74 2wd to 74 4wd frame suspension swap

[perro13]

How you guys doing, I hang out in the 60-66 forums.
My question a friend of mine has a sb 4wd & a 2wd lb, he wants to convert the 4wd to a sb 2wd. is it a direct swap or would there be a problem because of the 4wd frame, hope this makes sense,Thanks in advance.

[oldschool18]

does he want to make one truck out of the two......is that what your saying?

[perro13]

Yes, he wants to end up with a 2wd short bed.
the long bed is 2wd, The short bed is a 4x4

[oldschool18]

if the long bed is in decent shape I would sell it, I went to the boneyard and got the front off a 2wd truck just had them cut the frame off at the firewall and then I had everything. Cost me 100 bucks and it was just unbolt cross member from one frame and bolt to the 4wd frame. my frame is a 71 and the cross member was off a 78 I think, I have to enlarge some holes not sure what the differences are between 4wd and 2wd on the 73-87 are. but I wouldn't scrap a truck if I could sell it......now if it was heading to the boneyard any way then I would swap them.

[cory d]

i would just shorten the frame. 14" behind the cab and 6" off the end. then you still have 2 working trucks

[oldschool18]

then you have to cut bed down or find another, shorten drive shaft and exhaust + brake lines, gas lines, wiring and there is a lot more work....I would buy used crossmember

[KrazyRay]

Long bed trucks around here have little value and are good for parts for the short bed trucks. That being said, the 4wd frame will need the radiator brackets swapped out and the rear spring hangers are taller and create a "lift". Also, you need to look closely at the rear shock area and steering box area for cracks. The junk yards sell frames for $200 if you want to get a clean one with no mods required.

[INSIDIOUS '86]

You could go and do it the hard way. Swap the suspension components around. All you would need is driveshafts for the two trucks.

[andrewmp6]

If the short bed is in good shape sell it,A 4x4 short bed is worth almost double with a short bed 2wd is worth around me.