4wd to 2wd k5 conversion

[Big Ants71]

Has anyone ever took a 4wd k5 blazer frame and converted to 2wd?
or is this even possible.I have a doner 86 c10 for the swap.It looks easy but the 4wd frame doesn't have any holes to mount the x-member so knowing exactly where to mount it is my hold up.
any help would be appreciated

[chevy_fatman]

Yes it has been done, we have a neat feature here called "search" if you use it you will find what you seek, I would but I wouldn't want to take the fun away from you BTW

[71swb4x4]

What year are you converting?

[Big Ants71]

88

[obsesive23]

Yes it can be done, I've never done it personally but I know someone will pipe in that has. Ever thought of just buying a 2wd? There are alot of them around here for cheap. Check craigslist.

[kevinr1970]

Yeah, theirs tons around for sale... VVVVV

But I thought the frames did have the holes for the cross-member? In older 4x4's the cross-member is riveted on, and in the newer ones they are bolted on. The 2wd cross-member bolts in the same holes as the 4x4. I think...

[krue]

For the later model blazers, I'd just sell the 4wd and buy a 2wd. If the 2wd's were rare (think 1st generation) then I'd consider conversion.

[71swb4x4]

I don't think it would take much to convert the newer one to a 2wd. If the one you have is solid I would convert it.

[edman87]

OK, I will withhold my initial opinion of your question. I think all 4x4's should be left that way and if anything lifted, not dropped.
Anyway, why not leave it 4 wheel drive? Why remove the front axle? It seems like a lot of work for little gain, I know it will ride better on the street, but with the right springs and shocks, the solid axle won't be bad. If ti is handling you are looking for, You are starting with the wrong vehicle anyway.
I AM NOIT BASHING ANYONE FOR 2WD! I have mre 2 wd vehicles than 4 x4 myself.
My question is why not leave the front axle in and lower it if that is what you are looking for? You could remove the front driveshaft and even swap to a 2wd tranny if you wanted and you would always have the option of going back to 4 wheel drive... like it was intended for all blazers to be.
I do appreciate the 2wd blazers and such myself, but am a 4x4 man at heart.

[71swb4x4]

There is no way you will get a straight axle 4wd as low as a 2wd, unless you raise the motor a up a foot so you have room for the front diff to go up. Way more work than converting to 2wd.

I think removing the front axle is a little work for a lot of gain, especially since you have the parts truck.

[sixty8c10]

HERE YOU GO......a link to my swap
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=168231
from this

to this

and finally

Feel free to ask questions.

[kevinr1970]

Originally Posted by sixty8c10

Feel free to ask questions.

Did you have to get parts from trucks other than the ones you started with? I am talking about major parts, not belts and hoses and such.

What did you do about the floors? The 4x4 has a "hump" where the transfer case shifter goes and the 2wd doesn't? I am under the impression that on older (70's?) trucks the floor is bolted in and can be swapped but on the 80's style they are not.
I have an '85 rust free K5 to use for a body on either my '81 or '82 2wd K5 (which ever I keep) and was wondering about that. Actually, I have an '85 4x4 Cab to go on my '87 2wd swb that will have the same issue.

Thanks in advance for any info.

[edman87]

Are you wanting to lay frame or just get a lower ride height?

[sixty8c10]

here we go
1. yes, the parts from other trucks consisted of the front crossmember (the one underneath/ directly behind the radiator) and a floor hump both came from 67-72 GMC

2. When I put the 4wd running gear in the P/U I cut a hole in the floor to clear the T-case, and covered it with a floor hump from a 67-72 GMC. I left the 4WD shifter in the blazer its not in the way and its a good conversation piece.

3. I don't really understand what you are trying to say with the last remark...are you going to do a frame swap? 85 body to 81/ 82 frame then just turn your P/U into 4WD or what?

[kevinr1970]

So basically in the truck (now a 4x4) you have a double floor?

If #3 was directed at me then let me clarify.
I have an '81 and an 82 K5 2wd Blazer (two). I have an '85 K5 4x4 for parts that has a rust free body. I am only keeping one of the 2wd Blazers and plan to swap the '85 "tub" onto the frame of the one I keep. It will remain a 2wd Blazer but I want it to have the non-humped floor.
I also have an '87 2wd swb. It has ZERO options. I bought an '85 4x4 swb with a bent frame for parts. It is LOADED with options(AC, PW, PL, dome light, etc). I plan to swap the 4x4 cab onto the 2wd frame. Again, I would like to have a non-humped floor.

So on the 80's floors is the tunnel(?) welded/bonded in place or is it stamped? I thought when I had my carpet up it looked like you could see a sealer around the tunnel(?) that made me think it was removeable. Maybe not easily but without cutting steel.

Thanks for the info!
PS, I had read your other thread before but had not kept up. I posted my questions before I went back an reread it from start to finish. Thanks again for all the info contained in that thread!!!

Originally Posted by sixty8c10

here we go
1. yes, the parts from other trucks consisted of the front crossmember (the one underneath/ directly behind the radiator) and a floor hump both came from 67-72 GMC

2. When I put the 4wd running gear in the P/U I cut a hole in the floor to clear the T-case, and covered it with a floor hump from a 67-72 GMC. I left the 4WD shifter in the blazer its not in the way and its a good conversation piece.

3. I don't really understand what you are trying to say with the last remark...are you going to do a frame swap? 85 body to 81/ 82 frame then just turn your P/U into 4WD or what?

[sixty8c10]

So basically in the truck (now a 4x4) you have a double floor?

No, I just cut the hump to clear an older np203 transfer case, and used a slightly modified, removeable hump from a 67-72 (its just screwed in place) to cover it, basically it still has the factory floor.

[made2drag]

nice

[clay og]

I have 2 71 4wds. One is lifted and has a granny 4 speed.The other is automatic and fairly stock. The one that is automatic I want to make into a 2wd for the low car like ride and a car is just not that useful to me.Good choice don’t let the haters hate.