2wd to 4X4??? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

griesel72 · 10-07-2004, 05:35 PM

I'm wanting to swap a 72 2wd to a 4X4 and wondered if it would be easier to find a pair axles and the transfer case/tranny/drive shafts and crossmember or to just find a rolling chassis and swap the body over?

anyone have a thought on this, or completed this swap?

thanks
david

**JIMs70GMC** · 10-07-2004, 06:38 PM

David,
I took a 70 C20 (2wd) and set the bed and cab on a 71 frame. I had to cut the low hump out and bolt in a high hump. I think this way is the easiest. Converting a coil rear truck over to leafs in the rear and adding the front suspension would be challenging for a 1/2 ton. The rear of the frame behind the cab bulges outward and will make the front of the rear springs mount challenging. I seen your WTB post for a rolling chassis and i believe this is the way to go.

griesel72 · 10-07-2004, 07:33 PM

Jim,

Thanks for the advice, my 72 2wd is a factory leaf spring truck, would this make this conversion any easier? I seem to be having a problem finding a rolling chassis that is with in 500 miles of me.

thanks
David

Rod · 10-07-2004, 09:02 PM

I merged the threads.

griesel72 · 10-07-2004, 09:55 PM

Thanks rod, gotta keep on longhair's good side

**JIMs70GMC** · 10-08-2004, 04:58 AM

Isn't there a difference in the front rad mount between the c10 and k10/20s? At the front the frames are the same width and the front spring/rad mount location is the together on the 4wds. At the rear of the front springs I believe the frames are also the same between 2wd and 4wd so you should be able to locate the mount easily. Now your BB is another story, it should be mounted forward in the engine compartment which I believe will not work well w/ the front axle and transfer case, in regards to the front driveshaft will be short. 4wd trucks have the engine mounted back in the engine compartment. I'm not sure how big of a problem that would be. Your steering gear box would have to be changed to the 4wd one ir you could do a cross over steering set-up w/ the 2wd one.

**Joesjunk** · 10-09-2004, 04:01 AM

David, Are you interested in your old 67 frame and axles??? I think I am going to sell them. I got the 396 tucked away in the shop though :p Did you get your tires to stop rubbing??
Joe

ZOOMY · 10-09-2004, 04:32 AM

I'm going to have a 2WD to 4X4 conversion frame with axles for sale in a couple of weeks if you're interested.

griswold510 · 10-09-2004, 01:07 PM

im thinking of doing the same with a 76 c10 griesel so keep me updated with what ya do. how much would a rolling chasis run?

griesel72 · 10-09-2004, 01:18 PM

Joe- I really want a c10 frame, something about your red 1/2 4X4 inspired me

Zoomy-pm me the details on it, are you going to be making it down to randy's anytime in the future?

**Joesjunk** · 10-09-2004, 01:27 PM

David, There is a 1/2t 4x4 chassis close to me I have wanted to stop and look at, I will let you know what I find out.

griesel72 · 10-09-2004, 03:32 PM

Thanks joe, i really wouldn't mind making it back up there to Joe's Salvage for some more parts.

thanks
David

ZOOMY · 10-10-2004, 12:15 AM

I have no plans on going to teeitup's, but that's what I said last year too. I'll give you details when I get it home around Oct 22,23..............Z

**Joesjunk** · 10-10-2004, 04:11 PM

David, I haven't been able to catch any one at the business where the 1/2t 4x4 chassis is. I will let you know if I find out anything. You are more than welcome here anytime!! Just bring some cash with you

Joe

Stano · 10-10-2004, 11:08 PM

I picked up a 76 3/4 4x4 rolling chassis saturday for 150$ dana 44, corporate 14bolt Full floater, NP203 and driveshafts. I think it was a smokin deal myself and i have also picked up complete 4x4 73-79 trucks for 200$ or less. with a little time you can make most if not all of these parts work on a 67-72. This set up is most likely gonna find its way underneath my 68 c-10 CST suburban. I really need it under my work truck but its already built and in daily use.

