Need a little help...

[ericpost]

Hi,

I'm new to this side of the site, been on the 4x4 site for a while now, I have a 72 Jimmy "1 ton" that I wheel here in NH alot....

I'm starting a daily driver project (this is how the 72 Jimmy started... then I had kids) and I'd really like a 70ish suburban 4x4 and want to hang a plow on it.

I'm willing to update axles and suspension and I'm also willing to convert a 2wd to a 4wd.

My question is this:
Are there any kits out there to convert a 2wd to a 4wd? I see alot of nice 2dw suburbans and not alot of 4wd ones... I'm hoping to go with a 700R4 and a np241 to D44... or something like that.

The goal is your typical classic exterior with updated interior "restoration". I have been able to source all sorts of PDL, PW, AC, TILT, SEATS, NAV, DVD, etc. The 4wd conversion kit however is not as easy and I'd hate to start from scratch if I don't have too.

Any help, tips, sites, encouragement would be helpful.

Oh I'd also rather stay clear of a chassis swap but again if there is some good info I'd consider it. In my opinion the 70's ride is just fine if you set it up right and I really believe the frames and components are better suited to stand up to daily driving much better that the new stuff... I'm CONSTANTLY replacing stuff on my 2009 Yukon, my 72 gets hammered and never has a problem!

[vectorit]

I have never seen a kit for sale to convert a 67-72 burb from 2wd to 4wd, but have seen some projects on here that did it but seemed like a lot of fab work to me.

Hopefully someone here has and will chime in sooner or later.

[El Campo]

Have you looked on craigslist for just a frame or parts vehicles? I'm a C 10 man and don't know much about burbs but I see 4x4 frames on CL all the time. Are the trucks and burbs the same? Would it be possible to buy 4x4 truck or blazer frame and just move the suspension to your frame? Just thinking out loud...
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[burbguy77]

if u want togo 2wd then any front k-member setup from 70-mid 80's will bolt right up. more than likely your frame will have the holes in it already. i've been told using one from the 80's will give a lower stance. eitherway you get disc brakes

[ericpost]

I'm looking to do a 3/4 or 1 ton 4wd. That way I can stick a plow on it.... yes a plow but it is only for personal plowing.
The reason as asked about converting a 2wd is because I see alot of 2wd out there and not alot of 4wd.

The more I think about it the more I like going with a late model frame/driveline. Originally I didn't want to go that route but after talking to a few folks this weekend it appears more doable than I thought.

I guess the next question is what year running gear can I go with? I'm even thinking about a diesel but one thing at a time, find the right donar vehicle(s) type first...

I see a few people have swapped running gears, any thoughts on which ones are easiest?


Here is what I have for Suburbans:
67-72 are 127" wheelbase
73 - 91 are 129.5" Wheelbase, I think I can fab 2.5" but not sure where it is coming from, rear would be easy, the front scares me a bit!
92 - 99 are 131.5"
99 - present are 130"


Obviously there are a ton of pickups out there as well which may have different configs and the width changes as well.

The reseach part of this sux! I just want to start building!

HELP!!!

[70cst]

Hey ericpost ,,,

and from Ohio...Here isi a bump

[Bigdav160]

I thought there was quite a large difference between the 2WD and 4WD frames.

Am I wrong?

[ericpost]

Originally Posted by Bigdav160

I thought there was quite a large difference between the 2WD and 4WD frames.

Am I wrong?

I have been looking around for that info. I know the 2wd steering box is different from the 4wd but I'd keep it and do a xover/high steer system anyway. I would think the engine/trans mount is the same. What would be needed is a tcase mount... and there is where the questions start.... If the frames are similar at that point getting a tcase xmember is easy, I guess fabbing one would not be all that hard either.

As for the rear leafs I could make that work. The front leaf/coil is where the concern is? Are 2wd coil or leaf? If coil I could get a leaf kit from DYI4x4 which is used by alot of 4x4 guys (like me) to mount longer leafs upfront. The 2wd frame however would need to be the same as the 4wd frame, you'd think it would be but..... Once I get past this point the rest is easy....

There is also the chassie swap as well... Looks like a few guys are doing it without much of an issue. Looks like all the late model burbs will bolt up, I'm sure there is a truck model as well, be real cool to find a diesel swap! Always wanted to make a high HP smoker, how cool would a 70 burb oiler be!!!

[DINS 1]

all of the newer frames are wider than the 67-72. so you have to build all of your body to frame mounts. Wheel base is just part of the swap you have to have enough frame to hold the tail of the burb. they are longer than the trucks from the rear wheels back.

[ericpost]

Originally Posted by DINS 1

all of the newer frames are wider than the 67-72. so you have to build all of your body to frame mounts. Wheel base is just part of the swap you have to have enough frame to hold the tail of the burb. they are longer than the trucks from the rear wheels back.

Duramax burb huh.... Sounds like a cool project!

Did you build the mounts from the frame to the body? I'm not very concerned with the Frame to body to be honest. It is the Electrical that scares the bag out of me! I think I need to find professional help for that part of the effort.

[Slinger60]

As far as I know the wheelbase on a 67-72 Burb is 127" same as a long bed frame so maybe you could find a 3/4 ton or 1 ton rolling 4x4 chassis and do a body swap?