2WD & 4x4 frame differences - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Spray-Bomb · 11-26-2009, 01:46 AM

Hey guys, not sure if I shoulda posted this in the 4x4 section or what, but here it is

Can someone explain to me the differences between 2WD & 4x4 frames... Particularly 67 frames

Thanks, Matt

eric67m · 11-26-2009, 08:28 AM

From what I have seen...

In the rear...

Most 2wd's are coil sprung rear, so the cross member and mounting points will be different. Coil springs have the cross member at the top for the spring and one in front of the axle for the suspension arms(track bar?).

4x4's are leaf sprung. Perches at each corner of the leafs (4 total).

In the front...

2wd's have a big, riveted in cross member which the A arms and coils attach to.

4x4's have spring perches in front under the radiator core support and shackles/mounts back just before the front cab mount.

The transmission cross member is different. 4x4 mounts between the transmission and transfer case.

I hope this helps. It is just what I know, definatly not everything. I know many people do conversions. Check the 4x4 board and also look in that section for different builds.

Spray-Bomb · 11-26-2009, 11:34 AM

Thanks, I pretty much knew all the common stuff

I just dont know if there are any real differences in the frames, or is it just the brackets & cross members

Spray-Bomb · 11-26-2009, 04:12 PM

Bumpity bump

OARNGESI · 11-26-2009, 04:23 PM

I think the front of the frame kicks up abit on a 4x4 about a inch and the rear wount curve out like on coil spring trucks atleast that how it seems on my blazer

**special-K** · 11-27-2009, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OARNGESI

I think the front of the frame kicks up abit on a 4x4 about a inch and the rear wount curve out like on coil spring trucks atleast that how it seems on my blazer

That`s it,other than crossmembers.

JimKshortstep4x4 · 11-27-2009, 12:09 PM

The two wheel drive truck frames, (both coil and leaf spring) are wider at the kickup area over the rear end. The 2 wd frames are 38 1/2" wide and the 4 wd frames are 34 1/2" wide.

Jim

sameyrasmea72 · 11-27-2009, 03:01 PM

Some of the brackets and cross members are different for sure,but you could change some of that. The real difference as stated before is the frame rails themselves. A 2wd like in the pic goes up and out at the rear end. ( This is true even a a leaf 2wd) On a 4x4 frame the frame rails in this area are as straight as a board. I don't have a pic of a 4x4, but I will see if I can find one.

**Dieselwrencher** · 11-27-2009, 05:13 PM

The portion of the frame where the steering box bolts on is a little different as well. You can see in this pic.

That is a steering box brace from a K5 blazer. It isn't off much, but it's still off. And the frame is a 72 3/4 ton Longhorn, so this may not apply to your frame.

greystoke · 11-27-2009, 05:30 PM

It would not be to difficult then to swap a 2wd truck and 4wd blazer like for like then? If a guy wanted to build a 2wd blazer that is.

**Dieselwrencher** · 11-27-2009, 05:32 PM

I'm sure you could bolt in all the 2wd stuff in a 4wd frame. But I don't think I would do it.

greystoke · 11-27-2009, 05:36 PM

well...some would say not to cut a suburban down and build a four door but when all is said and done it makes for extreme coolness

Spray-Bomb · 11-27-2009, 07:13 PM

Thanks guys

I guess the search for a 4x4 frame is on

greystoke · 11-27-2009, 08:15 PM

what are you going to build spraybomb?

Spray-Bomb · 11-27-2009, 08:23 PM

My old 67 GMC long step Kilroy

I want him to be a 4x4 this time around

greystoke · 11-27-2009, 08:32 PM

love that, will be badazz. I really think i'm going to try that body swap. My dad has a 71 short, will be mine someday...later than sooner hopefully

**Dieselwrencher** · 11-27-2009, 09:29 PM

I've seen guys put leaf springs on the coil spring 2wd frames. As a matter of fact Leon, Lockdoc, has a coil spring frame with leaf springs on it at his place. Maybe he could snap some pics for you. I'd just use your frame unless you can find a 4x4 frame easily.

screamin_c10 · 11-27-2009, 09:52 PM

I have a factory leaf sprung 1/2 ton 2wd frame. It has the same dimensions as my c10 coil sprung frame... If you want pics I can post some for ya.

OARNGESI · 11-27-2009, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greystoke

it would not be to difficult then to swap a 2wd truck and 4wd blazer like for like then? If a guy wanted to build a 2wd blazer that is.

a short bed frame is longer than a blazer frame but you can add all 2wd stuff to a 4wd frame without too much difficulty

11-26-2009, 01:46 AM	#1
Spray-Bomb Texas Big Wig Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Mineola, Texas Posts: 5,620	2WD & 4x4 frame differences Hey guys, not sure if I shoulda posted this in the 4x4 section or what, but here it is Can someone explain to me the differences between 2WD & 4x4 frames... Particularly 67 frames Thanks, Matt __________________ Just not low enough... ----------------------------- Sinister Killer

11-26-2009, 08:28 AM	#2
eric67m Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Monroe, WA Posts: 298	Re: 2WD & 4x4 frame differences From what I have seen... In the rear... Most 2wd's are coil sprung rear, so the cross member and mounting points will be different. Coil springs have the cross member at the top for the spring and one in front of the axle for the suspension arms(track bar?). 4x4's are leaf sprung. Perches at each corner of the leafs (4 total). In the front... 2wd's have a big, riveted in cross member which the A arms and coils attach to. 4x4's have spring perches in front under the radiator core support and shackles/mounts back just before the front cab mount. The transmission cross member is different. 4x4 mounts between the transmission and transfer case. I hope this helps. It is just what I know, definatly not everything. I know many people do conversions. Check the 4x4 board and also look in that section for different builds. __________________ 67 K10, lwb, fleetside, 327, 4spd, 205, cab and 3/4 frame swap, 14 bolt, big window, and a "rustoleum roll job"

