98' 4x4 Conversion ?

[Southern Shaker]

Hey yall,

I Have a 1998 Chevy Silverado 1500 with the 5.7 ltr vortec 350 and 700r4 its a extended 2wd right now Bone stock. But im wanting to Convert it to a straight axle 4x4 with around 6 inch lift on it what would i need to convert the 2wd to 4wd ? im a newbie at this. I know ill need

1.front axle
2.Transfer case
3.set of leafs

What else will i need ?

Thanks in Advance -Aden

[andrewmp6]

You can buy a kit http://www.offroadunlimited.com/orus...?idCategory=18

[b454rat]

I wouldn't waste your money on that kit. Its' a good kit, but alot of money for what you actually get. If you have some fab skills and a welder, then your halfway there. Axle/t-case depends on what you want or find. Driver drop t-case will be the easiest to find, but also the hardest to find an axle for. 78/79 Ford HP44 would be the best route, in less you want to go with 1 tons, then they are expensive. Pass drop axles are cheap and easy to find, but the t-case is one year, possibly two year only. You need one out of a Blazer or Suburban with electric speedo for VSS. I know 91 has it, but not 100% on 90.

Also will need to go with crossover steering. Easy on a Dana 60, more involved and expensive on a 10 bolt/D44. I've seen some HP44s 78/79 style that had the flat top knuckle, seen others that didn't have it. 10 bolts never came with them, so would have to source those.

Tell us what you want to go with, 1/2, 3/4 or 1 tons axles, 5, 6 or 8 lug, then can narrow it down from there.....

[Southern Shaker]

i want the 8 lug look an ive been looking for a dana 60 but i cant afford to do a rear axle swap just yet and its a 5 lug so a 5 lug half ton front axle

[b454rat]

Rear axle should be easy to get!! A 2wd would work. A Dana 60 would be the easiest to do, crossover steering can get expensive, and think the steering arm is $100 for a 60, whereas a 10b/D44 is the same price, but need to get a flat top knuckle, get it machined and get the longer studs. The 78/79 style Dana 60 is the most sought after and expensive axle to get. You can run the 86-92 style, should be cheaper and easier to find. Easy to convert dually to single too.

Check out Sky Manufacturing, they sell kits and pieces for an SAS...

[Southern Shaker]

Ok Thanks , Im not lookin for a hardcore offroader just yet i just need a 4x4 to have a lil fun in after school i got a miller 211 mig welder. ill look for a 88-92 dana 60. I have a 84 K5 blazer already i just cant stand my 2wd silverado. would it be cheaper to go to a pull-a-part yard an pick up a dana 60? and maybe a transfer case.

[Southern Shaker]

my 84' blazer ( sbc 350,tbh350 , Bullet proof transfer case, detroit lockers, All edel brock motor

[zip76]

The easiest and cheapest way would be to buy a donor truck and just switch everything over. I did a 2x4 to 4x4 swap last winter and it wasn't too bad...with having the donor truck parts and also being able to measure everything on the 4x4 donor and then marking up the 2x4 frame for an exact fit.

Here's my project
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post5961191

[Zane M]

Originally Posted by zip76

The easiest and cheapest way would be to buy a donor truck and just switch everything over. I did a 2x4 to 4x4 swap last winter and it wasn't too bad...with having the donor truck parts and also being able to measure everything on the 4x4 donor and then marking up the 2x4 frame for an exact fit.

Here's my project
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post5961191

That would normally be a great route to take, except OP wants a straight axle 4x4, which obviously was not offered in his body style.

[Southern Shaker]

Well guys i Apresheate the help but the Silverado got sold today an i just picked up a 71 custom 10