converting a 2X4 to 4X4 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Cody chance · 02-03-2007, 04:52 PM

i have a 72 C20 with a 402BB. i want to know if i would be able to convert from 2 wheel to 4 wheel on this frame? what all would i need to switch to do so?

sorry im learning

watahyahknow · 02-03-2007, 05:09 PM

the front of a 4x4 chassis is different it has leafsprings and other hangers for that .
the thing i would do is find a 4x4 chassis with the axles transfercase and possibly the gearbox/automatic still in and build you 4x2 sheetmetal electrics and motor ontoo that or trade the whole truck in for a 4 x 4 version and safe youreself a LOT of work

there are a couple of threads on the subject theres allso one on http://www.chuckschevytruckpages.com/2wdto4wd.html

1969k10stepside · 02-03-2007, 06:15 PM

You can but I say dont unless you can fabricate.This isnt a bolt in conversion.Your truck,a 3/4 ton already has leaf springs,correct?If they do thats going to make it a little easier.The frame on the backs are different with coil springs as to a leaf springed truck.The front....thats another story.New motor crossmember(about $50 used) and a transfer case crossmember($50-$100),leaf springs,shock mounts,the axle its self are needed...and everything else,which are not cheap BTW.IMO,your better off buying a 4x4 chassis and put your truck body on if your truck body is good,best option is to buy a 4x4.Also,you will need another transmission and transfer case.They run sorta high also.Plus,4x4s and big blocks dont go together without modifications....Dont even ask about using a newer 4x4 frame,thats as hard as converting this frame

Cody chance · 02-04-2007, 01:19 PM

so it can be done with it will cost me. well that fabrication is no problem i can do that.
so i would have to get a front axle and build the suspencion for the front end and put in a new transmission and a transfercase?

1969k10stepside · 02-04-2007, 01:38 PM

Yep

Cody chance · 03-14-2007, 01:51 PM

as far as having the big block would i have any problems with that?

RACINJASON22 · 03-14-2007, 03:47 PM

I asked the same question not long ago here's the thread with some useful info. My was on 1/2 ton though and there again not sure on the differences.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=230856

vtblazer · 03-14-2007, 04:51 PM

Here's a link to a frame sire, it may help answer a couple of your question's.
http://www.chuckschevytruckpages.com/framespecs.html

Make no mistake about it, your heading into a buttload of work.

Best of luck.

Cody chance · 03-15-2007, 11:09 AM

so according to the frame chart, the C20 front end should be the same as the K20? everything should mount up with some fabrication and welding...

jacobs · 03-15-2007, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cody chance

so according to the frame chart, the C20 front end should be the same as the K20? everything should mount up with some fabrication and welding...

Of course they aren't identical but close enough and with a little modification you can make it work.

I didn't move my 350 engine back like the factory did so clearance between the engine and the front differential is tight. With a big block, you might have to raise the front end.

CrashEd · 03-15-2007, 07:19 PM

I got a 2wd made into a 4x4 if you need pictures. I didn't do the change and theres a lot i would of done diffrent. Theres a lot i will change to on it.
Ed

Cody chance · 03-15-2007, 07:26 PM

Yah that would be great if you could post me some pics ED. about how long did it take you to do it?

RACINJASON22 · 03-15-2007, 11:00 PM

Quote:

I didn't do the change

He didn't do it. So I think it will be hard for him to tell us how long it took. I'm interested in any pic's you might have also CrashEd RJ22

CrashEd · 03-16-2007, 12:09 AM

Ill get some pictures tomorow.

GMCMAX · 03-16-2007, 12:19 AM

I took two weeks off over Christmas/new years to do mine, had to follow up a weekend after that for loose ends. Bought everything from a blazer that was made into 2wd. Lucked out that the front axle had the same gear ratio as my rear.

vjthibeault · 04-07-2007, 06:49 AM

well I am in the process of doing the same to my 3/4 ton gmc.I have the frame done and the front installed but right now I am having some probs. with the tranny/transfer cross member. I also added in a 454 tbi out of an 88 and a 6" suspension lift so I am encountering issues all the way around but I just take my time and work through them The frame change wasnt all that bad I think it took me 2 days I will see if can get some pics today for you.