11-26-2009, 11:34 AM	#3
Spray-Bomb Texas Big Wig Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Mineola, Texas Posts: 5,620	Re: 2WD & 4x4 frame differences Thanks, I pretty much knew all the common stuff I just dont know if there are any real differences in the frames, or is it just the brackets & cross members __________________ Just not low enough... ----------------------------- Sinister Killer

11-26-2009, 04:12 PM	#4
Spray-Bomb Texas Big Wig Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Mineola, Texas Posts: 5,620	Re: 2WD & 4x4 frame differences Bumpity bump __________________ Just not low enough... ----------------------------- Sinister Killer

11-26-2009, 04:23 PM	#5
OARNGESI Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: CASA GRANDE AZ Posts: 4,276	Re: 2WD & 4x4 frame differences I think the front of the frame kicks up abit on a 4x4 about a inch and the rear wount curve out like on coil spring trucks atleast that how it seems on my blazer __________________ 70 SWB STEPSIDE 70 BLAZER 09 challenger

11-27-2009, 12:09 PM	#7
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	Re: 2WD & 4x4 frame differences The two wheel drive truck frames, (both coil and leaf spring) are wider at the kickup area over the rear end. The 2 wd frames are 38 1/2" wide and the 4 wd frames are 34 1/2" wide. 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

11-27-2009, 03:01 PM	#8
sameyrasmea72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Lubbock, Texas Posts: 2,443	Re: 2WD & 4x4 frame differences Some of the brackets and cross members are different for sure,but you could change some of that. The real difference as stated before is the frame rails themselves. A 2wd like in the pic goes up and out at the rear end. ( This is true even a a leaf 2wd) On a 4x4 frame the frame rails in this area are as straight as a board. I don't have a pic of a 4x4, but I will see if I can find one. Attached Images __________________ 72 Cheyenne Super 80 Silverado Blazer 2wd

11-27-2009, 05:13 PM	#9
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,140	Re: 2WD & 4x4 frame differences The portion of the frame where the steering box bolts on is a little different as well. You can see in this pic. That is a steering box brace from a K5 blazer. It isn't off much, but it's still off. And the frame is a 72 3/4 ton Longhorn, so this may not apply to your frame. __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.* Last edited by Dieselwrencher; 11-27-2009 at 05:14 PM.

11-27-2009, 05:30 PM	#10
greystoke Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Buckeye, Arizona Posts: 694	Re: 2WD & 4x4 frame differences It would not be to difficult then to swap a 2wd truck and 4wd blazer like for like then? If a guy wanted to build a 2wd blazer that is.

11-27-2009, 05:32 PM	#11
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,140	Re: 2WD & 4x4 frame differences I'm sure you could bolt in all the 2wd stuff in a 4wd frame. But I don't think I would do it. __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

11-27-2009, 05:36 PM	#12
greystoke Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Buckeye, Arizona Posts: 694	Re: 2WD & 4x4 frame differences well...some would say not to cut a suburban down and build a four door but when all is said and done it makes for extreme coolness

11-27-2009, 07:13 PM	#13
Spray-Bomb Texas Big Wig Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Mineola, Texas Posts: 5,620	Re: 2WD & 4x4 frame differences Thanks guys I guess the search for a 4x4 frame is on __________________ Just not low enough... ----------------------------- Sinister Killer

11-27-2009, 08:15 PM	#14
greystoke Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Buckeye, Arizona Posts: 694	Re: 2WD & 4x4 frame differences what are you going to build spraybomb?

11-27-2009, 08:23 PM	#15
Spray-Bomb Texas Big Wig Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Mineola, Texas Posts: 5,620	Re: 2WD & 4x4 frame differences My old 67 GMC long step Kilroy I want him to be a 4x4 this time around __________________ Just not low enough... ----------------------------- Sinister Killer

11-27-2009, 08:32 PM	#16
greystoke Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Buckeye, Arizona Posts: 694	Re: 2WD & 4x4 frame differences love that, will be badazz. I really think i'm going to try that body swap. My dad has a 71 short, will be mine someday...later than sooner hopefully



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

11-27-2009, 09:29 PM	#17
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,140	Re: 2WD & 4x4 frame differences I've seen guys put leaf springs on the coil spring 2wd frames. As a matter of fact Leon, Lockdoc, has a coil spring frame with leaf springs on it at his place. Maybe he could snap some pics for you. I'd just use your frame unless you can find a 4x4 frame easily. __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

11-27-2009, 09:52 PM	#18
screamin_c10 I dun gradjiated collij!!! Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: St. Helens Oregon Posts: 1,750	Re: 2WD & 4x4 frame differences I have a factory leaf sprung 1/2 ton 2wd frame. It has the same dimensions as my c10 coil sprung frame... If you want pics I can post some for ya. __________________ Built NOT Bought. Viper Red 1971 LWB C10 355 Vortec W/700R4 4/5 drop AKA Screamin' You are missed! 2006 F150 XLT 5.4L Triton Rollin' on 22s the "F1" 67 C20 PS/AC/327/TH400 we call 'er "Bessie" 67 Malibu PS/ZR1-LS1 Brakes/350 Vortec/700R4 2/2 drop on 18" 338s - Tracy's "Boo" Boosted '67 Cougar EFI 5.0 HO roller motor/T5/8.8 Tracloc/ 4 wheel disks - "Project Panther" 79 Honda Z50 - stretched, cafe'd and hotrodded 125CC Lifan/5spd FEAR THE MONKEY!

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.