Converting from 2WD to 4WD - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

72BigBlockSuprCustom · 08-04-2006, 03:43 PM

Greetings all.

So, I've purchased my first true truck about a year ago. It's a 1972 C-20 Super Custom Camper? Forgive me if I'm a little off on the name. Anyways, I'm slowly putting a little work into it, and I'm thinking that my future plans are to possibly convert it from a 2WD to a 4WD. I've talked to a couple of people, but they keep telling me that I'm better off finding a 4WD chassis instead of trying to convert the current chassis. Currently I'm just brain storming with different ideas of what to do with it, so any input would be great! It's currently running a 396 BB and I believe a T400, neither stock. Of course the truck will not be show quality since I purchased it for the purpose of using it as it's intended to be used for......hauling!

BTW - Great forum.....there seems to be a great group of people in here!

70rs/ss · 08-04-2006, 03:48 PM

Sell it and buy a 4X4, it is just WAY easier that way!! It is sorta easy to go from 4X4 to 2wd, just not the other way.

Figment412 · 08-04-2006, 05:04 PM

My Dad converted my truck from 2wd to 4wd using the running gear from a 74 chevy. I can take some pics if you want and see of that helps you out.

bryanw1968 · 08-04-2006, 05:34 PM

Cool idea, but a LOT of work. I think it would be like trying to turn an
el camino into a station wagon.

1968chevyprerunner · 08-04-2006, 05:56 PM

I just posted a similar question concerning a 1968 C10. My truck has sentimental value so purchasing another truck isn't the path. I have been told that the 1965 through 1972 K10's are almost a direct bolt on for 2WD bodies. The other issue is the hump needing to be massaged slightly. The problem is trying to find one of these vintage K10's as a donor. I truely do not want to hack a great K10 unless the body is completely rotten and the gear is good.........impossible combo to find. Wish it were as simple as finding an 80's or 90's model that would work.

1968chevyprerunner

xshadow · 08-04-2006, 10:35 PM

My father had done this years ago and says that it isn't as hard as it may seem. I also use to own one that someone else did. It worked like factory...I wish I still had it

dougs69c10 · 08-04-2006, 10:40 PM

I dont see why its that hard, its like converting a ifs to a solid axle, you just need a new tailhousing to mount the t case to, a tcase, and all the front suspension steering parts and a new hole in the floor.

jacobs · 08-06-2006, 09:55 PM

I installed my old 73 Blazer 4x4 drivetrain into my 70 C/10 w/rear coil springs about 12 years ago. The conversion wasn’t difficult. I had to weld the spring hangers on and do some cutting on my front crossmember because I didn’t relocate the engine rearward like the factory did. I even used the 73 front springs which are longer than the 67-72 factory 4x4 springs. The Blazer rear leaf spring hangers even worked out good even though the 4x4 frame is radically different in the rear. The only problem I’ve had with the conversion is braking isn’t as good now (due to discs on the front) but that wouldn’t be difficult to correct if I wanted to. It was senseless that GM used a different frame on the 4x4's IMO.

08-04-2006, 03:43 PM	#1
72BigBlockSuprCustom Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Tacoma, Washington Posts: 6	Converting from 2WD to 4WD Greetings all. So, I've purchased my first true truck about a year ago. It's a 1972 C-20 Super Custom Camper? Forgive me if I'm a little off on the name. Anyways, I'm slowly putting a little work into it, and I'm thinking that my future plans are to possibly convert it from a 2WD to a 4WD. I've talked to a couple of people, but they keep telling me that I'm better off finding a 4WD chassis instead of trying to convert the current chassis. Currently I'm just brain storming with different ideas of what to do with it, so any input would be great! It's currently running a 396 BB and I believe a T400, neither stock. Of course the truck will not be show quality since I purchased it for the purpose of using it as it's intended to be used for......hauling! BTW - Great forum.....there seems to be a great group of people in here!

08-04-2006, 03:48 PM	#2
70rs/ss Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,270	Re: Converting from 2WD to 4WD Sell it and buy a 4X4, it is just WAY easier that way!! It is sorta easy to go from 4X4 to 2wd, just not the other way.

08-04-2006, 05:04 PM	#3
Figment412 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Fort Wayne, IN Posts: 108	Re: Converting from 2WD to 4WD My Dad converted my truck from 2wd to 4wd using the running gear from a 74 chevy. I can take some pics if you want and see of that helps you out. __________________ Save your money and do it right the first time. 1968 GMC short bed 1972 Cab 74 SB Chevy running gear

08-04-2006, 05:34 PM	#4
bryanw1968 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Leander, Texas Posts: 850	Re: Converting from 2WD to 4WD Cool idea, but a LOT of work. I think it would be like trying to turn an el camino into a station wagon.

08-04-2006, 05:56 PM	#5
1968chevyprerunner Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: north carolina Posts: 9	Re: Converting from 2WD to 4WD I just posted a similar question concerning a 1968 C10. My truck has sentimental value so purchasing another truck isn't the path. I have been told that the 1965 through 1972 K10's are almost a direct bolt on for 2WD bodies. The other issue is the hump needing to be massaged slightly. The problem is trying to find one of these vintage K10's as a donor. I truely do not want to hack a great K10 unless the body is completely rotten and the gear is good.........impossible combo to find. Wish it were as simple as finding an 80's or 90's model that would work. 1968chevyprerunner

08-04-2006, 10:35 PM	#6
xshadow Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: va Posts: 553	Re: Converting from 2WD to 4WD My father had done this years ago and says that it isn't as hard as it may seem. I also use to own one that someone else did. It worked like factory...I wish I still had it

08-04-2006, 10:40 PM	#7
dougs69c10 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Birmingham,Alabama Posts: 260	Re: Converting from 2WD to 4WD I dont see why its that hard, its like converting a ifs to a solid axle, you just need a new tailhousing to mount the t case to, a tcase, and all the front suspension steering parts and a new hole in the floor. __________________ 1969 c10 stepside 250 inline six, 4speed granny tranny, 4.11 posi rear end

08-06-2006, 09:55 PM	#8
jacobs Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: 9000' Mountain Man Posts: 326	Re: Converting from 2WD to 4WD I installed my old 73 Blazer 4x4 drivetrain into my 70 C/10 w/rear coil springs about 12 years ago. The conversion wasn’t difficult. I had to weld the spring hangers on and do some cutting on my front crossmember because I didn’t relocate the engine rearward like the factory did. I even used the 73 front springs which are longer than the 67-72 factory 4x4 springs. The Blazer rear leaf spring hangers even worked out good even though the 4x4 frame is radically different in the rear. The only problem I’ve had with the conversion is braking isn’t as good now (due to discs on the front) but that wouldn’t be difficult to correct if I wanted to. It was senseless that GM used a different frame on the 4x4's IMO.



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