3/4 front axle into 1 ton??? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

badone07 · 12-10-2004, 04:09 PM

Anyone do a 2wd 1 ton conversion to 4wd? Figured a 3/4 front assembly is much easier to come by than a 1 ton's, for a 81-87. Probably a big difference in price as well. Looks to pretty much be a bolt on. I did consider clipping the front chassis with a 4x4 3/4 ton clip, but now the motor is in and rather leave it in. I have no plans to swap my cab over. I don't see many 81-87 crew cab 4x4's so that won't be an option. For a while I followed a link where someone started a conversion but either the conversion wasn't completed or he didn't update the outcome. Just trying to decide if I'll start to gather up what's needed and do the swap in the spring.

http://www.chuckschevytruckpages.com/robsK35.html

b454rat · 12-10-2004, 07:40 PM

I have a Dana 60 front that Im selling. It's out of a Dodge, but there isn't too much of a difference. You can convert a 2wd to 4wd. I've personally never done it, but since the frames are the same for the most part, and brackets and stuff are riveted in. Just torch them out, and bolt in the brackets with grade 8 stuff.

**JIMs70GMC** · 12-10-2004, 08:30 PM

Yukon Jack has a friend that put a dana44 w/ spacers up front, under a C30 cab and chassis truck. Look in the pictures forum under "let's see all the 1 tons". I've entertained the idea but decided it would be easier to put the dually rear under my 70 GMC. I hope to start soon by removing the dually axle from the donor C30 tomorrow.

badone07 · 12-12-2004, 04:25 AM

Thanks for the replies. I'm getting a "used" acl put in my rt knee on the 23rd, so I won't be getting to it until probably late spring. Just trying to research some before then. Searched and read around, but nothing really descriptive or detailed. The truck is primarily a tow rig but would also like to use it to plow snow next winter. This way I can get more use out of it, instead of buying another truck.

I saw Yukon Jack's link in the "let's see all the 1 tons" (Tony's truck). The truck I want to convert is in there also. Not sure what you mean by "spacers" or where he used them. If I do use a dana 44, can I still use my rims? Don't the rims sitting too far in the wheel wells. Guess they are different hubs, rotors and calipers.

Right now the truck has a sm465 in it and haven't decided if I will step up to a nv4500 or a 4L80E. Probably will use a 205 tc and swapping out trans tunnel, reworking exhaust and tranny crossmember. Thinking about maybe going through a couple of local junkyards and seeing if they will sell me a complete front clip, burned off at the firewall. Then everything will be there and just burn off rivets and bolt on. Basically asking because I don't have a side by side comparison of the chassis and suspensions as well as being 4wd ignorant.

**JIMs70GMC** · 12-12-2004, 10:05 AM

A dually front axle is about 8" wider than a SRW axle. The spacers allow you to use the dually rims on the front.
If you can find a divorced 205 transfer case from a 69-74 dodge you would not have to change much.

Gunny · 12-13-2004, 11:30 AM

I have a 1/2 ton 4x4 suburban that I am planning to do a 1 ton 4x4 swap (front and dually rear) once I find a reasonably priced donor truck

badone07 · 12-14-2004, 03:06 PM

Thanks again Jim. I guess I can disassemble my hubs.

Locally, the tc, crossmember, front shaft, front axle assembly, leaf springs, tc shifter, steering box and components will run around $195 without the spring mounts, priced individually. I'm sure I can get them to just burn off a clip for me and drop it in my trailer, to make the swap go easier.

I understand why a divorced tc would make it easier and not restrict the tranny of choice. Just curious if there is a short shaft between tc and tranny? Looked up some of the tc's and narrowed it down to the 205 divorced, 208 and 241 (non IFS). Other than the low range ratio, any other benefits one would have over the other. For example shift on fly, size, etc.?

badone07 · 12-18-2004, 01:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badone07

I understand why a divorced tc would make it easier and not restrict the tranny of choice. Just curious if there is a short shaft between tc and tranny? Looked up some of the tc's and narrowed it down to the 205 divorced, 208 and 241 (non IFS). Other than the low range ratio, any other benefits one would have over the other. For example shift on fly, size, etc.?

ttt

**JIMs70GMC** · 12-19-2004, 01:39 PM

The 205 is the only divorced TC with the eception of single speed NP200 and NP201s. As for the divorced set up, yes there is a short driveshaft between the two and it would be best to set the tc dead center of the front/rear axles so that your driveshafts front&rear would be the same. The 208 and 241 are aluminum cases that have to be attached to your tranny. Where they are coupled to the tranny one has a male and the other a female and they slide together.

badone07 · 02-14-2005, 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JIMs70GMC

A dually front axle is about 8" wider than a SRW axle. The spacers allow you to use the dually rims on the front.
If you can find a divorced 205 transfer case from a 69-74 dodge you would not have to change much.

