2WD to later model 4x4? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

1971'Burb · 12-29-2013, 07:25 PM

What is good donor truck for a 4x4 frame upgrade for a 1970-1972 suburban? I like the 88-98 trucks but they are not the same wheelbase design. Anybody done it? Thanks.

BennettGM · 12-29-2013, 07:31 PM

I used a 86 3/4 suburban under my 2wd 72 suburban. My guy shortened the frame approx 3 inches.

1971'Burb · 12-29-2013, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BennettGM

I used a 86 3/4 suburban under my 2wd 72 suburban. My guy shortened the frame approx 3 inches.

Cool!
I suppose there isn't anything even close to just bolt on.

RANDY COX · 01-01-2014, 07:54 PM

Nope if it were that easy everybody would be doing it, Like me...

CUCV2 · 02-18-2014, 09:23 AM

How different are the frames from 2wd to 4wd? The B52 kit from DIY4X
http://diy4x.com/cart/index.php?rout...product_id=122
seems like a good way to convert the front suspension to 4wd if they are similar where the spring perches mount. I know that you can mount 73-91 Chevy lift springs on those (they are 48" long) if you use the frame mount end hole closest to the axle. The axle will end up forward about an inch though.

**JJorgensen52** · 02-18-2014, 02:34 PM

The frames are actually remarkably similar. It can be done with a 4x4 donor truck if you're not afraid of cutting into the frame.

I'm about to do this on my '72 C3500 with an '87 K30 donor truck.

12-29-2013, 07:25 PM	#1
1971'Burb Registered User Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Odessa, Texas Posts: 26	2WD to later model 4x4? What is good donor truck for a 4x4 frame upgrade for a 1970-1972 suburban? I like the 88-98 trucks but they are not the same wheelbase design. Anybody done it? Thanks.

12-29-2013, 07:31 PM	#2
BennettGM Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Cambridge Ontario Posts: 58	Re: 2WD to later model 4x4? I used a 86 3/4 suburban under my 2wd 72 suburban. My guy shortened the frame approx 3 inches. __________________ 72 Suburban 3/4 ton 4X4

01-01-2014, 07:54 PM	#4
RANDY COX Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: RADFORD, VA Posts: 2,651	Re: 2WD to later model 4x4? Nope if it were that easy everybody would be doing it, Like me... __________________ 1964 BBC 402 4x4

02-18-2014, 09:23 AM	#5
CUCV2 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Central, VT Posts: 39	Re: 2WD to later model 4x4? How different are the frames from 2wd to 4wd? The B52 kit from DIY4X http://diy4x.com/cart/index.php?rout...product_id=122 seems like a good way to convert the front suspension to 4wd if they are similar where the spring perches mount. I know that you can mount 73-91 Chevy lift springs on those (they are 48" long) if you use the frame mount end hole closest to the axle. The axle will end up forward about an inch though.

02-18-2014, 02:34 PM	#6
JJorgensen52 Simple? What's simple? Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Southeast CT Posts: 1,472	Re: 2WD to later model 4x4? The frames are actually remarkably similar. It can be done with a 4x4 donor truck if you're not afraid of cutting into the frame. I'm about to do this on my '72 C3500 with an '87 K30 donor truck. __________________ CURRENT '50 GMC 100 shortbed Gen IV 4.8 LS - 4L65E (Secret truck, Shhh!!!) Build '63 Buick Wildcat Coupe 401ci Nailhead (Very much in pieces) Photos '66 Impala SS convertible 327-QJet-glide (4 speed swap one of these days...) Photos '69 CST/10 4x4 SWB Stepper 350 2bbl - NV4500/NP241C (Broken Truck!) '72 Sierra Grande 2WD LWB fleetside 350-TH350 Refresh '99 K2500 Silverado RCLB 5.7 Vortec - NV4500/NP241C (Daily) '99 K2500 Suburban 7.4 Vortec - NV4500/NP246 (still working out the bugs) SOLD '71 Custom/10 2WD LWB fleetside - '72 GMC K/3500 Dually (Sold to redryder)



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