2wd to 4wd help

[rgreathouse]

I have a 1972 c10 2wd long bed straight six (leaf spring rear)...I can get a 1979 one ton 4x4 single rear wheel with a good running 350/400/205 for $700 from a friend. I am trying to figure out the best way to convert my truck to 4x4.

Here is what I am planning on doing please review and tell me what you think.

from what I understand the front body mount on my 2wd frame can be replaced with the body mount/spring hanger from the 4x4... I can mount the shackle mount from the 4x4 onto my 2wd chassis and run the 1979 leafs and axle. keep my 2wd steering box and run crossover steering.

In the rear since I currently have leafs I should be able to just swap leafs and axles out

For motor/trans/t-case will the 79 crossmembers/mounts work on my 72 chassis?

thanks for any help hopefully this doesnt get too confusing

[duallyjams]

Sound like the best way to go.You have a good plan.To run a cross over steering it works better with at least 4inch lift.

[KEITH72 4x4]

trans and transfer case mount should fit fine by only drilling a few holes. The front motor mounts on the otherhand will need a little bit of fab work to fit.

[Mxracer202]

Why not just swap the 72 body on the 79 frame?

[Altec]

Originally Posted by Mxracer202

Why not just swap the 72 body on the 79 frame?

Agreed. Put the 72 on the 79 frame. Take the cab mounts off the 72 frame, and position them on the 79 as needed.

The 79 frame is MUCH stronger, and the work to convert the 72 frame is way more then to simply swap cabs.

[duallyjams]

You open a big can of worms on trying to put a 72 cab on a 79 frame.
1) the wheel base is different so now you will have to move axles around
2) the rear of the frame is different the bed will sit on top of it but now you have to use three inch blocks on the cab mounts for the bed and cab to line now your bumbers don't work and the list goes on and on.

[Altec]

The only axle that would have to be moved is the rear. He never said if the 79 was a crew, or not so I have no idea if we are talking frame shortening, or a bracket move. Either way it would still be easier to do that then to try and make the front axle hangers fit properly, and STILL have to fudge with the rear axle brackets since the rear springs aren't the same as the 72 ones, nor do I think the mounting width is the same. I can measure the spring width on a '70 tomorrow, but the nearest 1-ton 73-87 is up the road from me a bit.

I have seen the bed modded to sit a bit lower without raising the floor, and you can always chop the frame down a tiny bit to lower it further. Just chop it right off the top, and plate back over with a arc welder. At this point even if the cab was sitting lower then the bed you are putting the cab mounts on yourself, so can make up the height.

Even if using the 79 frame is harder, it is still a WAY stronger frame, and has all the parts he wants bolted to it already. The fact that it is stronger would be enough for me to want to go that route.

[duallyjams]

Ah we can agree to disagree as i have done it both ways.

[BLACK AND BLUE 67-72]

I agree with Dually, it's a pita to put the cab and body over on the newer frame. You have to cut off the body mounts, none of them line up. The bed and cab set at a different height, front frame horns are different for mounting the bumper, you will either have to move the axle or move the bed back from the cab and have a bigger gap to get it centered. Where if you use the 2wd frame all you have to do is change the suspension, and your crossmembers will bolt in! My 70 in setting on an 81 frame and I absoultely hate it, I have a 2wd 70 frame that I am going to put it on, soooo much easier!!!!

[6thcav]

i have a 71 longbed 2wd i want to convert it to 4wd would it be possible to use the 71 frame and use doner shakles and leafs for the 4wd on the 2wd frame.

[rgreathouse]

to lift the rear of my 72 2wd that has factory 52" leafs can I just run lift leafs for a 4x4? or are the widths different? what about a shackle flip meant for a 4x4?

[rgreathouse]

any ideas to lift the rear

[Gene]

The rear shackle hole for the front springs will need to be located where your park brake cable goes through the frame and it is a raised spot on the frame. I have heard of some heating the raised spot and beating it flat or cutting it out and replacing with a flat piece of metal.