2WD to 4wd conversion - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

monte0185 · 09-11-2009, 03:40 PM

I was wondering if anyone makes a spring hanger kit to take our 2wd frames and make them 4wd frames? I have a 4wd frame i could use all the mounts off of but they are all welded to my current frame to strenghthen it i guess. I was hoping instead of doing all that cutting it would be great if someone just had a set I could bolt on and weld up.

JimmyFloyd · 09-11-2009, 03:48 PM

why not just use the 4x4 frame if you have it already?

monte0185 · 09-11-2009, 03:55 PM

Cause its been back halfed with a later model frame and the crossmember in front was homemade and its all crooked. I just want to start with a frame I know is straight. And so far I have had no luck finding a 4wd frame within driving distance of me. And thats pretty far out cause i just drove to AZ for the truck.

Beefcake · 09-11-2009, 05:00 PM

they're has to be a place that sells hangers. Id look into 4x4 offroading sites.

I dont know what would be harder to do. Modify a 2wd truck to 4x4 or take all the stuff off a 2wd truck and put it on a 4x4 frame.

both seem like a lot of work.

**71blksuper4x4** · 09-11-2009, 05:04 PM

go to the 4x4 discussion area of the site for help. There are aftermarket spring hanger kits for 2wd to convert them to 4x4. I believe diy4x4 has them, but not 100% sure that who it was. Trevor

monte0185 · 09-11-2009, 05:10 PM

I found this site http://diy4x.com/ but they are only for 52" Springs. Id do that but then Id have to buy new springs which I already have. I was hoping to find a junk frame and cut the rivets off a stock set but no go on that so far.

BLACK AND BLUE 67-72 · 09-11-2009, 05:17 PM

www.diy4x.com Has what you are looking for Kit FGB52.

OOPS I didn't see your last post!!

Gene · 09-11-2009, 08:56 PM

Have been told that rear 2wd leaf spring hangers off a GMC will bolt up to a Chevy w/coils. This was the way I was going to go and use the FGB52 kit but i found a good 4x4 frame and no longer need them. If you try and use stock length front springs you run into issues with the rear shackle mount needing to go through where the park brake cable bump out is. Therefore the need for the longer springs, I have seen some heat the bump out up and hammer it flat or cut it out and weld in a flat piece?

msgross · 09-11-2009, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monte0185

I found this site http://diy4x.com/ but they are only for 52" Springs. Id do that but then Id have to buy new springs which I already have. I was hoping to find a junk frame and cut the rivets off a stock set but no go on that so far.

You can place the rear shackle in a different spot can't you? Just center your wheel in the fender and see where the ends of your spring falls...

b454rat · 09-11-2009, 10:09 PM

I'm in the process of taking an 89 GMC 1 ton dually 2wd crew cab and making it a 4wd short box. I'm using the B52 from Kurt, along with the shackle hanger and 6" shackles. Both are for the 52s or springs that are 3" overall.

I talked to Kurt on this, and said if you use the rearward most hole, it should put you close to stock.

I have the front just aboot done, need to clearance the frame for shackle swing....

I'll get some pics soon as I get the axle in.

duallyjams · 09-12-2009, 07:40 AM

olblue60@aol.com is parting out a 4x4 the frame is complete, give him a shout he has everything that you will need.Tell him I sent you.

monte0185 · 09-23-2009, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duallyjams

olblue60@aol.com is parting out a 4x4 the frame is complete, give him a shout he has everything that you will need.Tell him I sent you.

I just now seen this and sent him an email. Thanks and sorry it took so long i guess i deleted my subscribtion to the thread.

Dave Reed · 09-30-2009, 12:22 PM

So is this easy to do? I can get a 2wd frame for my truck, but it seems like more work than repairing the rot on my current swb 4wd frame.

70rs/ss · 09-30-2009, 12:41 PM

Look in my siggy, I am swapping a 2wd Suburban to a 4X using the DIY4X FGB52 kit for the front and using the coils in the rear, so a little different than some of you are doing but the frontend is identicle. As for not wanting to go w/52" springs, I can tell you the ride is about 100% better than the first gen shorter springs!

monte0185 · 09-30-2009, 12:44 PM

I agree with the ride and was considering all this myself but I already have all new springs and Ton axles to use so i didnt want to waste that.

