2wd to 4wd

[griesel72]

I think that i want to convert this truck to a 4X4. I just want to make sure that i have everything i will need accounted for before i start the swap.

Will i need anything other than these things?

4X4 frame
pwr steering box
4X4 automatic linkage

Will i need new body mounts? (i put on new when i built it the first time)

Thanks, i'm new to this swap thing.
David

[Blue_71]

youll need new body mounts, k10, k20, and c20 and maybe c30 are the same, but c10 is totally different (i think this is right)

[JIMs70GMC]

Yep like blue said the core support mount is different I believe from the 1/2 2wd and 3/4 2wd and all the 4wd. I basically did this took a cab from a 70 2wd and the bed from a 67 2wd and set them on a 71 k20. You will (I did any way) need to install a high hump from a 4wd to clear the shifters unless you have an auto then you'll just need to cut a hole for the TC shifter.

[Truck Hippy]

Here is a few more things that are different for a 4x4. You will need:
front bumper brackets (outside)
rear bumper brackets (you can use gmc brackets)
trans hump
fan shroud
top radiator hose
exhaust manifolds
exhaust
if your truck has a/c, the plastic vacuum tank has an extra bracket for 4x4
body mounts
e-brake cable
speed-o-meter cable
This is all I can think of right now. I'm not saying that you can't make some of your 2wd parts work. This is just just a few items that are different on a 4x4. This swap is an easy weekend project. Wes.

[bodazpa]

then your truck will look just like mine

[2wdBlazer]

That guy with the big ass suburban converted his with the same frame. He even left the rear with coils. He is running 40's as well.

[bigger=better]

yeah he does have some info about it on here , do a search

It's an awesome truck.

Bodazpa yours ain't too shabby either.

[Russell]

Can you convert a 2wd frame to a 4wd?

And what is involved with converting a 700r4 from a 2wd to a 4wd tranny?

I have a 2wd 1980, and I want to convert it to 4x4 with parts from a mid 80's diesel crewcab one ton 4x4...

[jollyroger]

I converted a 78 suburban to a 4X4. I just transfered all the drive train from a 74 blazer to the suburban frame. Had to drill a zillion 67 holes for the brackets. Everything bolted to the frame in the same location. I did use the suburban rear springs. But I used the blazer brackets. I retained the suburban body mounts, bumpers and all. This is a no brainer.

[ABHaulR]

i converted my 72 gmc 2wd to a 4wd. i used the same frame just got the stock spring mounts from a 4wd for the front and left my rear coils. moved the axle from the top of the trailing arms to the bottom. used 8" lift springs in the front to level it out and added 40" boggers.

www.geocities.com/scbeoffroadunlimited

Dwayne

[griesel72]

Thanks for the input, guys. the 2wd, as it sets, is a leaf spring truck, but i think it would be much easier to just swap the body over to a 4X4 frame, and install the 400 small block that is in the 2wd into the 4wd.

Thanks for the advise
David

[teamroper!]

A guy that I work with has worked off and on between GM parts and service departments since the 60's. He said that a guy came in to the parts dept about 73-74 with a 72 2wd and ordered front spring hangers, springs and a transfer case to convert his to a 4x4. He said that all the holes for the hangers, shackles, ect were already in his 2wd frame.

[DennyB]

ABHaulR,
Great info.
I was about to post this question.
I will be looking into this swap.

It seems to me that I can unbolt the 71-72 2wd front end and bolt the 71-72 4wd front end in with minor mods and steering changes.

[griesel72]

Just a quick poll, would you guys want to do this if you were me.

A little background, i am moving from a "college town" back to a very rural community. I find that i only drive the 72 once a week, or less. I think that i would drive it a lot more if it were 4wd, and be able to get to and from home much easier. Also, would you make it a 3/4 or a 1/2 ton?

Thanks for the help, you guys are great

David

[JIMs70GMC]

Yes and 3/4 ton!

[Dean]

Ditto on the 3/4 ton especially if you plan on using it.....heavy loads or towing a heavy trailer.

[ABHaulR]

the steering box needs to be changed out to a 4wd box because of the pitman arm location. on the 2wd the arm sets straight with the frame and on the 4wd it sets at a 90 deg. from the frame. as for the bolt in of the 4wd hangers, you can either bolt them in or weld them in. i welded the stock ones in the front and made some custom ones for the rear. the rear ones go through the frame and you need to drill a large hole (1 7/8) for the mount to go through. i didnt take my cab off the frame to do mine so it was to tight to get in and drill the hole. on the pass side you will run into the brake lines and fuel lines to have to move to make you r hole for the front mount. you need to get a front cross member from a 4wd to support the engine mounts. i used a tube cross member from the truck shop in orange ca. just welded it between the frame rails. On mine i used a 2004r od trans and divorced my trans and transfer case.
Hope this helps you, any questions give me a haulr. LOL
Dwayne

[griesel72]

Well guys, i think i'm in business. I just bought a frame that Randy (teeitup) has. It is titled as a 67 K20, but has a disk brake Dana 44 in front, and a 14 bolt rear end. Here's the good part, it has a turbo 400 (completely rebuilt with stall converter and shift kit) with a 205 and a 396 big block completely rebuilt with hopped up parts ready to fire (only missing dist, intake and carb) It also has a 4 inch lift already installed.

All i have to do is make it over there and pick it up, and i'll start the swap.

Thanks for all the help
David