Cody chance · 04-07-2007, 03:37 PM

That would be great. what tranny are you using? i have a turbo 400

vjthibeault · 04-10-2007, 08:53 PM

sorry I tried to load some pics but I have to resize them. If you want shoot me your email and I can email them to you. I am also using a t400.

67chevytodd · 04-10-2007, 10:10 PM

I'm starting one of these also, but i have a 1974 4x4 donor that I plan to put my 72 cab on. The frame demensions are similar and the cab mount holes are the same the only thing I see that is different is the radiator support brackets. What is so bad about old cab to new frame swap?

1969k10stepside · 04-10-2007, 10:19 PM

the frames are longer on the 73-87s by a few inches,from what I heard.The frame is made different making a body lift required when doing the swap.....just a few things

Cody chance · 04-14-2007, 09:45 PM

my e-mail is codymi@hotmail.com

02-03-2007, 04:52 PM	#1
Cody chance Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Utah Posts: 34	converting a 2X4 to 4X4 i have a 72 C20 with a 402BB. i want to know if i would be able to convert from 2 wheel to 4 wheel on this frame? what all would i need to switch to do so? sorry im learning

02-03-2007, 05:09 PM	#2
watahyahknow Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: the netherlands europe Posts: 4,335	Re: converting a 2X4 to 4X4 the front of a 4x4 chassis is different it has leafsprings and other hangers for that . the thing i would do is find a 4x4 chassis with the axles transfercase and possibly the gearbox/automatic still in and build you 4x2 sheetmetal electrics and motor ontoo that or trade the whole truck in for a 4 x 4 version and safe youreself a LOT of work there are a couple of threads on the subject theres allso one on http://www.chuckschevytruckpages.com/2wdto4wd.html __________________ i got a job again and having fun at it too idea's for the trucks and the order of things to do are taking shape and get closer to being realized , a few more months and i be able to start building for real i complete 2 of the trucks intoo running fashion one custom and one basicly stock the thirth will be sacrificed for parts Last edited by watahyahknow; 02-03-2007 at 05:10 PM.

02-03-2007, 06:15 PM	#3
1969k10stepside Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: USA Posts: 21,019	Re: converting a 2X4 to 4X4 You can but I say dont unless you can fabricate.This isnt a bolt in conversion.Your truck,a 3/4 ton already has leaf springs,correct?If they do thats going to make it a little easier.The frame on the backs are different with coil springs as to a leaf springed truck.The front....thats another story.New motor crossmember(about $50 used) and a transfer case crossmember($50-$100),leaf springs,shock mounts,the axle its self are needed...and everything else,which are not cheap BTW.IMO,your better off buying a 4x4 chassis and put your truck body on if your truck body is good,best option is to buy a 4x4.Also,you will need another transmission and transfer case.They run sorta high also.Plus,4x4s and big blocks dont go together without modifications....Dont even ask about using a newer 4x4 frame,thats as hard as converting this frame Last edited by 1969k10stepside; 02-03-2007 at 06:18 PM.

02-04-2007, 01:19 PM	#4
Cody chance Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Utah Posts: 34	Re: converting a 2X4 to 4X4 so it can be done with it will cost me. well that fabrication is no problem i can do that. so i would have to get a front axle and build the suspencion for the front end and put in a new transmission and a transfercase?

02-04-2007, 01:38 PM	#5
1969k10stepside Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: USA Posts: 21,019	Re: converting a 2X4 to 4X4 Yep

03-14-2007, 01:51 PM	#6
Cody chance Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Utah Posts: 34	Re: converting a 2X4 to 4X4 as far as having the big block would i have any problems with that?

03-14-2007, 03:47 PM	#7
RACINJASON22 GEARHEAD Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: CENTRAL,PA Posts: 2,284	Re: converting a 2X4 to 4X4 I asked the same question not long ago here's the thread with some useful info. My was on 1/2 ton though and there again not sure on the differences. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=230856 __________________ 72 SWB 2WD MY PROJECT 72 LWB 4X4 FUTURE PROJECT SUBSCRIBE HEREBOARD VENDORS HERE NORWOOD MEET SURVIVOR!

