Converting a 4wd to 2wd

[sinned]

Hi folks,

My question refers to a Blazer but I figured the frames are for the most part identical and I might get more eyes on my question in the general forum than in the Blazer specific area.

I’m new to the board but not to world of hot rods, customizing or even Chevy trucks. I know many will consider it sacrilege to chop up a fully functional 4wd vehicle. The most common response is, “Why not just buy a 2wd if that’s what you want.” The answer is simple, there are not too many out there and why spend tens of thousands on a completed 2wd that I am going to tear apart anyway.

I have a very specific plan for my next project which includes the addition of an LS3/4L80E combo, four-wheel 13” disc brakes, 22” wheels with coil-over suspension and a dropped-member. I’m looking to build a cross between a nice driver and something I can toss around the road course once in a while.

That said, since most of the suspension is going to be replaced anyways, will the Porterbuilt dropped-member bolt into a 4wd chassis with minimal fabrication? I was a veteran journeyman mechanic in a previous life and have an above average fabrication skill set but I’m not looking to scratch build a chassis.

Thanks in advance.

[culp7]

Wait you must be talking of blazers, correct?

[sinned]

Yeah, in this case I am looking specifically about converting a 4X4 Blazer to 2WD but the principle is the same. I believe that Blazer and C10 suspension parts directly interchange. Other than the wheelbase difference, the frames are the same fundamentally.

[Sublvr72]

pull the front drive shaft and it will be 2wd! lol

[sinned]

Thanks for your divine wisdom

[AKoldstyle]

I have done this same conversion. the frame has 3 holes per side that line up and the frame horns are 1inch higher which gives you an extra 1inch drop. I used a 72 c10 crossmember and it worked great, i used a ladderbar coilover setup in the rear. Look up my buildthread in blazer section, its under prostreet/dragrace chevy blazer. hope it helps out

[sinned]

WOW! That is a great looking ride. Thanks for the information. If I understand correctly, the 2WD cross member bolts in but results in a 1” drop over other 2WD trucks. Sound about right?

[AKoldstyle]

yeah you will get a 1inch drop by putting the 2wd crossmember into a 4x4 frame. As for bolting up theframe has a few holes that line up and then you drill the others out. AAlso the shocks bolt right up.