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

70Yeller · 12-31-2004, 12:39 PM

This topic has probably been covered before but I just registered to find out some info. I have a 1970 2wd and would like to find a 4wd frame to put it on. Is this a difficult process? Will the body from my 2wd bolt right up to a 4wd frame or is there some modifications? I think I have to change the hump in the floor but any modifications besides that? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

vtblazer · 12-31-2004, 06:27 PM

Finding a 4x4 frame is the better way to go as opposed to trying to convert your 2wd frame, your on the right track so far.
Yes, everything should swap over and yes, you'll have to cut out your low hump and find a high hump to put in it's place.
Good luck with it and post pics as you go.
Welcome to the board, it's the best one around.

71swb4x4 · 12-31-2004, 06:51 PM

Welcome to the board. Everything vt said is absolutely true.
Update your profile, so we can see where you are located. Someone near you may have the chassis you need.

bagged91 · 12-31-2004, 07:18 PM

This may be true for a P/U but what about a Sub? I found a 69' 2wd 3/4 ton Sub that I was thinking of getting and converting to 4wd using a 73'+ K20 for a donor vehicle...(more plentiful around here). I can fabricate my arse off so couldn't I just swap out the front & tranny crossmembers and put on the leaf hangers or isn't it as easy as I think it is??? Finding a 4wd sub chassis around here for a reasonable price I think would be nearly impossible...

ABHaulR · 12-31-2004, 08:38 PM

Yes you can, that is what i did. I put in the spring hangers for the front but left the trailing arms in the rear, but did a spring over in the rear. it kept the same ride as the 2wd. i put in 8 inch lift easy ride springs in the front. in total from the stance of the 2wd to the 4wd it was a lift of 10 1/2 inches. you have to change the front crossmember to either a 4wd c/m or a conversion style. i put in a 2004r od trans for the gas milage and hung a divorced transfer case out of a 73 dodge.
Dwayne

Rod · 01-01-2005, 01:19 AM

Would like to see some pics of that swap ABhaulR. The underneath pics would be interesting.

ABHaulR · 01-02-2005, 01:31 AM

as soon as my camera comes back from the shop i'll post some pics.

Dwayne

**special-K** · 01-02-2005, 11:02 AM

And that is one K/A Sub!Someday the drivetrain from my`91 3/4tSub will sit under a 67-72:6.2,4L80E,35"Goodyear MT/Rs,14-bolt/locker,Tuff-Country EZrides,RS9000s...keepin`it ugly`til then.

70Yeller · 01-02-2005, 03:39 PM

Thanks for info. I am from Stillwater, OK and looking to by a 67-72 4x4. So, anyone out there know of any around Oklahoma please post. Not looking for a nice 4x4 just looking for a beater, frame, to convert my 2wd.

12-31-2004, 12:39 PM	#1
70Yeller Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Stillwater, OK Posts: 28	Conversion to 4wd This topic has probably been covered before but I just registered to find out some info. I have a 1970 2wd and would like to find a 4wd frame to put it on. Is this a difficult process? Will the body from my 2wd bolt right up to a 4wd frame or is there some modifications? I think I have to change the hump in the floor but any modifications besides that? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

12-31-2004, 06:51 PM	#3
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Welcome to the board. Everything vt said is absolutely true. Update your profile, so we can see where you are located. Someone near you may have the chassis you need. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

12-31-2004, 07:18 PM	#4
bagged91 Out draggin' Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Pitman,NJ Posts: 1,574	This may be true for a P/U but what about a Sub? I found a 69' 2wd 3/4 ton Sub that I was thinking of getting and converting to 4wd using a 73'+ K20 for a donor vehicle...(more plentiful around here). I can fabricate my arse off so couldn't I just swap out the front & tranny crossmembers and put on the leaf hangers or isn't it as easy as I think it is??? Finding a 4wd sub chassis around here for a reasonable price I think would be nearly impossible... __________________ 91 GMC Xcab LB-Bags/bd/caddy clip SOLD 72 C10 Cheyenne Super LWB SOLD 92 GMC K1500 Burb 72 C10 Burb (ex. Cheesewagon)SOLD 72 C20 Burb parts truck 71 C10 Burb "project"

12-31-2004, 08:38 PM	#5
ABHaulR Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: West Valley City, Ut Posts: 311	conversion Yes you can, that is what i did. I put in the spring hangers for the front but left the trailing arms in the rear, but did a spring over in the rear. it kept the same ride as the 2wd. i put in 8 inch lift easy ride springs in the front. in total from the stance of the 2wd to the 4wd it was a lift of 10 1/2 inches. you have to change the front crossmember to either a 4wd c/m or a conversion style. i put in a 2004r od trans for the gas milage and hung a divorced transfer case out of a 73 dodge. Dwayne __________________ 72' GMC Suburban 10 1/2" of Lift, 40" Tires! Waiting for restoration 67' Chevy, What to do??? And Bad Ass American Bulldogs!

01-01-2005, 01:19 AM	#6
Rod Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Eastern - Manitoba Canada, Winnipeg Posts: 4,369	Would like to see some pics of that swap ABhaulR. The underneath pics would be interesting. __________________ Senior active founding member. 70 3/4 ton GMC Suburban 4x4 250/4 spd. 71 1/2 ton Suburban Chevy 4x4, 350/350 72 Chev 1 ton tow truck 402BB w/Holmes 440 wrecker on propane 2005 FLSTSCI Harley Springer 85 FXSB Harley Lowrider 72 Triumph 650 Bonneville 5spd "Poor people don't have hobbies" Quote from wife.

12-31-2004, 06:27 PM	#2
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,537	Finding a 4x4 frame is the better way to go as opposed to trying to convert your 2wd frame, your on the right track so far. Yes, everything should swap over and yes, you'll have to cut out your low hump and find a high hump to put in it's place. Good luck with it and post pics as you go. Welcome to the board, it's the best one around.

01-02-2005, 01:31 AM	#7
ABHaulR Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: West Valley City, Ut Posts: 311	pics as soon as my camera comes back from the shop i'll post some pics. Dwayne __________________ 72' GMC Suburban 10 1/2" of Lift, 40" Tires! Waiting for restoration 67' Chevy, What to do??? And Bad Ass American Bulldogs!

01-02-2005, 11:02 AM	#8
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	And that is one K/A Sub!Someday the drivetrain from my`91 3/4tSub will sit under a 67-72:6.2,4L80E,35"Goodyear MT/Rs,14-bolt/locker,Tuff-Country EZrides,RS9000s...keepin`it ugly`til then. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

01-02-2005, 03:39 PM	#9
70Yeller Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Stillwater, OK Posts: 28	Thanks for info. I am from Stillwater, OK and looking to by a 67-72 4x4. So, anyone out there know of any around Oklahoma please post. Not looking for a nice 4x4 just looking for a beater, frame, to convert my 2wd.

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