Chevy 2wd to 4wd conversion

[Codyyy]

I have a little question. I'm thinking about buying a friend's mid 80's Chevy 2wd truck. It's before '88 if that helps, I don't know too much about the truck yet. My question is, does anyone make 4x4 conversion kits for this truck, and how hard would it be to convert?
I'd imagine the front axle, steering components, t-case, longer tail for the tranny will be needed, but I've never done something like this before, I'm a Jeep guy. I'm pretty sure this has been asked but Google brought me here. Thanks.

[FaselZ71]

Well for starters you'll need a new transmission with a married t-case a shorter driveshaft. You'll need a front axle and springs you'll need to fab up some shackles to bolt onto the frame and need different steering box and sway bars and tie rods and shock mounts umm... I think thats about it as far as parts I'm not sure how you do it as I have never done it but someone will post soon that's knows more about this. But this is a start to get you by until more educated answers arrive. Good luck man sounds like a fun project!!!!

[junior3382]

look in the classifieds here. Right now their are a pair fo chevy alxes for sale, and about a month ago there was a chevy TC for sale as part of a parts list off another truck. These are your major components. Getting front leaf springs and brakets from a bne yard would not be difficult. But to answer your question, there is not "kit" but parts are availible. It is a project though, might be easier to buy a 4wd

[bradrhale]

buy an old 4wd beater and mix and match the best parts.

[1979_4x4_Plow]

would have to cut into the floor also to install the shifter to control when it is in 4x4 also... gonna be lots of work to get a front axle and hook up all the brake stuff and steering mechanisms, getting a transmission and transfer case with the drive shafts, making sure the front axle gear ratio matches the front or vice versa, on top of the suspension mods since the 4x4 and 2 wheelers are set up different.

[93blazer]

Sky's Off-road Design - Home
try this sight out it will give you an idea of what you need and they have a hole sas kit for all model chevys

[Codyyy]

I know it would probably be easier just to buy a 4x4 frame and components and transfer the body but the truck is in great condition, has newer paint, engine, ceramic coated headers and good exhaust, probably a new trans so that's why I'd rather go with making it 4wd. I figured there would be a lot of components to change out but I thought maybe a company out there makes a kit with all the hardware needed such as the shackle mounts and stuff. Thanks for the replies.

[Codyyy]

I looked into that Sky's kit, seems decent enough, although the only trouble I'm having is that it says 6" of lift is obtained, I hope this means that's the max if stock front leaf packs are used because on that truck 6" max of lift is what I'd want. I don't need a huge mud bogger, I just want maybe 2-4" of lift on probably 33s to be it at most for me. It's gonna be a daily driver/ minor off-road truck at the parks.

[Codyyy]

Ok I read a few other sites about this question and it seems that everyone is going with the option to buy a junk 4x4 and transfer the parts. Might be a little harder to find since this 2wd is a long bed, but I think the short bed is what I want more anyway. This truck is gonna be in the snow, and I already know how well it gets stuck in the guy's backyard so that's the whole reason behind it. Thanks.

[75K30]

Easy solution would be to find any early to late 70's New Process 205 transfer case that is called "remote mount" or "divorced".
This will allow you to use your existing transmission with only minor modifications.
Driveshafts will have to be made, but this is true for any conversion you will consider, so this is really no additional cost. Used transfer cases can be found for about 150 bucks.
Next will be a front axle. Should you decide to invest in a divorced dodge or chevy t-case, then you will require a pass side front differential. If you find a ford t-case, then you will need a driver side differential, but again, these parts are available everywhere, and unless you are looking into one ton axles, cane be real cheap.
The rest is a matter of getting the front end under the truck, and you already have plenty of options.
There are several ways to get the axle bolted in to the truck, but your fab skills should be decent. This is not for a first timer.
Brakes are easy, your existing components will work just fine, the 2wd steering box, is the box you actually need, 4wd boxes are less desireable, you do not need sway bars if you run leaf springs.
Minor body mods to accomodate the shifter for the t-case is easy, and this modification is only limited by your ability to fabricate.