Thanks a bunch Jim... I was wondering if you knew exactly what spacers were used? At a junkyard, I noticed a few 2wd Ford box trucks use 8 lug aluminum type spacers. Not sure if they would compatible or would require machining.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JIMs70GMC

The 205 is the only divorced TC with the eception of single speed NP200 and NP201s. As for the divorced set up, yes there is a short driveshaft between the two and it would be best to set the tc dead center of the front/rear axles so that your driveshafts front&rear would be the same. The 208 and 241 are aluminum cases that have to be attached to your tranny. Where they are coupled to the tranny one has a male and the other a female and they slide together.

I had to do some looking at some junk trucks before asking another question. Your location suggestion for the np205 tc is interesting to me. Guessing the linkage would have to be alterated (no biggie)? As well as maybe replacing the carrier bearing with the tc? Then altering the present rear shafts, then having 2 front drive shafts made? With that location, looks like I won't have to fool around with my exhaust as well as having tranny options in the future. This of course is all without me actually crawling under there and taking measurements. Just trying to plan ahead so I don't lay up the truck too long, with racing season approaching.

*1FaastC10* · 02-14-2005, 02:39 AM

if you're wanting to go dually, save yourself alot of wear and tear on parts, skip the spacer and get a DRW Dana 60. if you can find a SRW D60, i can hook you up with the DRW hubs off of my DRW 60, i'm converting it to SRW to match my 14FF rear.

12-10-2004, 04:09 PM	#1
badone07 Project 2 Resume Join Date: May 2004 Location: Jim Thorpe, PA Posts: 884	3/4 front axle into 1 ton??? Anyone do a 2wd 1 ton conversion to 4wd? Figured a 3/4 front assembly is much easier to come by than a 1 ton's, for a 81-87. Probably a big difference in price as well. Looks to pretty much be a bolt on. I did consider clipping the front chassis with a 4x4 3/4 ton clip, but now the motor is in and rather leave it in. I have no plans to swap my cab over. I don't see many 81-87 crew cab 4x4's so that won't be an option. For a while I followed a link where someone started a conversion but either the conversion wasn't completed or he didn't update the outcome. Just trying to decide if I'll start to gather up what's needed and do the swap in the spring. http://www.chuckschevytruckpages.com/robsK35.html __________________ John 1984 C30 Chevy Crew Cab Dually 1998 Jeep Cherokee 4x4 2004 Chevy Trailblazer 4x4 (wife's) 1970 Mustang FB fully tubed (getting 521 BBF & powerglide) 1978 Nova 2dr (going BBCaddy & S.P. th400) 1984 Monte SS (circle track car)

12-10-2004, 07:40 PM	#2
b454rat Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Binghamton, NY Posts: 3,469	I have a Dana 60 front that Im selling. It's out of a Dodge, but there isn't too much of a difference. You can convert a 2wd to 4wd. I've personally never done it, but since the frames are the same for the most part, and brackets and stuff are riveted in. Just torch them out, and bolt in the brackets with grade 8 stuff. __________________ 2000 GMC CCSB 454/4L80 6” lift SAS 1999 Chevy CCSB 454/NV4500 4” SAS 1999 GMC Yukon 350/4L60 6" SAS

12-10-2004, 08:30 PM	#3
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	Yukon Jack has a friend that put a dana44 w/ spacers up front, under a C30 cab and chassis truck. Look in the pictures forum under "let's see all the 1 tons". I've entertained the idea but decided it would be easier to put the dually rear under my 70 GMC. I hope to start soon by removing the dually axle from the donor C30 tomorrow. __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