BurnoutNova · 10-11-2004, 11:07 PM

i have a good pair of 4x4 axles for sale...12bolt and d44 w/ 3.73's from a 73 K5 also have a good 203, but you might want to go with a 205.

have the whole thing actully, but the framw is to short for you body.

LONGHAIR · 10-07-2004, 07:21 PM

Please do not double post the same question in different places.

1969 GMC · 10-07-2004, 07:58 PM

David, although any way you slice that kind of project it will be a little time consuming, putting a 2wd body on a 4x4 frame would be easier overall. That way the only fabrication you might have to do is on the cab floor. Just my 2 cents.

griesel72 · 10-07-2004, 08:29 PM

Adam, i am beginning to think the same way, better yet, my truck is a factory big block truck, so already has the unboltable hump. Am i better off holding out for a 71-72 roller, or buying a dirt cheap 68-70 frame and running gear and slapping in a disk brake 44 out of a later model truck (73-??)

thanks
David

1969 GMC · 10-07-2004, 08:44 PM

If you could get a dirt cheap 68-70 frame that would be the best, unless you found a dirt cheap 71-72! Although you should add up price, if the older frame + dana 44 is more expensive than a 72, just go for the newer one.

10-07-2004, 05:35 PM	#1
griesel72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Howard, Kansas USA Posts: 1,997	2wd to 4X4??? I'm wanting to swap a 72 2wd to a 4X4 and wondered if it would be easier to find a pair axles and the transfer case/tranny/drive shafts and crossmember or to just find a rolling chassis and swap the body over? anyone have a thought on this, or completed this swap? thanks david __________________ 1969 K10 Custom 10 1997 Z71 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 2006 King Ranch 1980 Wife

10-07-2004, 06:38 PM	#2
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	David, I took a 70 C20 (2wd) and set the bed and cab on a 71 frame. I had to cut the low hump out and bolt in a high hump. I think this way is the easiest. Converting a coil rear truck over to leafs in the rear and adding the front suspension would be challenging for a 1/2 ton. The rear of the frame behind the cab bulges outward and will make the front of the rear springs mount challenging. I seen your WTB post for a rolling chassis and i believe this is the way to go. __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

10-07-2004, 07:33 PM	#3
griesel72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Howard, Kansas USA Posts: 1,997	Jim, Thanks for the advice, my 72 2wd is a factory leaf spring truck, would this make this conversion any easier? I seem to be having a problem finding a rolling chassis that is with in 500 miles of me. thanks David __________________ 1969 K10 Custom 10 1997 Z71 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 2006 King Ranch 1980 Wife

10-07-2004, 09:02 PM	#4
Rod Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Eastern - Manitoba Canada, Winnipeg Posts: 4,369	I merged the threads. __________________ Senior active founding member. 70 3/4 ton GMC Suburban 4x4 250/4 spd. 71 1/2 ton Suburban Chevy 4x4, 350/350 72 Chev 1 ton tow truck 402BB w/Holmes 440 wrecker on propane 2005 FLSTSCI Harley Springer 85 FXSB Harley Lowrider 72 Triumph 650 Bonneville 5spd "Poor people don't have hobbies" Quote from wife.

10-07-2004, 09:55 PM	#5
griesel72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Howard, Kansas USA Posts: 1,997	Thanks rod, gotta keep on longhair's good side __________________ 1969 K10 Custom 10 1997 Z71 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 2006 King Ranch 1980 Wife

10-08-2004, 04:58 AM	#6
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	Isn't there a difference in the front rad mount between the c10 and k10/20s? At the front the frames are the same width and the front spring/rad mount location is the together on the 4wds. At the rear of the front springs I believe the frames are also the same between 2wd and 4wd so you should be able to locate the mount easily. Now your BB is another story, it should be mounted forward in the engine compartment which I believe will not work well w/ the front axle and transfer case, in regards to the front driveshaft will be short. 4wd trucks have the engine mounted back in the engine compartment. I'm not sure how big of a problem that would be. Your steering gear box would have to be changed to the 4wd one ir you could do a cross over steering set-up w/ the 2wd one. __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

