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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Buenos Aires-Argentina
Posts: 87
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Help with differential!
Hey guys, I have a 1981 silverado 10 2wd, I want to convert it to 4x4 but do not know wich is the correct differential. I appreciate any help!
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#2 | |
just can't cover up my redneck
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Columbus OH
Posts: 11,414
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Re: Help with differential!
Save yourself the aggravation and buy a 4x4 truck. There is no point in "converting" to something that is already available. The only exception to this that I see is swapping in solid axle on an IFS truck.
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You can review the site's rules here. Quote:
Bad planning on your part does not necessarily constitute an instant emergency on my part.... The great thing about being a pessimist is that you are either pleasantly surprised or right. ![]() |
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#3 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Rome PA
Posts: 340
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Re: Help with differential!
The only way I would attempt that conversion is if you buy a complete rolling 4x4 with a rotted body, and swap your body onto the 4x4 frame. Still a lot of work, and you will need to modify the floor in your cab. I would just trade your truck for a 4x4 truck
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1987 Chevy R30 CC 454/4spd Work Truck 1979 Chevy K10 SWB 350/4spd/NP205, 1979 Chevy C10 LWB 350/TH350 Project 1981 Chevy K30 350/Th400/NP205 1986 Chevy K30 CUCV 6.2L/TH400/NP208 |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: On the banks of the Clackamas River, Eagle CreeK Oregon
Posts: 387
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Re: Help with differential!
Howdy there;
2WD <> 4WD Conversions are not something that is done here in the states on a regular basis. In the late seventies there were a number of these conversions being done on the Toyota & Datsun (now Nissan) pickups using Jeep running gear, or similar type. Also a number of vans were bootlegged as well, they did not turnout well…. This was a nightmare before the factories caught up producing 4wd minis. From those early lessons comes the knowledge that my fellow posters share “It’s just not worth the aggravation” . Most folks when trying conversions quit halfway through and began selling off parts. I would not recommend it; ![]() |
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#5 | |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Buenos Aires-Argentina
Posts: 87
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Re: Help with differential!
Quote:
Thanks for your help guys, I'll consider it! |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Posts: 755
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Re: Help with differential!
I'm generally not a negative person, but like the others I would also suggest you abandon all thoughts of this project.
Converting to 4wd involves a huge amount of work. You've got to remove everything involving the front wheels, EVERYTHING, including cutting all the mounting hardware off the frame. Then you have to carefully measure and weld new brackets and springs on the frame for the front axle, as well as changing the transmission, crossmembers, and driveshafts to accept the transfer case. It is a major, major project, with a lot of work, money, and headaches. All to create something that already exists. Maybe we don't quite understand what you are asking about, because the differential is only a very very small part of a 2wd to 4wd conversion. So why don't you tell us what is on your mind, and maybe we can help you reach your goals.
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I know a little about cars, but if you have a question about electricity or sport quads, I'm your man!!! |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Louisville,Ky
Posts: 5,811
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Re: Help with differential!
You can buy a running long bed 4x4 cheap lately if you look hard.Or keep your truck and find a k5 blazer and have a nice off road toy.
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Waynesfield Ohio
Posts: 1,991
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Re: Help with differential!
Guys, he is from Argentina so finding a cheap 4x4 is probably next to impossible.
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![]() 1949 Five Window, 1973 Step Side, 2000 Z71 |
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#9 | ||
just can't cover up my redneck
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Columbus OH
Posts: 11,414
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Re: Help with differential!
Quote:
If not, this would be an even bigger pain than it would be in the first place.
__________________
You can review the site's rules here. Quote:
Bad planning on your part does not necessarily constitute an instant emergency on my part.... The great thing about being a pessimist is that you are either pleasantly surprised or right. ![]() |
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#10 | |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Buenos Aires-Argentina
Posts: 87
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Re: Help with differential!
Quote:
Guys, what happens is that I love this truck because it belonged to my grandfather. I'm going to travel around Argentina and there are very difficult terrains like deserts, snow, lakes. Then I turn it into 4wd. And as you say, nothing is impossible! |
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Louisville,Ky
Posts: 5,811
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Re: Help with differential!
See if you can find a 4x4 parts truck first.
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#12 |
Moderator
![]() Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Wentworth, NH
Posts: 4,950
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Re: Help with differential!
You're going to need a complete rolling donor chassis. You'd be better off swapping the good body and engine to a complete clean 4x4 frame.
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1959 M35A2 LDT465-1D SOLD 1967 Dodge W200 B383, NP420/NP201 SOLD 1969 Dodge Polara 500 B383, A833 SOLD 1972 Ford F250 FE390, NP435/NP205 SOLD 1976 Chevy K20, 6.5L, NV4500/NP208 SOLD 1986 M1008 CUCV SOLD 2000 GMC C2500, TD6.5L, NV4500 2005 Chevy Silverado LS 2500HD 6.0L 4L80E/NP263 2009 Impala SS LS4 V8 RTFM... GM Parts Books, GM Schematics, GM service manuals, and GM training materials...
And please let us know if and how your repairs were successful. |
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#13 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: On the banks of the Clackamas River, Eagle CreeK Oregon
Posts: 387
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Re: Help with differential!
Quote:
However two wheel drive trucks that are set up with the correct tires, tire chains(for mud/snow) with a strong winch, Hy-Lift jacks, come-alongs, log chains, straps & other type equipment can and do go where 75% of four wheel trucks go. Might be more work getting there, but you can still make it. Two wheel drive trucks are what blazed the majority of the trails in the early days of “Off Roading” don’t sell them short. |
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Buenos Aires-Argentina
Posts: 87
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Re: Help with differential!
Hey guys, I got a Dana 44 differential, I would like to know if this is for my truck. Thank you all for your help!
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#15 |
Moderator
![]() Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Wentworth, NH
Posts: 4,950
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Re: Help with differential!
The Right Hand side differential is correct for a GM truck.
If the spring perches have the correct location and spacing you can make it work. 5 lug on the rear and 6 or 8 lug on the front isn't a show stopper. You can swap on a matching rear axle or get 16inch 5 lug wheels for the rears and carry 2 spares. You'll need the engine mount crossmember and the frame hangers for the leaf springs off the donor. You still need a 4x4 transmission with a transfer case and both driveshafts too.
__________________
1959 M35A2 LDT465-1D SOLD 1967 Dodge W200 B383, NP420/NP201 SOLD 1969 Dodge Polara 500 B383, A833 SOLD 1972 Ford F250 FE390, NP435/NP205 SOLD 1976 Chevy K20, 6.5L, NV4500/NP208 SOLD 1986 M1008 CUCV SOLD 2000 GMC C2500, TD6.5L, NV4500 2005 Chevy Silverado LS 2500HD 6.0L 4L80E/NP263 2009 Impala SS LS4 V8 RTFM... GM Parts Books, GM Schematics, GM service manuals, and GM training materials...
And please let us know if and how your repairs were successful. |
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