4x4 Removal ???'s

[ShortBedChevy]

Man am i full of questions... lol

anyways, we are still undecided, but we are thinking about removing the 4x4 out of our 85 silverado... All the parts are good, and the front end just got new spider gears put in about 25 miles ago... Hubs were just repacked, but the drivers side hub might need to be replaced as it is loose and i cant get it tightend so it clanks.. The transfer case seems to work fine, is a little stubborn at times, but works well...
1.How much can i get for all of the 4x4 parts?

2. How hard is it to remove all the 4x4 parts and replace with a 2x4 front end?

3. This is most likely a project a 16 year old with no tools should take on... so how much would it cost to have an auto place do this project?

[Eyegore]

Good morning SBC If I were you I would find a 2wd in place of your 4x4, you'll save $$$ over the long run since this type of conversion you'll need a 2wd donor anyway. I just picked up a stock 86 c10 for $2000 so I know there out there. What your wanting to undertake is something the most seasoned mechanic would shy away from. Try looking for a 2wd first or perhaps find someone who has a 2wd and trade them for it, you'll save in the long run. Like it has been stated in many of times on this forum, if you want 2wd buy a 2wd, if 4x4 buy a 4x4.

Tom

[76bonanza]

Yes plus in my area at least 4x4 is worth more than a 2 wheel drive in the same condition.

[Captkaos]

I agree. And a shop is probably going to charge you enough that it would be cheaper to just buy a 4x2 and keep the 4x4, that is IF they will do it.

[Grim Reaper]

Lots of work especcially if you want to lower it. To convert a 4x4 frame the following parts need to be changed.
Rear spring hangers
Front cross member has to be cut out and then new saddle from 2wd installed this will include atleast lifting the engine a few inches but proably be eiasier to remove it.


Now if you were going pre runner you could do a 2wd lift on the front and leave the 4x4 hangers out back but your still going to have a lot of work. I am actually thinking about doing this to a K5 simply because it is so hard to find a 2wd K5. I want to build a light pre runner with Glass front end to try to make a 20mpg DD.

In honestly it would be cheaper to buy a different truck.

[1FaastC10]

i was considering doing the exact opposite, but decided to go from a LWB to a SWB. since my truck isnt going to be any where near pretty, or stock, i decided i was money ahead to use my existing cab and clip from my C10, and mount it on a SWB 4x4 chassis. is this truck your daily driver? if it is, forget about it. it will be down for at least a week, most likely longer. you'll thank yourself if you just sell your 4x4 and buy a 2wd.