4x4 versus 4x2 Frame.

[Ptjsk]

I have recently acquired a '69 Chevy (short), Step-side truck.

The truck, as well as the frame are in extremely good condition. Especially as far as rust, or in this case, lack of rust goes.

I would like to make this into a 4wd unit.

My question is, aside from the obvious (leaf springs, axle), are the 4x4 and the 4x2 frames the same?

Thanks,

Pat

[special-K]

Thy are not the same but you can bolt the entire 4wd front spring/axle assembly to a 2wd frame. Then you need the crossmember for transfer case from a 4wd or make one. Is your truck coil or leaf rear suspension? The frames are different behind the axle on a coil spring truck. I've never converted a coil spring truck so someone else will have to tell what they did. I have seen one converted leaving the coil rear in place.

[Jeff's bowtie's]

The frames are the same on coil and leaf trucks they both get wider at the rear of the cab

[dennislbrooks]

I did this for the same reason. The emegency brake stamping in the 2wd frame will need flattened as that is where the front rear 4wd perch resides on a 4wd. I probably have a thread on notching the rear front 4wd perches 1.5 inches on their rear side and adding 1/2" spacer on the rear hanger perch.

[dennislbrooks]

There are multiple threads on this and methods including flipping existing 2wd axle and keeping trailing arms ---I did not . Here is one with pics.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=505589

[Ptjsk]

Thanks a lot for your responses.

This is good to know, as I would like to keep the frame, yet make it a 4WD.

I'm thinking that probably the best bet is to find a rolling chassis that I could cannibalize while having both frames sitting side by side.

Also, I do have the trailing arm, coil spring rear suspension, which I would change over to leaf springs.

Thanks again,

Pat