4x4 Cab Replacement

[palposity]

Hey Folks.

I posted this question on my build thread "Cletus" but I thought more eyes would see it if I started a thread with just this question. I have a 4x4 truck that I am replacing the cab on. The cab I am putting on is from a 2wd truck. Has anyone on here ever done this? I am assuming I have to swap the tranny tunnels as the 4x4 tunnel looks a bit bigger, but I thought I would see if any of you have done this before. It would be awesome if any of you had pics of the procedures as well.

I also have to add that this forum is full of great people. I have been on a diesel forum for several years which is a good one, but you guys on this forum are far more helpful.

Thanks in advance for your help!

[longbedrick]

It was a straight swap on my '69. all I had to do was replace the tranny tunnel. It was a matter of just bolting it on. I dont think the tunnel on the '73-87 is the same style. I think there are a few different styles of tunnels on these truck

[Stitch]

you will probably have to cut the mounting flange for the high hump out of the old cab and cut and weld that flange into dad's cab...you might want to search 'high hump'...I don't know if you searched that yet or not, but that's what it's commonly called on here...later Charlie

Chuck.

[b454rat]

99.9% sure the only difference is in the tranny hump. 2wd stick trucks and 4wd have the same tranny hump. Depending what year 2wd cab, it may have the removable one already.

[glimmertwin01]

Ditto its easy if you have good donor parts

[Stitch]

cab's an 84 2wd without a removable hump

[palposity]

Originally Posted by Fat Hoe

cab's an 84 2wd without a removable hump

Actually I decided to use the 84 Cab on "Pops" because it's an A/C cab and Pops will be a pleasure driver. "Cletus" will be a plow rig so I'm going to use my 86 Rust free non A/C cab from my other donor truck. Somehow I'm thinking that hump is not removable either. I'm sure someone has done this swap though.

[Stitch]

a couple of threads for info...you may have to register to see the pics...seems that a 2" body lift will clear the cab and the tranny/transfer case combo...or you can take the high hump, unbolt it, slide it over the low hump, mark it, cut the hole 1 1/4" - 1 1/2" smaller and then screw the high hump down using sealant between the two...

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/sm...?topic=14052.0
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/sm...p?topic=5766.0
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/sm...p?topic=4609.0
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/sm...?topic=11798.0
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/sm...hp?topic=11838

[Gregs71]

If I remember right... a 2x4 truck with a manual tranny has a "high hump" and will fit in a 4x4 truck without issue.

[palposity]

Originally Posted by Fat Hoe

a couple of threads for info...you may have to register to see the pics...seems that a 2" body lift will clear the cab and the tranny/transfer case combo...or you can take the high hump, unbolt it, slide it over the low hump, mark it, cut the hole 1 1/4" - 1 1/2" smaller and then screw the high hump down using sealant between the two...

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/sm...?topic=14052.0
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/sm...p?topic=5766.0
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/sm...p?topic=4609.0
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/sm...?topic=11798.0
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/sm...hp?topic=11838

Thanks Chuck. These are good points of reference. I believe my high hump is not removable so I will just mark it and cut it out when I remove the cab. Then I will find the best way to cut and weld it into the replacement. Although the 2" body lift idea may be worth investigating...

[Stitch]

if you cut out the hump, I think you should cut out the rear hump also...that's the part that clears the transfer case...that's what I gathered from those threads anyways...

[73chevyman]

i've done signed up for that forum 4 times and still haven,t recieved the verification message lol

[palposity]

Originally Posted by Fat Hoe

if you cut out the hump, I think you should cut out the rear hump also...that's the part that clears the transfer case...that's what I gathered from those threads anyways...

Makes sense. My primary fear is that it may not match up well to the new cab so that would compromise structural integrity. The 2" body lift is starting to sound a bit more attractive now....

[73chevyman]

if you do the body lift then your going to have to make new brackets for your bumpers... thats the only thing i hate about body lifts is you got to fill in the gaps... if it were me i cut just the top of the center hump 1" down and then cut the other 4" and screw it like said then seal it