4WD to 2WD frame swaps

[onetonk5]

Say a guy has a 4wd k5 and was thinking about converting it to 2wd would it be better to shorten a 2wd short wheel base truck frame and move the body mounts in the rear to match a blazer tub or some other way? I dont have access to a 2wd blazer frame so thats out of the question...where are those frame dimension pics? Any insight is appreciated.
I see more 4wd parts for sale in the near future.

[1969k10stepside]

Can't help you on the dimensions but here is my thoughts.Now,I'm into the 4wds but I like the 2wds too.If I was building one that was to be as close to a original 2wd as possible I would use a truck frame and shorten it because:

1.The curves in the 2wd frames will be there like an original 2wd would have
2.It would look more original versues the 4wd to 2wd convert because you would still have the original 2wd coil rear suspension.

The disadvantage:
1.You would have to cut down the chassis
2.You would have to fab up body mounts

If you don't care about it looking close to an original and don't care if people know it's a convert than use a 4wd Blazer frame.
The advantages would be:
1.You wouldn't have to shorten the chassis or modify the body mounts.

The disadvantage:
Still has the rear leafs that limit the lowering capability to a certain point as to one that has coil springs in the rear.

Now,you can modify the rear with 4wd suspension to accomodate trailing arms,and all the 2wd suspension but I don't know what all is involved.

[onetonk5]

Not interested in converting a 4wd frame.....why hack up 2 frames to make one when i can hack up one to make one. No way am I interested in rear leafs.. Dont care if people know its a convert...just want it right.
Did 2wd blazers come with a non bolt in low hump?
Anyone done this??

[1969k10stepside]

I have seen some 2wd Blazers that had a low hump like a truck,but also have seen some with the high humps.Of course,a 2wd Blazer that had a 4 spd would have a high hump.

[tom71]

i bought a frame from efab man that he shortened, he cut it in the area just be hind the fire wall, the rear most body mounts(bed mounts on a swbframe ) and the front cab mounts will line up , oncethe tub is bolted in the other mounts will be easy to locate and install , i think you could remove body mounts from the swb chassis and relocat them .pm efab he could probably give you a ton of info .i could take pics and measurements if you want , but id have to email themto you , cant post pics here . tom

[oldcarsown88]

id say sell it to me instead

[LUV2XCLR8]

Boy oh boy have I been down this road, I have looked at every option
out there, sad part is I've had 4 blazers in 4 years and still don't have
a clue which way I wanna go or what I want? That's sad, sad, sad
I say hold out for a 2wd chassis, they are out there, I find one about
every month or so, just no cash to branch out. If I find another one I'll
keep "GQ" and do a frame swap, otherwise it's going bye eventually

[65-72 chevytoys]

Here are the frame dimensions you are looking for good luck.

http://www.chuckschevytruckpages.com/framespecs.html

[bouncytruck]

Just put a 4 link or check to see if the new air ride system bolts-in in the rear and a front cross member from a 2wd, bag it and call it good. Another option is companies like http://www.jimmeyerracing.com/ can build you a custom frame to match your wants. A 4wd blazer chassis isn't worth a whole lot without a tub, and finding a 2wd blazer frame is nearly impossible. Shortening a frame sounds like a lot of work and you still won't have an original 2wd blazer.

[onetonk5]

65-72chevytoys.........thanks thats the page I was looking for....unfortunantly it doesnt look like it differentiates between 2 & 4wd blazer frames. Keep the info coming. Definantly not buying a custom frame from anyone...if I wanted to go that route I would build my own. Dont want to 4 link the rear wheen trailing arms would work and I already have a very nice set. Guess I should have mentioned I have a lwb 67 2wd frame with 5 lug stuff already on it that I plan on using for parts.
Anyone with swap info please keep posting
Thanks

[onetonk5]

I wont have an original 2wd blazer.....but I will have a nice convert....nothing wrong in my mind with that.

[65-72 chevytoys]

I think 4wd frame specs are the same as the 2wd. The difference is where the crossmembers are located and location and type of suspension brackets.

[bouncytruck]

My understanding is that the trailing arms will fit on a 4wd frame, but you will have to make some shock mounts.

[onetonk5]

Anyone else??? Anyone who actually have done this have any pics?

[smbrouss70]

I know that Gringoloco has put the trailing arms on an original 4wd frame. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=218156

[gringoloco]

Originally Posted by smbrouss70

I know that Gringoloco has put the trailing arms on an original 4wd frame. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=218156

Yep. It can be done. Actually, it's very easy. Mine is now 99% done, just needs painted and knick-knacks. If you need any more info let me know- I never updated with completed pics.

-Chris

[onetonk5]

I will be doing a front crossmember swap and add trailing arms as soon as I get a little farther along with the rust repair. Any more info is greatly appreciated...What bolt hole lines up with the trailing arm crossmember? Did you do a c notch? Panhard bar or something else?? Im considering a watts linkage to keep the rear centered during travel.

[onetonk5]

Was about to do the same thing......thanks for helping me keep the post going in the right direction

[1969k10stepside]

I'm still watching this thread and now I have the same ideas.I found a 4wd blazer that would be a perfect candidate for a 2wd conversion but was also considering just putting the tub on a shortened truck frame...I don't know what I will do so I'm waiting on what your decision is, onetonk5

[onetonk5]

More than likely I will put 2wd stuff on my 4wd frame....stock front crossmember on 4wd frame would be like having a 1" z because the 4wd frame kicks up 1" higher than 2wd which is cool......I will swap the front core support mounts to 2wd and weld all the unused holes up. Having it "factory" doesnt concern me. Will most likely do factory trailing arms rear with air bags and c notch and a watts link.

[N2TRUX]

Guys there lots of good info being passed back and forth here. Please keep the conversation geared toward info and not buying and selling parts.

Thanks...

[gringoloco]

Originally Posted by onetonk5

I will be doing a front crossmember swap and add trailing arms as soon as I get a little farther along with the rust repair. Any more info is greatly appreciated...What bolt hole lines up with the trailing arm crossmember? Did you do a c notch? Panhard bar or something else?? Im considering a watts linkage to keep the rear centered during travel.

Check my thread linked above. There are pictures detailing exactly where to place the center crossmember to have the rear axle centered...

[onetonk5]

Gringo........will do...thanks for the info....got all the front stuff off today....bare framerails!! Planning on getting the front done tomorrow then start on the back...Goodmark is out of stock on some of the rust repair stuff I need so I have time to work on the frame.

[onetonk5]

Hey Gringo....I have looked through both your thread and bigbluthng's pictures and I dont see anything that shows exactly what hole/holes line up with the crossmember....its not that big of a deal im sure I can figure it out when I get started on that end, just gathering info to make it easier if possible. If you dont mind maybe you could show us what your talking about and make it a little more clear...thanks...your blazer is Sweet!

[gringoloco]

There is one on each side that lines up. It is the rearmost upper hole on the crossmember. It will align with the rearmost hole left when you remove the parking brake bracket on the driver's side. The passenger side has matching holes. The rest you will have to drill out. A 12" long bit or an angle drill comes in handy when doing this conversion.

In the pictures below, it will be the upper left hole in the first, and the upper left bolt in the second.