2wd to 4wd conv.

[F8LDOSE]

Just finishing up my 4wd conversion on a 95 ext. cab. Has anybody else fooled with such a project?

 

[laketex]

nope, but in a few years, i'll be very interested. Got pics!!???????

 

[RGT]

interested in hearing about your's as I always see reasonably priced, low mile trucks for sale and prefer 4wd. Thanks for being the pioneer.

 

["Mad Max"]

Howdy Fellas,



I did a conversion on my '74 Power Wagon about 2 years ago. It was a 2x4 non-dually and I converted to 4x4 dually. I can only speak from a '93-older perspective, but the suspension mounts, springs, etc were a snap. The early (pre 94) frames seem to all have the bolt holes for the inner frame bracket for the front spring rear shackle mount. Grab the bracket from a wrecked power wagon. Use grade 8 bolts, three per side.



The front spring pivot bracket uses big studs/rivets to hold it to the frame (on a 2x4 there is no bracket) and they share some of the saem bracketry for the rad support, etc. You'll have to cut some of the rivets and replace with grade 8 bolts/nuts, but it'll be almost a bolt-in procedure for locating the front spring and axle. I'm writing all this from memory, but I can have a look at the rig and make 100% sure of the locations, etc.



Once that's done you'll have to get the factory monster adaptor plate that locates the steering box away from the frame to 'square' up the pitman arm to the steering linkage (I'm pretty sure the 2x4's bolt directly to the frame), and you'll need a 4x4 pitman arm. Then you'll need the drag link from the pitman arm to the axle steering knuckle. All of this stuff can be found at a decent wrecking yard. If you want a dana 44 you'll be in luck because they're much more plentiful than a dana 60, or a D60 dually axle (I got lucky and found the whold shooting match, but was $$$). My dually's drag link aims straight back to the steering knuckle on the d-side of the axle.

Toss in a t-case and frame brackets, drive shaft, and shifter and you're basically there.

Watch the angle of the u-joints. Too much and the joints will bobble - always fun.



If you need more info let me know. Kind of a lot to put in one posting.



Good luck - Laters!,

- Sam

 

[jwinnie]

Sam,



Do you think the Dana 44 could handle the weight/torque of the cummins? Did they make 8 lug versions? They are definitely more plentiful/cheaper than the Dana 60. I am hoping to do this in the next couple years.

thanks,



John