4 wheel drive to 2 wheel drive conversion

[amodedude1]

Hi all, I was considering getting rid of my project not that long ago because I never had time to get working on my project as the garage it's in is not mine, and I can only get in when my friend is around to let me in.

I worked out a deal and he'll be giving me a key to get over and work on it when I want. Since he doesn't really want to see me get rid of it either, so I'm really happy about that.

On to my questions, when I'm done, I'll be DD'ing it, and I personally don't need or want 4x4 and desperately want to go lower. The front differential would definitely be getting in my way to drop it. And I think the easiest rout is to swap my entire front suspension with the front cross-member out of a 2wd truck. Am I right about that?

Will I need to drill holes or are the holes already on the frame? If I drill, I assume I would need to take measurements from a 2wd frame?

As for the rear, when I get rid of the transfer-case, will have length issues with the rear drive shaft length? would I be able to just grab a drive shaft out of a 2wd truck? I have a 14-bolt ff rear.

Are there any other difficulties I should know about the swap?

Any other project links? I found a few, post them up for me if you find any.
Here's one I found:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=168231

Thanks!

[amodedude1]

bump? ... Also, Is there any difference between a c10 and c20 front xmember or would either work for what I want to do?

Just want to make sure I have the general idea and am not missing something big here before I go to a yard and pull a xmember.

[kris's66lwb]

There should be pre drilled holes i beleive and youll need the full front crosmember and need a 2wd tranny and the drive chaft or you can just take off the front shaft and leave the rear alone and uses the t case for gear reduction just an idea

[amodedude1]

I like the idea of leaving the tcase on. Gear reduction option is always good if I ever need to pull somthing or get stuck or something! Besides, I'd rather not get a tranny and shaft if I don't need to.

If I get the xmember out of a 3/4ton 8-lug, do they make drop spindles for that?
Since I'd also like to keep my 8 lug.

[kris's66lwb]

im sure they do make spindles for that i dont know much about the products available for that but try portorbuilt or scotts there members and vendors here they can point you in the right direction

[manimal]

Performance Online has drop spindles for 3/4t.

[liftlawssuck]

Why not just get a 2 wheel drive truck and save a whole bunch of headaches? I just hate to see a 4 wheel drive ruined. Either way I think the front of the frame is different?? Especially how the front suspension mounts. I'd some some boneyards first before cutting. I'm not sure as I don't work on them regularly as they as have been for parts only. 4 wheel drives are worth more money around here anyways. You could sell it and buy a nice 2 wheel drive ready to go the way you want. That's just me though. Just look everything over first before you tackle it. I think it would be a fairly involved swap. Good luck.

[rpmgroup]

I going along with liftlawssuck, you stated this is a project, so built it as a 4x4, gain the knowledge of getting it from the condition it is in, to a daily running truck. always enjoy (even cussing at mine counts) or sell and buy the truck you want. if you work on it, you will a great of things and even in socal 4x4 sell for more.

[kris's66lwb]

True they do 4x4 are a premium item any more

[Redcap]

Why butcher a 4WD truck when 2WD ones are so common?