4X4 Conversion

[Danillac]

Hello all!!! I am able to buy a very nice Chevy pick-up that is 2 wheel drive. I know a guy who will sell me two entire four wheel drive chassis (one of which has a good transmission and transfer case the other one has lockers on both axles). Anyway, I am told that it is extremely easy to convert the front of a two wheel drive over to a four wheel drive axle. I know putting in the cross member and transmission/transfer is a snap. I know that the rear axle is a direct bolt in. I know that the driveshafts are a direct bolt (both trucks are longbeds). The only thing I am not sure about is the front axle. I was thinking I seen a place on the net that told how to do this, but I sure can't find it. I know it would be simpler to just buy a 4X4, but I cannot buy one near as cheap as I can put this together. If anyone has any information, let me know. You may e-mail me directly at jadan@mywdo.com. Thanks so much for you help. Danny in Missouri

[72'CaminoKid]

i'd start with one of your 4wd chasis and move the body over to it. this way you can completely clean off any rust, paint the chasis and get everything underneeath taken care of. then move you're engine. tranny and t-case. then body

[junior3382]

I agree, use the frame as the stepping stone, this way you can avoid the nasty trick of allignment for the front axle. And like ^^^ said, this way you could completely clean the frame and when you are done, you will have a practically brand new truck! Sounds like a good idea to me. And you know, you will be able to see, and repair, the body parts of your truck that you would normally not always see. And you know you could have a lot of fun with it, and when your finished, know your whole truck, inside and out! So, I say go for it.

[chevyguy]

Whoa, slow down, Let start with year make and model first, It makes a big difference. the onley problem with body swapping is the title is wrong. C vs K. Anyhow post up tyour info and we can help.

[Danillac]

The truck that I want to convert is, I believe to be a 1979 (haven't bought it just yet). The 4X4 chassis that would be donating pieces are 1978 and 1979. Like I said, the only thing I have questions about is the front axle. I know everything else will work. I understand what everyone is saying, but I am already looking at a body swap for a 1965 GMC I am building. I really don't want to do two. If it comes down to it, I will, I am just attempting to get around it. I may have to stand back and re-look at my situation and consider buying a truck that is already 4X4. Thanks for all the help and insight. Danny in Missouri

[junior3382]

Okay, I am sure wedidn't mean to scare you here, just thoughts. The truck has a solid axle right? If all you want to do it swap that in, and you have all the parts, then it should be cut and dry. You already have the measurements from the 4x4 frames to get the allignment right. It just a metter of some fabrication and some time. If you have the tools, and the time, you should be fine. And yes, it would be easier to buy one already done, but where is the fun in that right? I still hold that when you are done, you will know the truck like the back of your hand, and downm the road, when small isssues arise, that will be an advantage. Just my opinion though......

[chevyguy]

Look at the frame rails where the rear of the front springs connect, You will see that the frame rails for the 2wd dont have the relief the 4wd has. It is easiest to swap the cab in your situation. The rear spring hangers have to be changed alsoo going from 2wd to 4wd. So wiht all the cutting and fabrication work, i recommend just getting them both, remove the body from the 4x4, Clean and paint the frame, And start the swap. i did mine in a little less than 2 days, But mine was a crew cab.

[ont_guy_38]

I think you would be way better off in the long run to do the body swap.That year of a truck is not hard.I could have the body swap done way before doing it the other way

[ikos10]

Originally Posted by ont_guy_38

I think you would be way better off in the long run to do the body swap.That year of a truck is not hard.I could have the body swap done way before doing it the other way

I would agree, why struggle trying to add components to a frame where they don't belong, when you could just swap bodies where the bolts and things are already there and line up. I would think that would be the way to go, I mean we are no talking about a brand new truck here right? I think whichever way is the most simple and hardest to screw up, is the way to go.

[chevyguy]

The frame can be modified to allow the front axle, the rest is alot of bracket removal , engins support/crossmember has to be cahnged, Almot an engine change on that part. And alot or large rivets to drill out and reinstall . You can use grade 5 or 8 bolt (accordingly) and do it, But I have recently gone thru this, Its easier and faster to swap body. i did my 1989 crew cab in 2 days and drove it home.