Which would be easier, lengthing frame or converting stock to 4wd?

[laplander]

I'm in a dilemna on what to do next with my 71 Longhorn. I was involved in an accident that tweaked the front end a little bit, and the body shop said they could fix it with about 10 hours of rack time. I've always wanted a 4WD Longhorn, so would I be better off finding a regular 4wd chassis that already has the transfer case set up and just cutting that frame and lengthing it 6 ", or straighten mine and then scrounge all the 4wd stuff and put it on that frame? Any insight would be appreciated. I must add that after the accident and illness, I'm kind of limited on what I can physically do, so some will have to be farmed out and some will be done by my kids. Thanks.

[special-K]

Good question. The 4wd frame will be a lighter weight frame since all Longhorns had 1 ton frames. They never made a 4wd using the 1 ton frame,so not sure what's involved with swapping cross members. That's what I'd be inclined to do "if" the frame wasn't damaged. So,in your case I think I'd stretch a factory 4wd frame. You'd be getting everything you need if you bought a complete rolling frame with transmission,transfer case,and drive shafts.

[rollinhard]

To bad we r so far apart. I have 69 4x4 frame with a 4spd tranfercase and rear differential all still installed just needs a front diff and driveshaft. Free to good home.