10-09-2004, 04:01 AM	#7
Joesjunk Senior Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Independence MO. Posts: 7,710	David, Are you interested in your old 67 frame and axles??? I think I am going to sell them. I got the 396 tucked away in the shop though :p Did you get your tires to stop rubbing?? Joe __________________ 72 3/4t Custom Deluxe 402/auto 66k Original paint 71 3/4t 4x4 Custom Deluxe 10k original miles Original paint 71 3/4t Cheyenne 402 70k original paint 72 3/4t 4x4 Custom deluxe 72 3/4t 4x4 Custom deluxe 91k original paint 72 Cheyenne/30 Dually 69 Camaro SS396 4-speed 13 GMC 2500HD Duramax I bought new 05 Jeep Wrangler "Willys Edition" 12k miles (I bought new) 85 3/4 ton 4x4 Scottsdale 33k miles original paint 86 1 ton 4x4 SRW Silverado 454 restored 80 1 ton 4x4 SRW Silverado 9,434 original miles!! original paint 95 GMC 1 ton dually 4x4 my dad bought new 95 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4, regular cab 454, 31k original miles 2002 2500HD 4x4 regular cab 6.0L 67k miles 2002 2500HD 4x4 regular cab 8.1L 28k miles 2003 GMC 2500HD 4x4 regular cab Diesel 93k miles 67-72 Parts for sale

10-09-2004, 04:32 AM	#8
ZOOMY Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: WIS Posts: 1,752	rollong chassis I'm going to have a 2WD to 4X4 conversion frame with axles for sale in a couple of weeks if you're interested.

10-09-2004, 01:07 PM	#9
griswold510 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: kennesaw GA Posts: 73	im thinking of doing the same with a 76 c10 griesel so keep me updated with what ya do. how much would a rolling chasis run?

10-09-2004, 01:18 PM	#10
griesel72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Howard, Kansas USA Posts: 1,997	Joe- I really want a c10 frame, something about your red 1/2 4X4 inspired me Zoomy-pm me the details on it, are you going to be making it down to randy's anytime in the future? __________________ 1969 K10 Custom 10 1997 Z71 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 2006 King Ranch 1980 Wife

10-09-2004, 01:27 PM	#11
Joesjunk Senior Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Independence MO. Posts: 7,710	David, There is a 1/2t 4x4 chassis close to me I have wanted to stop and look at, I will let you know what I find out. __________________ 72 3/4t Custom Deluxe 402/auto 66k Original paint 71 3/4t 4x4 Custom Deluxe 10k original miles Original paint 71 3/4t Cheyenne 402 70k original paint 72 3/4t 4x4 Custom deluxe 72 3/4t 4x4 Custom deluxe 91k original paint 72 Cheyenne/30 Dually 69 Camaro SS396 4-speed 13 GMC 2500HD Duramax I bought new 05 Jeep Wrangler "Willys Edition" 12k miles (I bought new) 85 3/4 ton 4x4 Scottsdale 33k miles original paint 86 1 ton 4x4 SRW Silverado 454 restored 80 1 ton 4x4 SRW Silverado 9,434 original miles!! original paint 95 GMC 1 ton dually 4x4 my dad bought new 95 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4, regular cab 454, 31k original miles 2002 2500HD 4x4 regular cab 6.0L 67k miles 2002 2500HD 4x4 regular cab 8.1L 28k miles 2003 GMC 2500HD 4x4 regular cab Diesel 93k miles 67-72 Parts for sale

10-09-2004, 03:32 PM	#12
griesel72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Howard, Kansas USA Posts: 1,997	Thanks joe, i really wouldn't mind making it back up there to Joe's Salvage for some more parts. thanks David __________________ 1969 K10 Custom 10 1997 Z71 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 2006 King Ranch 1980 Wife

10-10-2004, 12:15 AM	#13
ZOOMY Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: WIS Posts: 1,752	teeitup I have no plans on going to teeitup's, but that's what I said last year too. I'll give you details when I get it home around Oct 22,23..............Z

