2wd to 4wd?

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WillSquared

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I'm sure this has been asked 10,000 times so please forgive me, but how difficult would it be to convert a 2wd to a 4wd? Obviously you'd need a front axle, transfer case and all that but is it even possible, meaning are the frames different etc?


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PrairieDrifter

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I'm pretty sure the frames aren't different other than maybe the front crossmember under the engine? That's a simple fix though just shear off the rivets and install a 4x4 crossmember I would just go aftermarket myself.

The biggest task of course is mounting the leaf springs and hangers to the frame, im not sure if the 2wd frame will have the mounting locations (like bolt holes, ect) if not you have a lot of drilling to do lol. You have to make sure you get them mounted square and both springs are mounted evenly with each other so you don't have a steering/tire wear issue, if you want to call it dog tracking (what its called with rear axles).

You'll need a crossmember for the transfer case, and you'll have to cut a whole in the floor for the 4wd shift lever, driveshafts, and you HAVE to have the same gear ratios in both axles. You may have a little headache with the yoke's on the driveshafts and axles being different also.

Its been done many many times and ive considered it myself, I want a crew cab 4x4 but all I can ever find are 2wd and the 4wd's are wayyy overpriced when I actually find one. It can be done there's just a good bit of work that goes into it and the little things you have to do add up
 

shiftpro

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Sorry but it's quite a bit more work than this.
You can't do it unless you move up to longer front springs. Where the frame sweeps upwards for suspension clearance it is different from 2x to 4x.
As far as the cab you will not be just cutting a hole in the floor but actually either making a transmission/tc bulge or nabbing one off 4X cab. Please don't think of a body lift for this clearance, that's not the best way.

In North Dakota they use salt on the roads no? If so then there are rusted out 4x4s sitting in fields. See if you can find one cheap and drop your 2x cab on it. You will still need to address the floor riser/shifter holes, but that's nothing compared to trying to get 4x4 front suspension on a 2x frame.
 

PrairieDrifter

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I didn't mention every single task that has to be done, just a general list ha, that being said I believe he is in Arkansas. Im in ND lol
 

WillSquared

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I am in Arkansas. I guess it's a fleeting wish. I will just stick to my plans and keep it 2wd. Maybe someday I'll happen across a 4wd I can nab for a decent price.


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