 105	If I remember correctly there are several things you will need to do but not in this order. 1)Drop out the coil front end, leaveing the motor mounts in place. 2)Cut the top portion of the crossmember out of the coil frontend so the motor mounts are supported,or find a 4x4 crossmember and drill new holes to bolt it in. 3)Find the front leaf spring hangers for a 4x4.these are rivited to the frame so you will need to drill the rivits out of the old frame and make new holes in the other frame. 4)depending on the rear suspention( coil or leaf) you will need to add some hiegth to the rear to get it to sit level.I know on the 2wd version,the spring hangers are shorter than the 4wd style making the rear spring closer to the frame,expl, a 6 inch lift block will be a 4 inch in a 2wd frame. 5)By this time you should feel like I did, abandon all hope,cry and cuss,and stick it all on a 73 4wd frame because there easy to find. Hope this helps __________________ 71 3/4 ton 4x4,665hp 454. 67 GMC 1 ton towtruck 68 chevy LB 4x4 64 chevy LB custom 57 Bel-air 2d station wagon

01-12-2004, 10:48 AM	#7
StingRay Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Saskatoon,SK,Canada Posts: 2,476	Probably best to start with a 3/4 ton 2X4 frame if you are going to do this as I understand it all of the k10/k20 frames are based on the C20 leaf frame __________________ Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada

01-12-2004, 02:13 AM	#2
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	No clue how it is done up, but the 4X4 has an entire diffirent front end using torsion bars for springs.

01-12-2004, 06:27 AM	#5
1972C10 Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 2,686	The engine cross member is totally differnt so you would have to get another engine cross memeber steering gear box and front spring mounts rear spring mounts for the front springs The frames apear to be the same other than having the extra / differnt stuff for 4wd

01-12-2004, 08:07 AM	#6
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	ouch....yeah, I ment leafs...not torsion bars.



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