Conversion from 4wd to 2wd... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

CDNchevydude · 01-03-2011, 01:31 PM

Hey guys...I just found a 87 with short bed, original 50k miles 4wd. I'd like to buy the truck because It's a solid foundation for a project and I'd like to eventually have it slammed on the ground. What's involved in swapping the 4wd to a 2wd? Is the frame the same? (I know I could have search for the answer but...I'm a little lazy!)

CDNchevydude · 01-03-2011, 01:36 PM

Here's a pict of the truck

mooseknuckles · 01-03-2011, 01:49 PM

I'm wondering the same.....nice truck btw!

CDNchevydude · 01-03-2011, 02:23 PM

Well, for sure I imagine I'll have to change the transmission, not sure about the rear end tough? But what do I have to plan for the front!?

3r!c84 · 01-03-2011, 02:25 PM

id say. sell the truck and buy a 2wd. youd get good money for it. it looks like in good shape. then buy a 2wd shorty and slam it!!!!

CDNchevydude · 01-03-2011, 02:28 PM

They are quite rare in this condition up here in quebec!!! So when you find something this great,...you hold on to it!!! (BTW, I have not buy it yet...I'd like to but that's the reason I ask about the conversion)

355bullet · 01-03-2011, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CDNchevydude

Here's a pict of the truck

dude, thats way to nice to convert, leave it as is and enjoy it.
Pick up and other 2wd drive and slam it. Make the 4x4 your parts getter

**N2TRUX** · 01-03-2011, 05:28 PM

Yes it can be done. I would give you complete details but....I'm a little lazy!....

csb#356 · 01-03-2011, 05:34 PM

That would be an absolute shame to convert that to a 2 wheel drive. Its way too nice. Either get it and leave it the way it is or let someone else buy it and appreciate it.

nikwho · 01-03-2011, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Yes it can be done. I would give you complete details but....I'm a little lazy!....

Hahahaha! That was funny!

I vote on leaving that truck just how it is and enjoy it while you look for a clean 2wd project. It would be more work than its worth. Easier to travel to buy a 2wd project

1BadSS · 01-03-2011, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3r!c84

id say. sell the truck and buy a 2wd. youd get good money for it. it looks like in good shape. then buy a 2wd shorty and slam it!!!!

Amen!

Pop's C-10 · 01-03-2011, 08:49 PM

He doesn't own tha truck yet

**N2TRUX** · 01-03-2011, 08:55 PM

What you guys are missing is the fact that a clean rust free truck is hard to come by in his region regardless of it being 2wd or 4wd. If he can't find a clean 2wd, then its a logical choice to convert the 4wd to what "he wants".

I agree that it would be easier to start with what you want, but sometimes thats just not a viable option. To answer your question, you will need a complete 2wd front suspension, transmission, crossmember, and rear spring hangers.

If you can locate a complete parts truck or at least a complete 2wd chassis, it would make the conversion easier.

*project 67 sub* · 01-03-2011, 09:04 PM

i could be wrong, but also doesnt the front frame rail where the motor is kick up 1" higher than a 2wd does? if so that would get you an inch lower to start off

CDNchevydude · 01-03-2011, 09:39 PM

In the end, I'll have to find my own answer and it seems pretty clear that you would all leave it alone since it is in such good condition...but SERIOUSLY, what's involved? I know i'm making a fool of myself but can't help it!

CDNchevydude · 01-03-2011, 09:42 PM

My browser seemed to have fail refreshing and showing me the last posts before I reply...Thanks for those of you who took it seriously and thanks for the good laugh for the others...!

CDNchevydude · 01-03-2011, 09:49 PM

Finding a shorty with a 2wd setup here is not and easy thing. Those worth the look are mostly jacked up in the sky... This is the best looking truck I found in a long time but before buying it, I wanted to know what would be the thing... I guess I'd still be far from ordering a dropmember and dragging the frame out on the streets...

nikwho · 01-03-2011, 10:02 PM

maybe you could buy it and then look for a 2wd in poor condition and swap the cab, bed and front clip along with any other parts that are nice?? A 2wd rolling chassis may save a lot of money over converting the 4wd one. Are they so scarce that you couldn't find a 2wd truck that is really rough that you could swap your nice body on to? Just a thought.

