4wd to 2wd swap

[see error]

i want to convert my 98 z71 to a 2wd for a while i bought the truck with 456 rear 342 front, no front driveshaft and now the transfer case is making noise, can i change the tailshaft and driveshaft or can i swap the tranny and driveshaft. will it be plug and play thanks

[bradrhale]

wouldnt it be cheaper and esaier just to change the gearing in one pumpking and address the noisy t case versus taking everything out and changing a few things??

[see error]

it would be changing the transfer case, rear gears and buying a front driveshaft i dont really have the money right now but i can get a cheap 2wd tranny

[Crmzendrgone]

Doesn't 98 have a computer that needs to know gear ratios and all that to even run properly for fuel economy. Saying that wont changing the overall design need the computer changed. Like the TCM or even the computer for the 4x4 operation or am I thinking of the late models being that smart. I guess what I am saying it would be cheaper to get a drive shaft and change the gears I think???

[see error]

possibly i just though i read somewhere awhile back that a 2wd tailshaft and driveshaft would work but not sure

[Crmzendrgone]

I think the physical aspec would but not the brains part for the vehicle, but I could be way wrong I just think on the newer ones with computers that, thats what the deal could be.

[see error]

yes i was thinking about the wiring from the transfer case and what affect it would have on the computer

[bubbatrucklover]

Not knowing the cost factor I would lean towards what Brad said or at least see about fixing the t-case. I bought me '02 with 4.56 rear and stock front.

The previous owner swapped the rear but not the front and left the drive shaft out. I have it in the garage and will drive it around as is un till re gearing the front is in the budget(one local shop wants $500-$600 parts and labor). I will also need to modify the front shaft to compensate for the extreme angle the lift has caused.(I haven't called the drivetrain specialists on that price yet.)

[79jimmy]

just take out the front drive shaft, have broken u joints on front shafts before and driven out of bush with no front shaft. your rear shaft is going to be way shorter then a two wheel drive because your transfer case is a pass thru not bolted on the side.

[hotrodpc]

Yep for all that work, and the price of a cheap 2wd trans, I'd think you could have that front diff regeared. Or better yet, find you another stock 3.42 rear diff. Those ought to be very common. I assume you must have some very tall tires to be running 4.56's.