1971 2wd to 4wd swap - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

possum1 · 06-30-2013, 11:45 PM

I have a 71 2wd step that I want to turn into a 4wd. I have purchased a 99 suburban 4wd to swap engine, transmission, transfer case, fuel tank etc. to make a nice daily driver. Has anyone installed the independent front driveshaft assembly onto the frame? I have done a mid 80's blazer drivetrain swap to a 68 4x4 but curious what I am in for on this one.

possum1 · 06-30-2013, 11:48 PM

This is the 71. Name: 71 long step.jpg
Views: 229
Size: 32.8 KB

possum1 · 06-30-2013, 11:57 PM

Name: IMG_2778.jpg
Views: 223
Size: 55.2 KB

This is the 68 that I have completed. I am sure the 71 will have a whole new set of issues.

sboris · 07-01-2013, 12:02 AM

No clue really, but I'm diggn the 68. Nice job. Good luck
Posted via Mobile Device

**special-K** · 07-01-2013, 06:48 AM

I can't imagine managing to install the IFS under a '71 frame. The '88+ frames were specifically redesigned to accommodate that IFS...and it's torsion bar suspension. The 67-72s I've seen with the modern set-up have all been set on that frame. To use the '71 frame I'd think you'd be miles ahead to simply use a Ford or later Dodge front end w/passenger side differential,or find an earlier driver side drop GM transfer case and use a GM front axle.

BlackedOut67shorty · 07-01-2013, 08:35 AM

Wernt 60 to 63 torsion bar set ups? Eather way o would rather have a solid axle for durability.
Posted via Mobile Device

possum1 · 07-01-2013, 03:04 PM

I figured that it would be nearly impossible, but was hoping someone has done it. This will be used more as a daily drive with occasional 4wd use, and none of that would be considered severe. So it looks like I either make it a four wheel drive with a frame swap, or keep her a 2wd.

SS Tim · 07-01-2013, 05:01 PM

Put some lift springs on it and a locker out back. Well set up a 4x2 will do a lot.
How did the gear swap work out on the 68?

possum1 · 07-01-2013, 10:58 PM

I actually haven't done anything about it yet. Turns out it has a natural built in governor right now for a boy that got a ticket driving my shop truck. I think I will be installing a automatic o/d transmission and newer transfer case this summer and I will see what that does to the RPM before I make a gear change. If it doesn't get where I want, I shouldn't have to drop below 3.73's. I will definitely post on that thread when I make a change and know the outcome.

06-30-2013, 11:45 PM	#1
possum1 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Comfort, Tx. Posts: 44	1971 2wd to 4wd swap I have a 71 2wd step that I want to turn into a 4wd. I have purchased a 99 suburban 4wd to swap engine, transmission, transfer case, fuel tank etc. to make a nice daily driver. Has anyone installed the independent front driveshaft assembly onto the frame? I have done a mid 80's blazer drivetrain swap to a 68 4x4 but curious what I am in for on this one.

06-30-2013, 11:48 PM	#2
possum1 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Comfort, Tx. Posts: 44	Re: 1971 2wd to 4wd swap This is the 71.

06-30-2013, 11:57 PM	#3
possum1 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Comfort, Tx. Posts: 44	Re: 1971 2wd to 4wd swap This is the 68 that I have completed. I am sure the 71 will have a whole new set of issues.

07-01-2013, 12:02 AM	#4
sboris Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Osceola, Ia Posts: 2,017	Re: 1971 2wd to 4wd swap No clue really, but I'm diggn the 68. Nice job. Good luck Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Shawn 68 chevy K/20 05 chevy 3/4 4x4 71 short step-sold 71 chevy Beauville van My build. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=633039

07-01-2013, 06:48 AM	#5
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,859	Re: 1971 2wd to 4wd swap I can't imagine managing to install the IFS under a '71 frame. The '88+ frames were specifically redesigned to accommodate that IFS...and it's torsion bar suspension. The 67-72s I've seen with the modern set-up have all been set on that frame. To use the '71 frame I'd think you'd be miles ahead to simply use a Ford or later Dodge front end w/passenger side differential,or find an earlier driver side drop GM transfer case and use a GM front axle. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

07-01-2013, 08:35 AM	#6
BlackedOut67shorty Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: error 404 location not found Posts: 816	Re: 1971 2wd to 4wd swap Wernt 60 to 63 torsion bar set ups? Eather way o would rather have a solid axle for durability. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1995 s10 blazer 4.3 1967 c10 350/350 fleet short 1993 s10 blazer 4.3l 4l60 RIP 6/20/14 2000 mercury sable Thats a how I roll

07-01-2013, 03:04 PM	#7
possum1 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Comfort, Tx. Posts: 44	Re: 1971 2wd to 4wd swap I figured that it would be nearly impossible, but was hoping someone has done it. This will be used more as a daily drive with occasional 4wd use, and none of that would be considered severe. So it looks like I either make it a four wheel drive with a frame swap, or keep her a 2wd.

07-01-2013, 05:01 PM	#8
SS Tim Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Edwards, CA Posts: 7,503	Re: 1971 2wd to 4wd swap Put some lift springs on it and a locker out back. Well set up a 4x2 will do a lot. How did the gear swap work out on the 68? __________________ Thanks, Tim * VIN/Model Decoders * Power Team Charts (engine/transmission/gear ratio) * Post Your Pickup SPID Blazer SPID Suburban/Panel SPID * RTFM ... Read The Factory Manuals... download 'em here Highlanders Do you have a 1972 Plaid Pickup? Plaid Blazer ** Plaid Suburban

07-01-2013, 10:58 PM	#9
possum1 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Comfort, Tx. Posts: 44	Re: 1971 2wd to 4wd swap I actually haven't done anything about it yet. Turns out it has a natural built in governor right now for a boy that got a ticket driving my shop truck. I think I will be installing a automatic o/d transmission and newer transfer case this summer and I will see what that does to the RPM before I make a gear change. If it doesn't get where I want, I shouldn't have to drop below 3.73's. I will definitely post on that thread when I make a change and know the outcome.



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.