2wd to 4wd swap??? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

RACINJASON22 · 03-10-2007, 09:49 AM

I did some searching and can't seem to find the answer.

All these Gr8 looking swb 4x4 have me thinking and I only have money for one truck.

Question: Using these two trucks in my Sig. 72 swb 2wd and 72 lond bed 4x4 can I convert the swb 2wd to 4x4.

Even if it's not a direct nut and bolt swap. I don't mind doing some fab. work but really don't want to get into major custom fab. work. Either way this is going to be a frame up build starting soon as it gets alittle warmer.

I had heard that you could but, thought I read on here somewhere that you can't. Don't have both trucks side by side to compare.

Even just threads that are alredy on here would be Gr8 if this is possible.

Thank you in advance, RJ22

JimKshortstep4x4 · 03-10-2007, 10:22 AM

My thought would be to use the 4x4 long bed frame, shorten it by 12" and cut 8" off the rear. All of your short bed sheet metal should fit your reworked frame. I believe the bed mounts would have to be addressed as well as shortening the drive shaft.

Trying to remount the springs from the long bed to the short bed frame seems like a job!

Jim

**CUSTOM/10** · 03-10-2007, 10:33 AM

You could shorten the LWB frame, or you could buy my 70 SWB 4x4 frame + matching vin tag. I just bought another out of Cali. and will most likely be putting the 70 up for sale when it arrives. It's been sand blasted & painted, no rot throw anywhere but has pitting. Solid frame !!! ( Located in NH )

Gary

1969k10stepside · 03-10-2007, 11:58 AM

Warning:Shortbed 4x4 Chassis's arent cheap.Well,except mine....
Anyway,your best bet besides buying a shortbed 4x4 chassis would be to cut down the longbed 4x4.Does the 2wd shortbed have a coil spring rear end?If so then I would eliminate the 4x4 convert using it.

RACINJASON22 · 03-10-2007, 04:02 PM

Custom/10 thanks for the offer but, I'm trying to figure it out with one of my frames if I can.

1969k10stepside The swb is a coil truck arm rear.

So I guess what your telling me is that I can't do away with the coil rear components and bolt all the leaf rear on to my swb frame and then do the same with the front engine cradle and components.

Main Question: Is a swb frame itself different from 2wd to 4x4. Maybe I'm not asking this question right or in the right words. Thanks RJ22

1969k10stepside · 03-10-2007, 08:34 PM

The 2wds with coil springs are a totally different frame,there is bends in it the leaf springs trucks dont have.I have a thread with pics comparing the 2 frames,I will dig it up

1969k10stepside · 03-10-2007, 08:44 PM

I found my thread with pics comparing the frames.Oh,and I threw in the latest shortbed 4x4 pic I have of mine

link

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RACINJASON22 · 03-10-2007, 10:20 PM

Thank You 1969k10stepside for the link that was exatly what I was wondering.

My original plan was to build the 2wd and then the 4x4 the way they were but, money is making me lean toward only one build. That means sale or part out the other to help fund the one I build. I have a little while till warmer weather to figure it out.

Thanks again RJ22

earl87gta · 03-10-2007, 11:22 PM

do a search for posts from ABholer he has done this with his burb. all he did was flip the rear axle so it was under the rear control arms. used the front spring perches and crossmber from a 4x4. steering you could go to cross over and keep the 2wd box or standered steering using the 4x4 steering box. Its not that hard of a swap he has some pics on his web site I dont have the link here but Im sure some one here may have it.

RACINJASON22 · 03-10-2007, 11:58 PM

earl87gta thanx for the tip. Sounds interesting....hmmm different 4x4 truck arm rear. I'll check it out. Still debating on what to do so all options are open at this point.

2wd, 4x4, swb, lwb, lifted, lowered, too many options too little time!

jacobs · 03-11-2007, 09:51 AM

I installed a 73 Blazer complete running gear under my 70 c/10 with coil springs 15 years ago. It was easy to install the leaf springs in place of the coils. Frame rails are the same width. Just welded the old Blazer spring hangers on the 70 frame and the rest just bolted right on. Yes, the frames are different in back but that isn't a problem when going to leaf springs. You can't change from factory leafs to coils though. I don't understand why GM made frames different between coil and leaf springs. I guess they just didn't like simplicity.

GMCMAX · 03-11-2007, 11:28 AM

If you convert the 2wd, it will need the high hump floor to clear the trans/transfer IIRC. I did mine, but it already had rear leaf. The front stuff will bolt in with some mods such as flattening or cutting out the big dimples where the e-brake goes through-- thats where my front spring mounts went.

GMCMAX · 03-11-2007, 11:42 AM

This one was for sale,I saved the pic from the ad, it has the rear axle on top of the arms and some other rear mods

RACINJASON22 · 03-11-2007, 01:16 PM

Thanks for all the replies. I'm still debating on which way to go but, all this info is helpful. I see the difference in the frames in the back. I was wondering if any body did the swap like jacobs did discribed. I thought it may have been possible. I want to get these two trucks side by side and do some real good comparisons when I do I'll list some pics with details. Thanx again everyone.

