Another 2wd to 4wd post.

[rgreathouse]

First of I have done hours of research regaurding this subject and i have found some conflicting information so i would just like to verify what I have learned.

I have a 72 2wd 1/2 ton, I have access to a 8 lug d44 and 14 bolt rear out of a 1984 k20. It seems everyone agrees it is easier to swap 4x4 suspension under my 2wd chassis than to change the body mounts on the newer 4x4 chassis, So that is my plan. This truck will not be wheeled much at all, more of a work truck and something to take to the cabin. So my questions are will the 1984 front hangers and core support literally replace my front body mount? and what exaclty is the issue with the dimple in the frame? I am trying to decide if the fgb52 is a better option for me? let me know what you think. Oh and I would like to have about a 6-8" lift.

Thanks for any input and I will continue to do more reading.

[kwmech]

Just converting the 2wd to 4wd will lift the truck about 6'' just using the factory flat springs. Then depending on the frame hangers and shackles you use. There are several different ways you can do the swap. Look at the other threads in this forum on the subject and figure out how you want to go about it

[1tonwannabe]

Have you looked at DIY4X.com. He makes a kit that allows you to use a 52" rear spring on the front. This gives you 4" of lift. I converted my frame to 4wd with this kit. It comes with everything you need for the front conversion except for springs. JC Whitney had the cheapest springs I found. As far as the dimple in the frame I left mine there and it's fine. The website suggest heating it up with a torch and flattening it out.

[rgreathouse]

My truck is a rear leaf setup. What can I use for lift leafs for the rear?
Thanks

[1tonwannabe]

DIY4X.com also had a kit to lift the rear 4". You replace the rear hanger with his and it gives you 4". I bought this kit as well and it works great. All the parts I bought from that site are built better than what you will be taking off.
I talked to the owner and he was very helpful and nice.

[Gene]

Originally Posted by 1tonwannabe

DIY4X.com also had a kit to lift the rear 4". You replace the rear hanger with his and it gives you 4". I bought this kit as well and it works great. All the parts I bought from that site are built better than what you will be taking off.
I talked to the owner and he was very helpful and nice.

Only if you already have leafs in the rear, i'm assuming he has coils?

[rgreathouse]

Yes I have leafs, the owner of diy4x said he was unsure the shakle flip would fit a 2wd. Has anyone done this? Also what leafs could I replace mine with to achieve 3/4 ton? Basically what is the length of my leafs? Sorry I don't have my truck at home.

Thanks

[1tonwannabe]

I did it to my 2wd frame. I have both the front and rear kit on mine. My frame had coil springs so I made my own front hangers for the rear, but I used the flip kit from DIY4X for the rear hangers. Since you already have leaf springs you just need the flip kit and your good. It will work on yours. I have a 2wd leaf spring frame in my garage that I was going to use but it was too rusty.

[rgreathouse]

Soo can I use the factory front leaf hangers off of a 1984?
Also my rear leafs measured 51" are these 52"s?

Thanks

[1tonwannabe]

The frame you have angles out towards the wheels, its not straight. The 80's frame is straight all the way to the rear. You can't use the 80's hangers, they would mount on your frame at the wrong angle. The 80's frame has 52" springs unless it's a 1 ton (maybe 3/4 ton I don't know) they are 56". I thought my 1972 frame had 52" springs on it. Either way, is there a reason you don't want to use your front hangers, They will work fine with that kit.

[rgreathouse]

sorry i wasnt clear... i was wondering how easily the front leaf spring hanger/core support off of the 1984 4x4 will bolt up to my 72 2wd frame instead of using diy4x kit. I know people have done it but are there any issues?

thanks

robert

[1tonwannabe]

Sorry, I'm not sure how hard it would be. I was planning on doing that same thing. Instead I went with that kit. Maybe someone else can help walk you through it.