355bullet · 01-03-2011, 10:03 PM

try south west region texas, new mexico, or arizona
Trucks hardly ever rust over here

check it out....just found these listings

http://elpaso.en.craigslist.org/cto/2099317762.html

http://elpaso.en.craigslist.org/cto/2075251194.html

http://elpaso.en.craigslist.org/cto/2120034458.html

http://elpaso.en.craigslist.org/cto/2134570602.html

http://elpaso.en.craigslist.org/cto/2127582326.html

http://elpaso.en.craigslist.org/cto/2136951348.html

http://elpaso.en.craigslist.org/cto/2136708664.html

nikwho · 01-03-2011, 10:04 PM

still might even be easier to buy a long bed 2wd chassis and shorten the frame. that might be a lot less money and time. You'll need to find a 2wd donor truck anyway to get all of the suspension components.

nikwho · 01-03-2011, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 355bullet

try south west region texas, new mexico, or arizona
Trucks hardly ever rust over here

If travel is an option, he is right. A couple months back a guy in my town was parting out a fairly rough short bed 2wd less engine/tranny and doors for $250

CDNchevydude · 01-03-2011, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nikwho

maybe you could buy it and then look for a 2wd in poor condition and swap the cab, bed and front clip along with any other parts that are nice?? A 2wd rolling chassis may save a lot of money over converting the 4wd one. Are they so scarce that you couldn't find a 2wd truck that is really rough that you could swap your nice body on to? Just a thought.

I also tought about this... If I can find a fairly good chassis...The problem with the trucks here is that if they have seem the winter(with everything they put on the road to melt ice and snow), it is rusted a lot after 20...years. This particular truck already comes from the southern states so it has never seen winter. It was brought here as a classic truck... Still I'll try to see what it cost to have one transport here...The thing is that it is a lot easier when already registered in quebec!

CDNchevydude · 01-03-2011, 10:31 PM

Well thanks for the talk...I'll sleep on it!

Hubscrub · 01-03-2011, 10:54 PM

there is a thread on here that went into detail but i can' find it right now but i agree if you can find a 2wd in poor shape and swap out the bodys will be the way to go. I just in 09 bought a complete 86 short bed 2wd for $75 and cut it up to make a trailor then it hauled most of itself to the scrap yard

*project 67 sub* · 01-03-2011, 11:16 PM

i say buy it and start cutting and unbolting away and get that sucker converted to a slammed 2wd. its only a couple crossmembers and what not

01-03-2011, 01:31 PM	#1
CDNchevydude Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Sherbrooke, Quebec Posts: 96	Conversion from 4wd to 2wd... Hey guys...I just found a 87 with short bed, original 50k miles 4wd. I'd like to buy the truck because It's a solid foundation for a project and I'd like to eventually have it slammed on the ground. What's involved in swapping the 4wd to a 2wd? Is the frame the same? (I know I could have search for the answer but...I'm a little lazy!) __________________ 87 R-10 SWB

01-03-2011, 01:36 PM	#2
CDNchevydude Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Sherbrooke, Quebec Posts: 96	Re: Conversion from 4wd to 2wd... Here's a pict of the truck Attached Images __________________ 87 R-10 SWB

01-03-2011, 02:23 PM	#4
CDNchevydude Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Sherbrooke, Quebec Posts: 96	Re: Conversion from 4wd to 2wd... Well, for sure I imagine I'll have to change the transmission, not sure about the rear end tough? But what do I have to plan for the front!? __________________ 87 R-10 SWB

01-03-2011, 02:25 PM	#5
3r!c84 Badass Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: lox. fl Posts: 4,586	Re: Conversion from 4wd to 2wd... id say. sell the truck and buy a 2wd. youd get good money for it. it looks like in good shape. then buy a 2wd shorty and slam it!!!! __________________ Think outside the box? -84c10 (1stcar)→My Build← -00 Saturn 5spd drop a gear and disappear! 1/4:13:90

01-03-2011, 02:28 PM	#6
CDNchevydude Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Sherbrooke, Quebec Posts: 96	Re: Conversion from 4wd to 2wd... They are quite rare in this condition up here in quebec!!! So when you find something this great,...you hold on to it!!! (BTW, I have not buy it yet...I'd like to but that's the reason I ask about the conversion) __________________ 87 R-10 SWB

01-03-2011, 01:49 PM	#3
mooseknuckles Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: ottawa,canada Posts: 4,550	Re: Conversion from 4wd to 2wd... I'm wondering the same.....nice truck btw! __________________ my build threads '86 C10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=415628 '67 C10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=635078 '63 GMC http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=674682

01-03-2011, 05:28 PM	#8
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: Conversion from 4wd to 2wd... Yes it can be done. I would give you complete details but....I'm a little lazy!.... __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

01-03-2011, 05:34 PM	#9
csb#356 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Pinehurst, Idaho Posts: 311	Re: Conversion from 4wd to 2wd... That would be an absolute shame to convert that to a 2 wheel drive. Its way too nice. Either get it and leave it the way it is or let someone else buy it and appreciate it.

