Maybe a dumb question...

[SanitysBane]

Allright the more I think about the more I wonder. Would it be better to convert my 74C20 into 4X4 or just buy a 4X4? I really do not mind working on a project for a long time. Also what kind of transfer case to use to hold up to my 500-550 horse power big block, and what is the a "divorced", what are some pros and cons? Also how hard is it to find the 14bolt FF front end? Thanks for the help guys.

[Mudder]

First off the 14 bolt is a rear axle. The good front axle that everyone longs for is a Dana 60. If you have the time and can find a good chassis it is about the easiest to swap your body onto a 4x4 chassis. 205 transfer cases are pretty tuff.

[trkklr77]

you wont be able to use 100% stock brackets, the E bracke cable holder is stamped into the frame in 2wd and not in 4wd truck, it will interfier with the rear mount for the front spring.

you will need the 4x4 motor crossmember as well.

a divorced t case is great. it will let you run ANY!!!! 2wd tranny you want which realy is helpful, it will give you a longer front drive shaft for beter flex, it will shorten up the rear shaft making it safer from damage. but it will also be a pain to mount and shifter setup, it will also hang down a little lower. you will want a dodge 205 as ford stuff is drivers side and chevy did not put many div 205s in any year truck and never after 73.


the 14bff rear axle is insanely common and can easily be had for 150 or less.

the 14b front diff setup is insainly rare, but it has been done. a company called wagoneer machine shop made about a dozen that i know of @ $2500+.

yes the axle you want is a d60 and can be had for 800-1800 depending on how you buy it from. try this guy www.extremeaxlesales.com
he has the most consistant prices and ships everywhere.

[SanitysBane]

So whats the diff between a dana 60 and a 14bolt?

[trkklr77]

the front or rear

front is a 14b 10.5" center with d60 stuff jambed into the ends.

the rear is the gear size, shaft size, perch widths, wheel mount widths, tube diam's, brake diam's, ground clearance. just about everything

[1969k10stepside]

IMO it would be easier to just buy a different truck already 4x4.That model(73-87) wouldnt be that hard to come across a cheap 4x4.I would say convert it to 4x4 if it was an older more rare truck.

[kylejamers]

unless for some reason you have an attachment to this particular
two-wheel drive i would just purchase a four-wheel drive
spare yourself the money and anguish