If you already have a SWB frame I would say see if you cant find a LWB one and cut out and replace any sections that need replacing.

Dave Reed · 09-30-2009, 12:45 PM

I don't have a lot of time right for this swap so I was looking for an exact swap, but I am having a hard time coming up with a frame anywhere near CT. That is the only reason I would consider this, but it might be easier for me to simply weld up mine.

Dave Reed · 09-30-2009, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monte0185

I agree with the ride and was considering all this myself but I already have all new springs and Ton axles to use so i didnt want to waste that.

If you already have a SWB frame I would say see if you cant find a LWB one and cut out and replace any sections that need replacing.

My steel supplier said he can get me c channel to replace with

09-11-2009, 03:40 PM	#1
monte0185 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Brighton, TN Posts: 1,267	2WD to 4wd conversion I was wondering if anyone makes a spring hanger kit to take our 2wd frames and make them 4wd frames? I have a 4wd frame i could use all the mounts off of but they are all welded to my current frame to strenghthen it i guess. I was hoping instead of doing all that cutting it would be great if someone just had a set I could bolt on and weld up. __________________ A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing. Duct tape is like the force. It has a light side, a dark side, and it holds the world together.

09-11-2009, 03:48 PM	#2
JimmyFloyd Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 1,458	Re: 2WD to 4wd conversion why not just use the 4x4 frame if you have it already? __________________ 1970 Blazer 350/SM465/205 SOLD! \| 1998 Z3

09-11-2009, 03:55 PM	#3
monte0185 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Brighton, TN Posts: 1,267	Re: 2WD to 4wd conversion Cause its been back halfed with a later model frame and the crossmember in front was homemade and its all crooked. I just want to start with a frame I know is straight. And so far I have had no luck finding a 4wd frame within driving distance of me. And thats pretty far out cause i just drove to AZ for the truck. __________________ A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing. Duct tape is like the force. It has a light side, a dark side, and it holds the world together.

09-11-2009, 05:00 PM	#4
Beefcake Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Motor City Posts: 540	Re: 2WD to 4wd conversion they're has to be a place that sells hangers. Id look into 4x4 offroading sites. I dont know what would be harder to do. Modify a 2wd truck to 4x4 or take all the stuff off a 2wd truck and put it on a 4x4 frame. both seem like a lot of work. __________________ 72 GMC Camper Special 2500. currently has 350/350/14 bolt. 383 and 400 tranny is in the works.

09-11-2009, 05:04 PM	#5
71blksuper4x4 SWB 4x4 Collector Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Osage City, KS Posts: 5,156	Re: 2WD to 4wd conversion go to the 4x4 discussion area of the site for help. There are aftermarket spring hanger kits for 2wd to convert them to 4x4. I believe diy4x4 has them, but not 100% sure that who it was. Trevor __________________ TREVOR 1970 CST swb 4x4 (speedwarning,cruise,tilt,tach,8track, original red shoulder belts,tow hooks) 1972 Jimmy (soon to be Hickey cloned) 1971 Cheyenne Super 4x4 swb (tilt,tach,buckets, original blue shoulder belts,am/fm,cruise,tow hooks, dealer 8 track) 1972 Cheyenne Super K20 4x4 Custom Camper (tilt, tach, am/fm, tow hooks, bed toolbox, aux gas tank 1972 Cheyenne Super Crew Cab K30 4x4 Duramax, Allison, np205, buckets, tow hooks (CURRENT PROJECT) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=624819 1989 V3500 Crew Cab (454tbi, NV4500, np205) 1970 Chevelle SS (LS5 454,th400,8track,buckets,tach) :2004 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (daily driver) WTB: 1968-70 Cruise Control Lever

09-11-2009, 05:10 PM	#6
monte0185 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Brighton, TN Posts: 1,267	Re: 2WD to 4wd conversion I found this site http://diy4x.com/ but they are only for 52" Springs. Id do that but then Id have to buy new springs which I already have. I was hoping to find a junk frame and cut the rivets off a stock set but no go on that so far. __________________ A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing. Duct tape is like the force. It has a light side, a dark side, and it holds the world together.