01-03-2011, 08:49 PM	#12
Pop's C-10 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: memphis Posts: 2,537	Re: Conversion from 4wd to 2wd... He doesn't own tha truck yet

01-03-2011, 08:55 PM	#13
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: Conversion from 4wd to 2wd... What you guys are missing is the fact that a clean rust free truck is hard to come by in his region regardless of it being 2wd or 4wd. If he can't find a clean 2wd, then its a logical choice to convert the 4wd to what "he wants". I agree that it would be easier to start with what you want, but sometimes thats just not a viable option. To answer your question, you will need a complete 2wd front suspension, transmission, crossmember, and rear spring hangers. If you can locate a complete parts truck or at least a complete 2wd chassis, it would make the conversion easier. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

01-03-2011, 09:04 PM	#14
project 67 sub Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: san bernardino ca. everywhere Posts: 3,938	Re: Conversion from 4wd to 2wd... i could be wrong, but also doesnt the front frame rail where the motor is kick up 1" higher than a 2wd does? if so that would get you an inch lower to start off

01-03-2011, 09:39 PM	#15
CDNchevydude Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Sherbrooke, Quebec Posts: 96	Re: Conversion from 4wd to 2wd... In the end, I'll have to find my own answer and it seems pretty clear that you would all leave it alone since it is in such good condition...but SERIOUSLY, what's involved? I know i'm making a fool of myself but can't help it! __________________ 87 R-10 SWB

01-03-2011, 09:42 PM	#16
CDNchevydude Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Sherbrooke, Quebec Posts: 96	Re: Conversion from 4wd to 2wd... My browser seemed to have fail refreshing and showing me the last posts before I reply...Thanks for those of you who took it seriously and thanks for the good laugh for the others...! __________________ 87 R-10 SWB

01-03-2011, 09:49 PM	#17
CDNchevydude Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Sherbrooke, Quebec Posts: 96	Re: Conversion from 4wd to 2wd... Finding a shorty with a 2wd setup here is not and easy thing. Those worth the look are mostly jacked up in the sky... This is the best looking truck I found in a long time but before buying it, I wanted to know what would be the thing... I guess I'd still be far from ordering a dropmember and dragging the frame out on the streets... __________________ 87 R-10 SWB

01-03-2011, 10:02 PM	#18
nikwho Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Flagstaff, AZ Posts: 974	Re: Conversion from 4wd to 2wd... maybe you could buy it and then look for a 2wd in poor condition and swap the cab, bed and front clip along with any other parts that are nice?? A 2wd rolling chassis may save a lot of money over converting the 4wd one. Are they so scarce that you couldn't find a 2wd truck that is really rough that you could swap your nice body on to? Just a thought. __________________ '59 Apache - 383" SBC/TH-350 '68 GMC - BBC/TH400



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01-03-2011, 10:03 PM	#19
355bullet Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: el paso, tx Posts: 510	Re: Conversion from 4wd to 2wd... try south west region texas, new mexico, or arizona Trucks hardly ever rust over here check it out....just found these listings http://elpaso.en.craigslist.org/cto/2099317762.html http://elpaso.en.craigslist.org/cto/2075251194.html http://elpaso.en.craigslist.org/cto/2120034458.html http://elpaso.en.craigslist.org/cto/2134570602.html http://elpaso.en.craigslist.org/cto/2127582326.html http://elpaso.en.craigslist.org/cto/2136951348.html http://elpaso.en.craigslist.org/cto/2136708664.html __________________ www.southwestdrags.com www.elpasocalendargirls.com www.msdignition.com www.atomicefi.com https://www.facebook.com/MSDperformance Last edited by 355bullet; 01-03-2011 at 10:30 PM.

01-03-2011, 10:04 PM	#20
nikwho Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Flagstaff, AZ Posts: 974	Re: Conversion from 4wd to 2wd... still might even be easier to buy a long bed 2wd chassis and shorten the frame. that might be a lot less money and time. You'll need to find a 2wd donor truck anyway to get all of the suspension components. __________________ '59 Apache - 383" SBC/TH-350 '68 GMC - BBC/TH400

01-03-2011, 10:31 PM	#23
CDNchevydude Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Sherbrooke, Quebec Posts: 96	Re: Conversion from 4wd to 2wd... Well thanks for the talk...I'll sleep on it! __________________ 87 R-10 SWB

01-03-2011, 10:54 PM	#24
Hubscrub Cruzin Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: on the road Posts: 2,835	Re: Conversion from 4wd to 2wd... there is a thread on here that went into detail but i can' find it right now but i agree if you can find a 2wd in poor shape and swap out the bodys will be the way to go. I just in 09 bought a complete 86 short bed 2wd for $75 and cut it up to make a trailor then it hauled most of itself to the scrap yard Attached Images __________________ Lime Wife's 67https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...wZEMODaS2d94u8 Back to the Fifties 59 https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...NAeStpydfrcj_U Proverbs 3:5,6 "Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything."Charles Kuralt In memory of our first baby daughter, daddy and mommy love you. Danica Grace 6/26/14 Last edited by Hubscrub; 01-03-2011 at 10:55 PM.

01-03-2011, 11:16 PM	#25
project 67 sub Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: san bernardino ca. everywhere Posts: 3,938	Re: Conversion from 4wd to 2wd... i say buy it and start cutting and unbolting away and get that sucker converted to a slammed 2wd. its only a couple crossmembers and what not Last edited by project 67 sub; 01-03-2011 at 11:17 PM.

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