drive train swap? 1/2>3/4

[bigben129]

I have a 1984 good shape 2x4 frame n body and want to swap in 3/4 ton gear.
Not a hard core offroader just mud bogs.
Pros n cons?

Open to what ever. 3/4 ton frame. Is rotten

Also thinking about switch the 2x4 auto transmission to 4x4 set up.

Pros n cons?

Thanks for helping this rookie

 

[HotRodPC]

So, is this a 2wd half ton and you want to convert it to 4wd 3/4 ton???

Welcome to GMSB. As soon as we have a better understanding, I'm sure the opinions and ideas will start flowing like diareah.

 

[bigben129]

Yes have 1/2 ton 2wd In great shape only needs rocker panel and 3/4 running gear probably needs a little TLC

The 3/4 ton frame is actually the worst I have ever seen huge rust holes n broken in half. The. Cab is a flinstone special LOL. can see the ground.

My brother and i actually have 4 trucks all together and 5 cabs we are trying to make 3 nice trucks. Anyway that's not important so i really need some advice on this 2wd frame and don't hold back if it's dumb tell me

 

[bigben129]

Was hoping to hear some opinions "and how to" advice. Maybe some links to good resources. My search features on phone won't work.
thanks

 

[crazy4offroad]

You'll need to cut the front leaf spring perch off the frame by drilling/chiseling the rivets off and mount them in the same place on the 2WD. At the rear of the front springs you have a pair of brackets on the inside of the frame rail to support the springs, need to cut them off the same way you did the front. From there you should be able to find a common measuring point, such as the hole where the front brake lines come through the frame, to get the measurement of where to mount them and to drill the shackle bolt hole. I cant remember if you need the engine cradle crossmember too, for some reason I'm thinking you do. At any rate you WILL need the transmission/t-case crossmember(s). I think you will also need the brackets for the upper shock mounts, cant remember for sure, just something to check out. Unless you plan on running crossover steering some day you will need the 4x4 steering box, since the pitman arms are not interchangeable. That's about all I can think of that can be of any help.

 

[crazy4offroad]

Also if the 4WD cab has the bolt-in hump in the floorboard get it. And if the area it bolts to is in good enough shape cut the whole bolt hole flange out, with an extra inch or so to be able to weld it into your cab. Remove the seat and look underneath and see if your hump extends under there for transfer case clearance, you may need to include that area in your cut as well. Without it you will have to run a 2" body lift for t-case clearance.

 

[bigben129]

Good information thanks

Keep the stuff coming lol

How do you subscribe or get emails when people post new stuff

 

[crazy4offroad]

At the top of the page in the dark blue bar is a drop down menu titled "Thread Tools" with subscribe to this thread as one of the options.

 

[bigben129]

Thanks hopefully I did it right

 

[crazy4offroad]

To check, go to your User Control Panel and scroll down the list of links on the left. You should see one called "Subscriptions" and it should have a list of threads you are subscribed to. I think there are some other subscription settings in the CP as well if you look around.

 

[crazy4offroad]

Also if you look at the list of threads and see an icon like the one I circled in red below, you are subscribed to it...

You can also click the thread tools drop-down menu at the top again and instead of saying "subscribe to this thread" it will say "unsubscribe from this thread".

 

[89Suburban]

Yup, t-case hole on the floor, 4wd indicator in dash. Speedo cable. What else guys. Sounds like a ton of work.

 

[bigben129]

Not building for just road use keep that in mind

Sorry should have already said that. Sorry

Maybe a weekend driver antique plate or something
certainly not a daily driver