4x4 to 2x4

[mkundo]

Can someone who has seen or done this conversion let me know the problems I will run in to. I have a'74 Blazer 4x4. I like to put a 2-wheel drive cradel from a like model 2x4 truck.under the Blazer
Thanks

[Prerunner1982]

why? it shouldnt be hard, will need new engine mounts and the cradle and entire front suspension, as well as new trans or atleast tailshaft, new rear drive shaft. i have never done this but just a few quick things i am sure there are others.

[mkundo]

Thank's I'm aware of the parts needed I was hoping that someone had done this job to break any edges.Thanks

[bigbluthng]

i'm doing this on my 72 blazer. so far it's been pretty easy. unbolted the 4x4 engine crossmember and related steering parts along with the front axle, installed the 2wd crossmember and related parts for the suspenion. the hardest part for me was the trailing arm crossmember (i did not want to use leafs in the rear because i plan on bagging it) and centering the rear axle in the wheel well. things still to determine are the brake lines, engine positioning and tranny crossmember placement. i still haven't gotton to drop the engine and trans in.

[mkundo]

Bigbluthng, Thanks. This is the kind of information I was looking for. (informative) Did your frame 4x4 have any of the same bolt holes for the 2x4 front saddle? A place to start. Lowered 2x4 Blazer look great Good Luck
And Thanks

[bigbluthng]

i had to elongate two holes on each side but then again i am using a 73 engine crossmber on my 72. also the power steeting seems to be a bit off, but i hear that's because the 73 is a little wider than mine. other than that it was't too bad locating the holes. the pain in the ass was removing the leaf string hangers which are riveted in.

[mkundo]

Thanks for the information; I wish you luck with your project. I will get started and looking forward too a 2x4.
Thanks

[Psychohamster]

I've got a '72 C/20 I'm stripping, if you need anything let me know I just need to get the crap outta here soon.

[Trucks]

thats wierd, do you want to buy my 2wd 72 beater? the guys goin 2x4 to 4x4, and the guys goin 4x4 to 2x4 should just swap trucks!

[72c5]

hey bigblue......why did you use a '73 front cradle? Would a 70-72 have fit better? I know the 73 and up have some better parts and preferable rotors.........maybe use 73 spindles, rotorss, ball joints etc on a 72 subframe?

[bigbluthng]

i used s 73 cradle because that's what was readily availabe to me and the price was right. i'm sure with a 70-72 cradle i would still have to do some drilling.

[72c5]

Got any Pics, you said the '73 cradle works..........how new do you think you can go? The cheapest and easiest to find front subframes are probably mid-80's to early 90's........

Someone on an earlier post suggested that the rear of 2wd frames may arch differently than those of the 4wd.........have you noticed such a frame diffference?

Do you think a 4 link would have been easier, cheaper or better?

Gordon

[bigbluthng]

the frame of the 4x4 blazer is paralell all the way to the rear. the suburban i got he rear suspension from bulged out away from the center of the axle. what i wound up with was having to make a mounting plate similar to the airbag bracket that mounts on the frame so the coil would be straight up and not at an angle. in hindsight yeah, a four link would have been better since i plan on bagging the blazer at a later date. it would be easier to source a company like air ride tech and purchase their kit and do little fabricating/welding rather than wind up doing a lot of fabricating and still have to look for the parts. luckily for me though, the guy i go the parts from bought all of my 4wd suspension, and i made money on the deal. :p i have no pics yet, but i will soon. i have a camaro in the garage and the blazer outside. (by the time i get home it's dark) i think any front end components up to 87 will work. remember though, it's not a true bolt in, but it will bolt up with some work.

[72c5]

thanks......I'll deal with the front first.........

[72c5]

I suppose while we are talking about what is interchangable, what about '88 and up? Are the '88 and up front 2wd drive 1/2 ton front subframes/cradles any different from the '73-'87 batch?

[bigbluthng]

88 and up are welded to the frame.

[72c5]

Welded to the frame! That spoils that idea.........ok so the '73-87's work ok.........but they are hard to find up here in New England.....they rust and go to the cusher after about 15 years.........

I know the old song "car parts are for cars" etc, but what about a Caprice Classic?

I'm looking for one donor that can supply the 2wd front suspension/subframe and a good 700r4 trans as well......

[72c5]

Thanks Chevytruck fan for finding this thread, and Bigblu, i'm all set now......

Anybody want to ship a 2wd front crossmember to MA?