1972 2WD to 4x4???

[72longbed]

For those of you that did a conversion on a 67-72 2WD frame, I have a few questions.
Standard or 'Usual' Conversion (GM Dana 44 Front)
For the front:
1. Are the holes for the front leaf spring frame bracket and shackle already in the 2WD frame?
2. Do you have to change out the engine crossmember to a 4x4 crossmember??
3. Do you have to change the steering box to a 4x4 box, arm and pitman arm?
4. Do you need anything else in addition to the T/C crossmember?
5. What other changes/modifications on the front end and chassis are necessary??

I'm trying to get an idea of ALL of the work thats necessary to do the conversion the 'typical' way vs. another idea that I have. I'll be making my decision once I tally up all the parts and labor for the different methods. (Might be overthinking the whole thing but just want to really be prepared before I start the teardown)

Thanks for your help and ideas,
72longbed

[griesel72]

it will be 100% easier to find a 4X4 frame and swap everything over, plus a converted 2wd to 4wd frame and running gear will kill the resale value of your truck. I pondered over this very idea for over a year, and finally decided to find a 4X4 donor truck. After doing so, it was so easy to swap everything over.

good luck
David

[Mudder]

You will need a high hump for your floorboard. Yes the gearbox has to be changed out for a 4x4 box and you will need the steering arms. You will need a crossmembe for your transfercase. Not sure about the front crossmember. You will need driveshafts made.

[BobS]

I've been considering doing this to build a K-3500 with a 1-ton frame.

Disclaimer: The undersigned does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information disclosed. I haven't done a conversion like this!

With that said:

1. Are the holes for the front leaf spring frame bracket and shackle already in the 2WD frame? No, my plan is to use a 3/4 ton frame for a template.

2. Do you have to change out the engine crossmember to a 4x4 crossmember?? Yes, the 2WD crossmember will be in the way of the front axle.

3. Do you have to change the steering box to a 4x4 box, arm and pitman arm? Yes.

4. Do you need anything else in addition to the T/C crossmember? Yes, the high hump floor board, 4X4 drivetrain and driveshafts that Mudder 67 mentioned plus all the little pieces of linkage, mounting bolts, etc. Probably a lot more that I just haven't thought of yet.

5. What other changes/modifications on the front end and chassis are necessary?? Brake line routing comes to mind. Anyone have anything else?

It's not going to be an easy conversion and if you're looking to build a 1/2 or 3/4 ton I'd strongly suggest find a 4X4 frame and running gear. It will be much simpler and probably cheaper in the long run.

My plan is to build a 1-ton 4X4 with a GMC 478 V-6, NP-540 5-speed transmission and divorced-case NP-205 transfer case. Axles will be an H-072 rear and Dana 60 front. Still in the planning phase and probably several years from even collecting the parts to start it all. Anyone got a 1-ton Longhorn they want to donate to the effort?!!!

Bob

[mrein3]

Originally Posted by BobS

I've been considering doing this to build a K-3500 with a 1-ton frame.

My plan is to build a 1-ton 4X4 with a GMC 478 V-6, NP-540 5-speed transmission and divorced-case NP-205 transfer case. Axles will be an H-072 rear and Dana 60 front. Still in the planning phase and probably several years from even collecting the parts to start it all. Anyone got a 1-ton Longhorn they want to donate to the effort?!!!

Why not start with a longer wheel base 1-ton with dual wheels? A bunch of them were already 1-tons that you would just have to add the 4wd stuff to.

Some day when I have more money than brains that is what I'm gonna do.

[BobS]

Why not start with a longer wheel base 1-ton with dual wheels? A bunch of them were already 1-tons that you would just have to add the 4wd stuff to.

That's another future project, just not 4X4. I've got a 68 GMC Suburban that I bought for parts. I'd like to build a crew cab dually 1-ton out of it and a 157 inch frame. I was planning on a short wideside box on it with fenderside fenders to cover the dual wheels. For an engine I think a 6.5 TD would be kinda different and get decent mileage....or at least reasonable for a truck this size. This one would be used to pull an enclosed trailer.

Some day when I have more money than brains that is what I'm gonna do.

Already there even though I'm broke!

Bob

[bagged91]

OK, finding a 4x4 p/u chassis is easy enough BUT>>>>> Can I use a 71 K10 p/u chassis to convert a 2wd Sub w/trailing arms over to 4X4???? I can't find any local 4x4 burbs around here and would like to make one of mine a 4x4...