2WD or 4WD?

[bloertcher]

OK,here's my delimma,I've got a really slick 82 shortbed 4x4.The body is originally 2wd,I put it on a 77 4wd frame,with body lift so no tranny hump change.It's been parked for about 3 years,because I was being mean to it.(mud,off roading,etc.).I was afraid I'd mess up a really slick,rust free body,so I built another truck.
Now I've got the 4x4 bug out of my system,and I'm seriously considering putting the body back on a 2wd frame,2/4 drop,with a bigblock I already have.I figured I'd put A/C back on the truck,and make a nice driver out of it.
So am I nuts?Lots of my pals think I am,because it was a really slick looking 4x4.But if it's a 4x4,I like to use it that way,which means scratches,dents,etc.

Just a note for help with this decision,I already have a 2wd frame,with fresh balljoints,tie rod ends,shocks,etc.I've got the 454,all I need drivetrain wise is a transmission(would the 5 speed from a 90 chevy 2wd hold up?Got one of those),and tires/wheels.

Sock it to me,I'm all ears.Help me do the right thing!!

[N2TRUX]

It sound like you need one of each. If the 82 is that slick, then swap the frame, or suspension and have a nice 2wd. Then use the spre parts to build a ratty 4wd that you can beat on with no regrets....

[bloertcher]

Thanks for your opinion,man.
Ironically,the thought that has been in my head is to build the 2wd,and put my 92 body on the 4x4 chassis.I thought it would be cool to drive a bigblock shortbed 2wd daily,and have the 92 stepside as a beater on 40s or so.

[N2TRUX]

With the cost of gas these days I'm not sure if I would want a big block as a daily driver. I don't think the 92 body on the 77 frame is going to be a bolt on deal either....

[bloertcher]

Gas prices suck,but all my rigs are paid for.So I call gas my "payment".

The 92 body on the early frame is anything but bolt on,but the wheelbase works out.
I've done this swap once before,and it works,sorry to leave the impression that anyone can just swap the sheetmetal between bodystyles.

[N2TRUX]

Hey if you have done it before then you know where your heading. I wasn't sure that you knew what all was involved. How much of a fab work is required for the swap?

[Captkaos]

Side note, the 5 speed (NV3550 in the 92) will PUKE behind a 454. Unless you drive it like you are 70.

[Hoods69BadBowTie]

^ Yeah what he said about the '92 tranny. I think you should go ahead and take the good body and make a 2 WD out of it. Then take the 4x4 frame and put a beater body on it.
-Later

[bloertcher]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Hey if you have done it before then you know where your heading. I wasn't sure that you knew what all was involved. How much of a fab work is required for the swap?

It's a fair amount of work,but it can be done safely if the proper amount of time is taken.The biggest obstacle is the difference in frame width,the 88-98 has a much wider frame.This requires outboard mounts on the early frame,along with boxing and fabbing extra crossmembers to keep the frame straight and true.

The other hitch is fabbing a steering shaft,as 88-98 trucks mount the steering box inboard,instead of outside the frame on the straight axle frame.On mine,I found the perfect steering joints in a Fiero at a salvage yard.They are yoke/Ujoint type,I had to seperate them from their shaft,and make a new collapsable shaft.But they will mate up to the existing coloumn/steering box.

In my opinion,if $$$ is a concern,it's still a better way to build a straight axle 88-98 truck.I know kits are available to swap a straight axle into these trucks,but the kit is WAY overpriced,you've got to run a Ford front axle,convert it to 6 lug if you stay 1/2 ton,or swap to an earlier T-case,whick is gonna be a bunch of fab work and driveshaft jockying.


Now back to the original subject,thanks for the input,I think I'll start sticking pieces togethor this winter,when the weather is cold and the shop is warm.Does anyone know of a standard trans,with O/D,that could be used,without dropping a fortune on a T-56?If not I guess I'll build a 700,but I sure would like to row my own in this truck.Thanx again,everyone.