67-72williso · 03-13-2007, 10:33 PM

Jason
Where is central PA at? I`m here in Manheim thats central PA to.
Willis

RACINJASON22 · 03-13-2007, 10:53 PM

67-72williso I'm Right in the middle I would guess Philipsburg would probably be the closest town you might have heard of. I live in the sticks Osceola Mills is tha actual address 16666 zip but I really don't live IN that town either. My addess should be middle of the woods central Pa. 20min northwest of State College RJ22

03-10-2007, 09:49 AM	#1
RACINJASON22 GEARHEAD Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: CENTRAL,PA Posts: 2,284	2wd to 4wd swap??? I did some searching and can't seem to find the answer. All these Gr8 looking swb 4x4 have me thinking and I only have money for one truck. Question: Using these two trucks in my Sig. 72 swb 2wd and 72 lond bed 4x4 can I convert the swb 2wd to 4x4. Even if it's not a direct nut and bolt swap. I don't mind doing some fab. work but really don't want to get into major custom fab. work. Either way this is going to be a frame up build starting soon as it gets alittle warmer. I had heard that you could but, thought I read on here somewhere that you can't. Don't have both trucks side by side to compare. Even just threads that are alredy on here would be Gr8 if this is possible. Thank you in advance, RJ22 __________________ 72 SWB 2WD MY PROJECT 72 LWB 4X4 FUTURE PROJECT SUBSCRIBE HEREBOARD VENDORS HERE NORWOOD MEET SURVIVOR!

03-10-2007, 10:22 AM	#2
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	Re: 2wd to 4wd swap??? My thought would be to use the 4x4 long bed frame, shorten it by 12" and cut 8" off the rear. All of your short bed sheet metal should fit your reworked frame. I believe the bed mounts would have to be addressed as well as shortening the drive shaft. Trying to remount the springs from the long bed to the short bed frame seems like a job! Jim __________________ 1971 Shortbox step side 4x4, 350 sbc, 3:07 rear end 1965 Impala SS 400 sbc, Muncie rock crusher 1966 Impala SS 396 bbc, TH 400 1969 El Camino, 350 sbc, TH 350 1971 Snowplow built on a Blazer frame 1972 GMC Short bed, stepside, TH 400, 427 BBC

03-10-2007, 10:33 AM	#3
CUSTOM/10 Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Sandown, NH Posts: 2,799	Re: 2wd to 4wd swap??? You could shorten the LWB frame, or you could buy my 70 SWB 4x4 frame + matching vin tag. I just bought another out of Cali. and will most likely be putting the 70 up for sale when it arrives. It's been sand blasted & painted, no rot throw anywhere but has pitting. Solid frame !!! ( Located in NH ) Gary __________________ Gary 72 SWB 4x4 My 72 SWB Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=259859

03-10-2007, 11:58 AM	#4
1969k10stepside Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: USA Posts: 21,020	Re: 2wd to 4wd swap??? Warning:Shortbed 4x4 Chassis's arent cheap.Well,except mine.... Anyway,your best bet besides buying a shortbed 4x4 chassis would be to cut down the longbed 4x4.Does the 2wd shortbed have a coil spring rear end?If so then I would eliminate the 4x4 convert using it.

03-10-2007, 04:02 PM	#5
RACINJASON22 GEARHEAD Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: CENTRAL,PA Posts: 2,284	Re: 2wd to 4wd swap??? Custom/10 thanks for the offer but, I'm trying to figure it out with one of my frames if I can. 1969k10stepside The swb is a coil truck arm rear. So I guess what your telling me is that I can't do away with the coil rear components and bolt all the leaf rear on to my swb frame and then do the same with the front engine cradle and components. Main Question: Is a swb frame itself different from 2wd to 4x4. Maybe I'm not asking this question right or in the right words. Thanks RJ22 __________________ 72 SWB 2WD MY PROJECT 72 LWB 4X4 FUTURE PROJECT SUBSCRIBE HEREBOARD VENDORS HERE NORWOOD MEET SURVIVOR! Last edited by RACINJASON22; 03-10-2007 at 04:02 PM.

03-10-2007, 08:34 PM	#6
1969k10stepside Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: USA Posts: 21,020	Re: 2wd to 4wd swap??? The 2wds with coil springs are a totally different frame,there is bends in it the leaf springs trucks dont have.I have a thread with pics comparing the 2 frames,I will dig it up

03-10-2007, 08:44 PM	#7
1969k10stepside Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: USA Posts: 21,020	Re: 2wd to 4wd swap??? I found my thread with pics comparing the frames.Oh,and I threw in the latest shortbed 4x4 pic I have of mine link

03-10-2007, 10:20 PM	#8
RACINJASON22 GEARHEAD Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: CENTRAL,PA Posts: 2,284	Re: 2wd to 4wd swap??? Thank You 1969k10stepside for the link that was exatly what I was wondering. My original plan was to build the 2wd and then the 4x4 the way they were but, money is making me lean toward only one build. That means sale or part out the other to help fund the one I build. I have a little while till warmer weather to figure it out. Thanks again RJ22 __________________ 72 SWB 2WD MY PROJECT 72 LWB 4X4 FUTURE PROJECT SUBSCRIBE HEREBOARD VENDORS HERE NORWOOD MEET SURVIVOR!