12-12-2004, 04:25 AM	#4
badone07 Project 2 Resume Join Date: May 2004 Location: Jim Thorpe, PA Posts: 884	Thanks for the replies. I'm getting a "used" acl put in my rt knee on the 23rd, so I won't be getting to it until probably late spring. Just trying to research some before then. Searched and read around, but nothing really descriptive or detailed. The truck is primarily a tow rig but would also like to use it to plow snow next winter. This way I can get more use out of it, instead of buying another truck. I saw Yukon Jack's link in the "let's see all the 1 tons" (Tony's truck). The truck I want to convert is in there also. Not sure what you mean by "spacers" or where he used them. If I do use a dana 44, can I still use my rims? Don't the rims sitting too far in the wheel wells. Guess they are different hubs, rotors and calipers. Right now the truck has a sm465 in it and haven't decided if I will step up to a nv4500 or a 4L80E. Probably will use a 205 tc and swapping out trans tunnel, reworking exhaust and tranny crossmember. Thinking about maybe going through a couple of local junkyards and seeing if they will sell me a complete front clip, burned off at the firewall. Then everything will be there and just burn off rivets and bolt on. Basically asking because I don't have a side by side comparison of the chassis and suspensions as well as being 4wd ignorant. __________________ John 1984 C30 Chevy Crew Cab Dually 1998 Jeep Cherokee 4x4 2004 Chevy Trailblazer 4x4 (wife's) 1970 Mustang FB fully tubed (getting 521 BBF & powerglide) 1978 Nova 2dr (going BBCaddy & S.P. th400) 1984 Monte SS (circle track car)

12-12-2004, 10:05 AM	#5
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	A dually front axle is about 8" wider than a SRW axle. The spacers allow you to use the dually rims on the front. If you can find a divorced 205 transfer case from a 69-74 dodge you would not have to change much. __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

12-13-2004, 11:30 AM	#6
Gunny runnin on empty Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Middle Georgia Posts: 115	I have a 1/2 ton 4x4 suburban that I am planning to do a 1 ton 4x4 swap (front and dually rear) once I find a reasonably priced donor truck __________________ 88 GMC Suburban - 6.2 Diesel 4x4 87 Jeep Cherokee - 6" lift, 32 bfg's, way too many mods to list. 65 Thunderbird - Stock United States Marine Corps SEPIUS EXERTUS, SEMPER FIDELIS, FRATER INFINITAS "Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever"

12-14-2004, 03:06 PM	#7
badone07 Project 2 Resume Join Date: May 2004 Location: Jim Thorpe, PA Posts: 884	Thanks again Jim. I guess I can disassemble my hubs. Locally, the tc, crossmember, front shaft, front axle assembly, leaf springs, tc shifter, steering box and components will run around $195 without the spring mounts, priced individually. I'm sure I can get them to just burn off a clip for me and drop it in my trailer, to make the swap go easier. I understand why a divorced tc would make it easier and not restrict the tranny of choice. Just curious if there is a short shaft between tc and tranny? Looked up some of the tc's and narrowed it down to the 205 divorced, 208 and 241 (non IFS). Other than the low range ratio, any other benefits one would have over the other. For example shift on fly, size, etc.? __________________ John 1984 C30 Chevy Crew Cab Dually 1998 Jeep Cherokee 4x4 2004 Chevy Trailblazer 4x4 (wife's) 1970 Mustang FB fully tubed (getting 521 BBF & powerglide) 1978 Nova 2dr (going BBCaddy & S.P. th400) 1984 Monte SS (circle track car)

12-19-2004, 01:39 PM	#9
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	The 205 is the only divorced TC with the eception of single speed NP200 and NP201s. As for the divorced set up, yes there is a short driveshaft between the two and it would be best to set the tc dead center of the front/rear axles so that your driveshafts front&rear would be the same. The 208 and 241 are aluminum cases that have to be attached to your tranny. Where they are coupled to the tranny one has a male and the other a female and they slide together. __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

02-14-2005, 02:39 AM	#11
1FaastC10 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 6,399	if you're wanting to go dually, save yourself alot of wear and tear on parts, skip the spacer and get a DRW Dana 60. if you can find a SRW D60, i can hook you up with the DRW hubs off of my DRW 60, i'm converting it to SRW to match my 14FF rear.



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