10-10-2004, 04:11 PM	#14
Joesjunk Senior Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Independence MO. Posts: 7,710	David, I haven't been able to catch any one at the business where the 1/2t 4x4 chassis is. I will let you know if I find out anything. You are more than welcome here anytime!! Just bring some cash with you Joe __________________ 72 3/4t Custom Deluxe 402/auto 66k Original paint 71 3/4t 4x4 Custom Deluxe 10k original miles Original paint 71 3/4t Cheyenne 402 70k original paint 72 3/4t 4x4 Custom deluxe 72 3/4t 4x4 Custom deluxe 91k original paint 72 Cheyenne/30 Dually 69 Camaro SS396 4-speed 13 GMC 2500HD Duramax I bought new 05 Jeep Wrangler "Willys Edition" 12k miles (I bought new) 85 3/4 ton 4x4 Scottsdale 33k miles original paint 86 1 ton 4x4 SRW Silverado 454 restored 80 1 ton 4x4 SRW Silverado 9,434 original miles!! original paint 95 GMC 1 ton dually 4x4 my dad bought new 95 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4, regular cab 454, 31k original miles 2002 2500HD 4x4 regular cab 6.0L 67k miles 2002 2500HD 4x4 regular cab 8.1L 28k miles 2003 GMC 2500HD 4x4 regular cab Diesel 93k miles 67-72 Parts for sale

10-10-2004, 11:08 PM	#15
Stano Registered User Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Mo Posts: 963	I picked up a 76 3/4 4x4 rolling chassis saturday for 150$ dana 44, corporate 14bolt Full floater, NP203 and driveshafts. I think it was a smokin deal myself and i have also picked up complete 4x4 73-79 trucks for 200$ or less. with a little time you can make most if not all of these parts work on a 67-72. This set up is most likely gonna find its way underneath my 68 c-10 CST suburban. I really need it under my work truck but its already built and in daily use. __________________ New daily driver 96 Chevy K3500 crew cab dually 53,000 miles 350 Vortec 4L80 Nice ride 67 Chevy C-10 LWB Built 350 TH-400 Wifes ride and family rig: 2001 Furd Expedition 5.4 Liter Kickin back in Rolla,Mo. USA "Do the thing you fear most and the death of fear is certain" Mark Twain Last edited by Stano; 10-10-2004 at 11:10 PM. Reason: additional information



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10-11-2004, 11:07 PM	#16
BurnoutNova Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: CA Posts: 2,057	i have a good pair of 4x4 axles for sale...12bolt and d44 w/ 3.73's from a 73 K5 also have a good 203, but you might want to go with a 205. have the whole thing actully, but the framw is to short for you body.

10-07-2004, 07:21 PM	#17
LONGHAIR just can't cover up my redneck Join Date: May 2004 Location: Columbus OH Posts: 11,414	Please do not double post the same question in different places.

10-07-2004, 07:58 PM	#18
1969 GMC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: The Rubber City Posts: 5,498	David, although any way you slice that kind of project it will be a little time consuming, putting a 2wd body on a 4x4 frame would be easier overall. That way the only fabrication you might have to do is on the cab floor. Just my 2 cents. __________________ 1969 GMC K2500 1996 Honda Accord 2007 Kawasaki KLR 650

10-07-2004, 08:29 PM	#19
griesel72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Howard, Kansas USA Posts: 1,997	Adam, i am beginning to think the same way, better yet, my truck is a factory big block truck, so already has the unboltable hump. Am i better off holding out for a 71-72 roller, or buying a dirt cheap 68-70 frame and running gear and slapping in a disk brake 44 out of a later model truck (73-??) thanks David __________________ 1969 K10 Custom 10 1997 Z71 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 2006 King Ranch 1980 Wife

10-07-2004, 08:44 PM	#20
1969 GMC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: The Rubber City Posts: 5,498	If you could get a dirt cheap 68-70 frame that would be the best, unless you found a dirt cheap 71-72! Although you should add up price, if the older frame + dana 44 is more expensive than a 72, just go for the newer one. __________________ 1969 GMC K2500 1996 Honda Accord 2007 Kawasaki KLR 650

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