03-14-2007, 04:51 PM	#8
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,537	Re: converting a 2X4 to 4X4 Here's a link to a frame sire, it may help answer a couple of your question's. http://www.chuckschevytruckpages.com/framespecs.html Make no mistake about it, your heading into a buttload of work. Best of luck.

03-15-2007, 11:09 AM	#9
Cody chance Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Utah Posts: 34	Re: converting a 2X4 to 4X4 so according to the frame chart, the C20 front end should be the same as the K20? everything should mount up with some fabrication and welding...

03-15-2007, 07:19 PM	#11
CrashEd 72 chevy Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Central Il Posts: 725	Re: converting a 2X4 to 4X4 I got a 2wd made into a 4x4 if you need pictures. I didn't do the change and theres a lot i would of done diffrent. Theres a lot i will change to on it. Ed

03-15-2007, 07:26 PM	#12
Cody chance Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Utah Posts: 34	Re: converting a 2X4 to 4X4 Yah that would be great if you could post me some pics ED. about how long did it take you to do it?

03-16-2007, 12:09 AM	#14
CrashEd 72 chevy Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Central Il Posts: 725	Re: converting a 2X4 to 4X4 Ill get some pictures tomorow.

03-16-2007, 12:19 AM	#15
GMCMAX Active Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Lower Mid-East Ca. Posts: 326	Re: converting a 2X4 to 4X4 I took two weeks off over Christmas/new years to do mine, had to follow up a weekend after that for loose ends. Bought everything from a blazer that was made into 2wd. Lucked out that the front axle had the same gear ratio as my rear. __________________ Never try to teach a pig to sing; it wastes your time and annoys the pig! Gets More Chicks My lugnuts require more torque than your honda makes! 68 GMC, 4X4 conversion w/73 k20 running gear and springs, 350 4spd, 4.10's, D44 powerlok front, 14BFF govlock rear, 33" tires, lifted 4".

04-07-2007, 06:49 AM	#16
vjthibeault NH Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: southern NH Posts: 50	Re: converting a 2X4 to 4X4 well I am in the process of doing the same to my 3/4 ton gmc.I have the frame done and the front installed but right now I am having some probs. with the tranny/transfer cross member. I also added in a 454 tbi out of an 88 and a 6" suspension lift so I am encountering issues all the way around but I just take my time and work through them The frame change wasnt all that bad I think it took me 2 days I will see if can get some pics today for you.

04-07-2007, 03:37 PM	#17
Cody chance Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Utah Posts: 34	Re: converting a 2X4 to 4X4 That would be great. what tranny are you using? i have a turbo 400



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04-10-2007, 08:53 PM	#18
vjthibeault NH Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: southern NH Posts: 50	Re: converting a 2X4 to 4X4 sorry I tried to load some pics but I have to resize them. If you want shoot me your email and I can email them to you. I am also using a t400.

04-10-2007, 10:10 PM	#19
67chevytodd Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: SW Nebraska Posts: 50	Re: converting a 2X4 to 4X4 I'm starting one of these also, but i have a 1974 4x4 donor that I plan to put my 72 cab on. The frame demensions are similar and the cab mount holes are the same the only thing I see that is different is the radiator support brackets. What is so bad about old cab to new frame swap? __________________ Old Chevys never die they are just reborn!

04-10-2007, 10:19 PM	#20
1969k10stepside Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: USA Posts: 21,019	Re: converting a 2X4 to 4X4 the frames are longer on the 73-87s by a few inches,from what I heard.The frame is made different making a body lift required when doing the swap.....just a few things Last edited by 1969k10stepside; 04-10-2007 at 10:20 PM.

04-14-2007, 09:45 PM	#21
Cody chance Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Utah Posts: 34	Re: converting a 2X4 to 4X4 my e-mail is codymi@hotmail.com

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