03-10-2007, 11:22 PM	#9
earl87gta Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Kingsport TN Posts: 4,641	Re: 2wd to 4wd swap??? do a search for posts from ABholer he has done this with his burb. all he did was flip the rear axle so it was under the rear control arms. used the front spring perches and crossmber from a 4x4. steering you could go to cross over and keep the 2wd box or standered steering using the 4x4 steering box. Its not that hard of a swap he has some pics on his web site I dont have the link here but Im sure some one here may have it. __________________ Earl 68 2500 4x4 GMC Burb

03-10-2007, 11:58 PM	#10
RACINJASON22 GEARHEAD Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: CENTRAL,PA Posts: 2,284	Re: 2wd to 4wd swap??? earl87gta thanx for the tip. Sounds interesting....hmmm different 4x4 truck arm rear. I'll check it out. Still debating on what to do so all options are open at this point. 2wd, 4x4, swb, lwb, lifted, lowered, too many options too little time! __________________ 72 SWB 2WD MY PROJECT 72 LWB 4X4 FUTURE PROJECT SUBSCRIBE HEREBOARD VENDORS HERE NORWOOD MEET SURVIVOR!

03-11-2007, 09:51 AM	#11
jacobs Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: 9000' Mountain Man Posts: 326	Re: 2wd to 4wd swap??? I installed a 73 Blazer complete running gear under my 70 c/10 with coil springs 15 years ago. It was easy to install the leaf springs in place of the coils. Frame rails are the same width. Just welded the old Blazer spring hangers on the 70 frame and the rest just bolted right on. Yes, the frames are different in back but that isn't a problem when going to leaf springs. You can't change from factory leafs to coils though. I don't understand why GM made frames different between coil and leaf springs. I guess they just didn't like simplicity. Last edited by jacobs; 03-11-2007 at 05:57 PM.

03-11-2007, 11:28 AM	#12
GMCMAX Active Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Lower Mid-East Ca. Posts: 326	Re: 2wd to 4wd swap??? If you convert the 2wd, it will need the high hump floor to clear the trans/transfer IIRC. I did mine, but it already had rear leaf. The front stuff will bolt in with some mods such as flattening or cutting out the big dimples where the e-brake goes through-- thats where my front spring mounts went. __________________ Never try to teach a pig to sing; it wastes your time and annoys the pig! Gets More Chicks My lugnuts require more torque than your honda makes! 68 GMC, 4X4 conversion w/73 k20 running gear and springs, 350 4spd, 4.10's, D44 powerlok front, 14BFF govlock rear, 33" tires, lifted 4".

03-11-2007, 11:42 AM	#13
GMCMAX Active Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Lower Mid-East Ca. Posts: 326	Re: 2wd to 4wd swap??? This one was for sale,I saved the pic from the ad, it has the rear axle on top of the arms and some other rear mods __________________ Never try to teach a pig to sing; it wastes your time and annoys the pig! Gets More Chicks My lugnuts require more torque than your honda makes! 68 GMC, 4X4 conversion w/73 k20 running gear and springs, 350 4spd, 4.10's, D44 powerlok front, 14BFF govlock rear, 33" tires, lifted 4".

03-11-2007, 01:16 PM	#14
RACINJASON22 GEARHEAD Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: CENTRAL,PA Posts: 2,284	Re: 2wd to 4wd swap??? Thanks for all the replies. I'm still debating on which way to go but, all this info is helpful. I see the difference in the frames in the back. I was wondering if any body did the swap like jacobs did discribed. I thought it may have been possible. I want to get these two trucks side by side and do some real good comparisons when I do I'll list some pics with details. Thanx again everyone. __________________ 72 SWB 2WD MY PROJECT 72 LWB 4X4 FUTURE PROJECT SUBSCRIBE HEREBOARD VENDORS HERE NORWOOD MEET SURVIVOR!

03-13-2007, 10:33 PM	#15
67-72williso Junk/Daily Driver Club Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Manheim, PA 17545 Posts: 253	Re: 2wd to 4wd swap??? Jason Where is central PA at? I`m here in Manheim thats central PA to. Willis __________________ Daily Driver: 1970 C-20 400 sbc,sm-465,Dana 61 one ton SRW rear, 3.07 gears, locker. There are three kinds of people: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who have no idea what happened!



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03-13-2007, 10:53 PM	#16
RACINJASON22 GEARHEAD Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: CENTRAL,PA Posts: 2,284	Re: 2wd to 4wd swap??? 67-72williso I'm Right in the middle I would guess Philipsburg would probably be the closest town you might have heard of. I live in the sticks Osceola Mills is tha actual address 16666 zip but I really don't live IN that town either. My addess should be middle of the woods central Pa. 20min northwest of State College RJ22 __________________ 72 SWB 2WD MY PROJECT 72 LWB 4X4 FUTURE PROJECT SUBSCRIBE HEREBOARD VENDORS HERE NORWOOD MEET SURVIVOR!

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