4wd to 2wd ?'s

[franky69c10]

Just wanna know how possible is it 2 swap a 2wd rear end and front crossmember 2 a 4wd frame what would it take and has it been done I'm not a 4wd fan at all found a good deal on a swb 4wd frame reason I'm asking cuz I have a lwb truck and want a swb BAD
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[softballnrd27]

It isn't too bad, there have been quite a few on here that have done it.

[franky69c10]

Any build thread or links
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[spudz]

its been done but I think it would be alot easyer to just shorten your lwb to a swb. There are a few build threads doing that too.

[franky69c10]

Originally Posted by spudz

its been done but I think it would be alot easyer to just shorten your lwb to a swb. There are a few build threads doing that too.

That was my other ? I was gonna ask is it easier to swap everything over to 2 the swb frame or just cut down my lwb
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[spudz]

I have never done it but it doesnt look bad at all. Cut the frame like in the first link. Its ALOT stronger that way.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=460030
http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/lwb_to_swb.htm

[franky69c10]

Originally Posted by spudz

I have never done it but it doesnt look bad at all. Cut the frame like in the first link. Its ALOT stronger that way.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=460030
http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/lwb_to_swb.htm

quick ? on the first link says measure 8'' from the cab mount crossmember then 14'' from there, and on the second link say measure 6'' just wanna know which one is corect b4 i start cutting

[N2TRUX]

If it were me, I would convert the SWB frame. There is nothing wrong with cutting a frame, but I would rather have one thats not cut. If you really want to cut your frame down look at this article. One of the best I have ever seen "How to shorten a LWB frame"

[franky69c10]

N2TRUX So your saying u would cut down a Lwb frame 2 a swb rather then swap everything from a 2wd frame over 2 a 4wd frame and thanks 4 the link but I thought 67-72 was different then the 73-87 on where 2 cut
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[bluex]

Yes you cut in a different spot than a 67-72 but the method is basically the same. Most people prefer a z style cut for strength.

I did my truck about 8 yrs ago with a straight cut and have not had any issues with it. It is plated on the inside of the frame. I still use it like a truck and have even had it overloaded to the point the front end was light. A few weeks ago I hauled off almost 1500 lbs of scrap metal. If its done right and welded right a straight cut can be just as strong....
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[franky69c10]

ttt
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[05Gibbs]

if u was closer i would swap ya. i have a full swb 2by parts truck and would like to make it mud truck someday

[N2TRUX]

What I am saying is my first choice would be to convert the SWB frame. I am not opposed to cutting a frame if its done correctly, but would rather have an uncut frame.

Yes, the 67-72 frame is different in the rear. The link shows the method I feel is the strongest to use if you do choose that option.

[OARNGESI]

swb 2wd arent hard to find around phx pm me if you need a lead or two

[franky69c10]

Yeah I know there not but all I'm looking for is the fleet bed and frame but can't find that anywhere here in Phoenix
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[MikeJones16]

If you want to see what a frame swap might look like check out my thread. Its time consuming haha.

[franky69c10]

One step closer 2 making it a swb picked up a short bed off CL today for $80 bucks in good condition well there's a few ding here and there, I guess I'm going 2 b cutting my frame down instead buying a swb frame and swapping everything, ill b making a build thread soon.


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[N2TRUX]

You stole it for 80 bucks. Keep us posted...

[franky69c10]

Yeah the guy wanted $250 I told him I'll get back 2 him then he called me the next day saying he needs this gone cuz he's moving I told him I only have $80 buck on me he said come pic it up 2 day it's your's 4 $80 bucks lol so yeah I thought it was a good deal but 4 sure I'll keep u guys posted
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[andrewmp6]

Yeah you stole that bed most here want that for one rusted to hell.

[bluex]

Ya you stole that, I had $350 in my stepside bed when I first did my conversion. It was nice and straight with no rust, just needed new wood.

I never did like it so I bought a fleet for $150 a few years later. It has rust and plenty of dents in the floor too!

I dont have the pictures anymore but can help if you have questions about shortening the frame....

[franky69c10]

Originally Posted by bluex

but can help if you have questions about shortening the frame....

sounds good ill b asking questions soon

[bluex]

If I remember right it really dosent matter. There is one way you can do it and the bed bolt holes will all line back up though. I dont know which way that is. I just used the second set of holes from the rear to square the bed. Measured out my cut and when I was done cutting and welding I just drilled new holes.

I would do the Z cut now too. I dont think there is anything wrong with the straight cut, but it needs to be welded and braced properly. At the time I didnt know or think about doing it like that. The guy that helped with mine built wreckers and ramp trucks and extended frames for those the same way we shortened mine. I was just following his lead and helping where I could.

[franky69c10]

ttt

[bluex]

Neither link mentions drilling new bed bolt holes. I would PM the guy from the first link and as him if he had to drill or not. If he didnt I would do exactly what he did, because drilling the holes isnt fun two of mine didnt line up.....