2wd to 4wd conversion.

[jott_06]

I've done some searching on here but haven't found anything on the way i want to do this. I have my lowered 2wd 68 GMC and I've gotten bored with it so i decided i'm going to attempt to put the running gear out of my parts truck that i got for my 77. I've done a little bit of measuring already but i just wandered if it is as simple as it actually seems to put the front axle, springs, hangers, and shackles from the parts truck which is a 78 into my 2wd 68 GMC. I'm capable of doing some fabricating but it doesnt seem like it will take much.

Here is the GMC


And this is the parts truck(before i stripped it apart to rebuild my 77)


will the front spring hangers/core support mounts from the 4wd work in place of the ones on the 2wd?

[bigblazerboy]

i want to know also. i want a 4x4 67-72 but they are hard to find and a 73-87 4x4 is easier to find around here

[skchevota]

Yup, you can swap every thing over. the front springs are a little longer than the 67-72 springs. The newer longer springs ride a little better and will work, you just need to make sure that the axle is centered in the wheel well. The shackles end up rigt about where the dimples in the frame are for your e brake cable. the cable will need to be relocated. the engine crossmember will work as well.

[Mudder]

There are a lot of topics here on this. I would recomend doing some reading and researching.

[jott_06]

thanks for the info. I searched a little but couldnt find anything about using the 78 Front spring hanger/core support mount. I was curious if it would line up with the holes from the 68 core support mount on the frame if i knocked the rivets out and bolted it in.

[dgfreeze]

i did it to my truck, and don't kid urselves, it's not as easy as swapping this and that, etc. i won't speak for your exact situation, but i had to fabricate 3 of the 4 spring perches, and as afore mentioned, the dimples in the frame end up right above the spring eye. all in all, it can be done, but spend a lot of time with a tape measure. if you want a few pics, send private msg with email

[michael573]

i'm converting my 72 c-20 to 4x4 using 86 suburban front hangers. i had cut out the parking brake dimples and weld in plates, then grind the welds down. and i also made plates that i welded to the out side of the frame. i also used the front suburban hangers and core mounts. i drilled the rivets out and moved the core mount brackets to the rear of the front hangers. the rear axle was coil spring and the frame was rusted bad, so i cut the frame behind the cab and welded the rear half of the suburban frame to the 72.

[michael573]

more pictures. i had to modify the drivers side for the steering gear box. its still a work in progress.

[carguy717]

Does the frame narrow on the 2wd trucks? I am also interested in doing this same swap. I have a 68 Chevy C20 and I can get a 78 K20 for a donor, I was planning on sourcing 67-72 core support/spring hangers as well as front springs. But I was told the front of the frame narrows. So does it? thanks

[msgross]

diy4x.com has all of the parts for this swap as well...

THe frame doesn't narrow, if it did then they would have separate 4x4 and 2x4 rad supports, cabs etc....

[OrrieG]

Originally Posted by michael573

more pictures. i had to modify the drivers side for the steering gear box. its still a work in progress.

Thats looking good, I assume you are going to gusset the front of the front shackle back to the frame too?