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Old 12-05-2007, 07:51 AM   #1
Tink
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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?
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Old 12-05-2007, 12:32 PM   #2
71blksuper4x4
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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
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Old 12-07-2007, 02:59 AM   #3
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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.
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Old 12-07-2007, 03:49 PM   #4
1969k10stepside
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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..
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Old 12-07-2007, 06:56 PM   #5
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Re: Anyone convert a 2wd to 4wd??

I have a 86 swb 4x4 chassis if your interested.
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Old 12-07-2007, 07:14 PM   #6
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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
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Old 12-08-2007, 11:30 AM   #7
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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.
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Old 12-09-2007, 02:14 PM   #8
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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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