2wd to 4wd?

[onestackdram]

Can it be done? Meaning, can I take my 2wd C&C 3500 and swap it out to a 4wd? Maybe I'm way off, but just at clancing at things I wouldn't think it would be to awful involved. Especially if you could find a donor (wrecked truck) with good t-case and drive shaft and front axle, and all the mounts. What do you guys think?



TIA

Russell

 

[SEmerson]

I have done a swap before. I used a doner 4x4. I used the frame with all suspention. Just moved the cab, box and engine over.

 

[y-knot]

Your 1st question "can it be done" anything can be done with enough money and time.

I personaly think you would be money ahead if you sold the wimpy 2WD truck and purchase a 4WD truck like you should have in the first place.

Your money and your time

 

[CFAR]

Or find a rolled 4x4 with a straight frame, and use your cab doors etc

 

[GOLIATHGMC]

FWD

onestackdram:

:{ Had this same dilema with my old '79 'Burb. The older trucks (and vehicles in general) were easier to work with this way, mainly from a simplicity standpoint. Fewer parts, less wiring, etc. However, keep in mind that the frame of your truck is most likely designed to be built into a 2WD or 4WD - this way Dodge only has to make ONE frame. Same goes for lots of wiring harnesses now - manufacturers make ONE harness, but only install and connect the accessories you order. For this reason, your conversion would likely be a bolt in affair. The bad news is that the best way to make sure you get ALL the parts you need to make your conversion complete is to get a donor truck. If you are REALLY attached to your truck, and have the time, space, energy and MONEY to do a swap, by all means do so. If not, consider selling it and buying a 4WD truck. As you have seen here before, your time, your money. Good Luck!

 

[F8LDOSE]

I converted my 2wd 95 ext cab over to 4wd. Really not that hard if you have the proper tools. I used leaf spring front suspension, and a "real" D-60 from a '79 F-350. Trucks gonna be used for sled pulling and play, if the engine ever gets finished.

 

[ndurbin]

Are you really that bored to think this up or just not having any luck finding trucks?



Nathan

 

[1stgen4evr]

Time and money

I saw a thing on the msn home page just tonight. Time is money does not apply anymore. Time is far more valuable than money. I would look for a second truck. There are lots to choose from. The second truck is not as far fetched as it might seem. You don't have to look for the all in one perfect truck as you will have two. If you want to do something that will tie up your ride for a while, you still can go. If you consider the first gen trucks, you can have four for the price. But the answer to the first question is of course yes, you can do the change.



1stgen4evr

James

 

[MidwestMotorman]

the swap

Howdy Russell, long time no chat!



The first gen trucks are an easy swap once components are found. The only real hassle is welding in the rear shackle mounts for the front leaf springs.



Since you want to convert your nice second gen to 6x6, this may be tricky. BUT... I believe you have a cab/chassis truck, so you already have a solid front axle, correct? If so, this will greatly speed up the process. You just need the driveline to bolt in, some guts to tear a hole in the floor for the shifter, a crossmember, and you are in business. There are the little hassles, like vacuum plumbing and wiring harnesses, speedo calibration, transfer case clearance, and a few more that you won't realize until midnight of the day before you need the truck. Also, don't forget that a safe and sane working environment must be present.



The hardest conversion I ever did was making an 81 Chevy C10 2wd 6. 2L diesel auto into an 81 K10 305 gasser 4 spd 4x4. EVERYTHING had to be redone. Another point to remember (that few people are aware of), federal laws state that the title goes with the frame, so swapping a body/frame will techincally require a DMV officer to inspect and assign a new VIN number to your rig to correspond to the "new" 4x4. Don't forget to have a paper trail present for both trucks.



Weigh the costs before diving in. Check out everything in advance. I would say that if you don't have a proper facility or don't have the parts laying in your own backyard, then the swap will cost more money than it is worth. But then, when does a gearhead ever pay attention to all the costs when a project has presented itself?