09-11-2009, 05:17 PM	#7
BLACK AND BLUE 67-72 Firefighter Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Yellville, Ar, USA Posts: 1,943	Re: 2WD to 4wd conversion www.diy4x.com Has what you are looking for Kit FGB52. OOPS I didn't see your last post!! __________________ '72 Chevy SWB 350 Auto '67 GMC LWB 350 4 speed '70 Chevy 4x4 Stepside 350 Auto Yellville, Ar. USA Last edited by BLACK AND BLUE 67-72; 09-11-2009 at 05:35 PM.

09-11-2009, 08:56 PM	#8
Gene Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Muskogee, Oklahoma Posts: 2,914	Re: 2WD to 4wd conversion Have been told that rear 2wd leaf spring hangers off a GMC will bolt up to a Chevy w/coils. This was the way I was going to go and use the FGB52 kit but i found a good 4x4 frame and no longer need them. If you try and use stock length front springs you run into issues with the rear shackle mount needing to go through where the park brake cable bump out is. Therefore the need for the longer springs, I have seen some heat the bump out up and hammer it flat or cut it out and weld in a flat piece? Last edited by Gene; 09-11-2009 at 08:58 PM.

09-11-2009, 10:09 PM	#10
b454rat Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Binghamton, NY Posts: 3,469	Re: 2WD to 4wd conversion I'm in the process of taking an 89 GMC 1 ton dually 2wd crew cab and making it a 4wd short box. I'm using the B52 from Kurt, along with the shackle hanger and 6" shackles. Both are for the 52s or springs that are 3" overall. I talked to Kurt on this, and said if you use the rearward most hole, it should put you close to stock. I have the front just aboot done, need to clearance the frame for shackle swing.... I'll get some pics soon as I get the axle in. __________________ 2000 GMC CCSB 454/4L80 6” lift SAS 1999 Chevy CCSB 454/NV4500 4” SAS 1999 GMC Yukon 350/4L60 6" SAS

09-12-2009, 07:40 AM	#11
duallyjams Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Deale Md Posts: 4,663	Re: 2WD to 4wd conversion olblue60@aol.com is parting out a 4x4 the frame is complete, give him a shout he has everything that you will need.Tell him I sent you. __________________ James 63 GMC V6 4speed carryall 65 chevy swb bbw V8 auto 68 K20 327/4 speed, buddy buckets 2002 GMC CC Dually Duramax 64 GMC lwb 3/4 V6 4speed SOLD 66 GMC swb bbw buddy buckets SOLD IG duallyjams The only thing that stays the same is constant change!

09-30-2009, 12:22 PM	#13
Dave Reed Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: CT Posts: 290	Re: 2WD to 4wd conversion So is this easy to do? I can get a 2wd frame for my truck, but it seems like more work than repairing the rot on my current swb 4wd frame.

09-30-2009, 12:41 PM	#14
70rs/ss Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,270	Re: 2WD to 4wd conversion Look in my siggy, I am swapping a 2wd Suburban to a 4X using the DIY4X FGB52 kit for the front and using the coils in the rear, so a little different than some of you are doing but the frontend is identicle. As for not wanting to go w/52" springs, I can tell you the ride is about 100% better than the first gen shorter springs!

09-30-2009, 12:44 PM	#15
monte0185 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Brighton, TN Posts: 1,267	Re: 2WD to 4wd conversion I agree with the ride and was considering all this myself but I already have all new springs and Ton axles to use so i didnt want to waste that. If you already have a SWB frame I would say see if you cant find a LWB one and cut out and replace any sections that need replacing. __________________ A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing. Duct tape is like the force. It has a light side, a dark side, and it holds the world together.

09-30-2009, 12:45 PM	#16
Dave Reed Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: CT Posts: 290	Re: 2WD to 4wd conversion I don't have a lot of time right for this swap so I was looking for an exact swap, but I am having a hard time coming up with a frame anywhere near CT. That is the only reason I would consider this, but it might be easier for me to simply weld up mine.

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