3500HD conversion to 4x4

[MidwestMotorman]

Can anyone inform me of what the 3500HD series would need to be converted to 4x4 status. I know that it would take the correct transfer case and trans. What about the solid axle found in them? What would need to be swapped out? I have never really looked at the front ends to compare them to a 4x4 axle. I ran across a cab & chassis model that is a good deal, but of course, not a 4x4. Thanks in advance.

 

[Mopar-muscle]

i don't know exactly how the front spring perches and trailing arms mount but i imagine you'd need to find a wreck or get another frame , i'm not sure the attachment points on the frame can be bought seperately . then you need to add the lift blocks to the rear .



as far as trans , if its an auto its just a different OD unit that mounts the t case , then its related wiring , driveshafts and such ... be cheaper and easier to buy a 4x4 ...

 

[CGoyette]

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$TIME AND MORE TIME

Did I say time and money and then alot of asprin.

 

[MidwestMotorman]

Hmmm

Well, I had been informed by email that the HD solid axle had the same front ends as the 4x4s, right out to the splined hubs. If that is the case, then the attaching points should be the same as the 4x4s. Then, does the front end just need an actuator, axles, and gears? Can anyone verify this?

 

[MikeR]

I think a 2wd cab & chassis 3500 would be an easy conversion to 4wd. I have only seen one 2wd cab & chassis,it was a '99,and I noticed it has a solid-tube axle in front and long coil springs. It looked just like a 4x4 axle and links,just without the pumpkin. of course it also sat alot higher than a normal 2wd.



Since the 2wd axle tube is solid,you would still need to get a 4x4 front axle,but it seemed everything would bolt up.



-Mike

 

[SOOT]

My 97 (See Sig) is 2wd and my 99 is 4wd with them sitting side by side I does not look to hard to convert to 4wd because the suspension is the same setup. the only thing you will need is a xfer case front axle front drivline and rear driveline. atleast from what I can see, I have been known to be wrong



Get a few of us together and couple of cases of beer and I think it could be done in a day or two or three

 

[RobG]

I looked into doing this to my '96 3500 4x2 and decided it would be better to just trade the thing for a 4x4, which is what I did after I roasted the auto in the '96.



For the rear... change the mount points on the axle for the shocks (or swap the axle with a 4x4 axle) and that lifts the rear. Then change the transmission and add the xfer case and driveshaft.



Then you get to remove the independent front suspension and install the solid axle and driveshaft. Oh and you get to cut the hole in the tunnel for the xfer case shifter. I won't even go into the wiring issues.



I think it would be much better, easier and cheaper to just get another truck if 4wd is that necessary.



Rob

 

[Mopar-muscle]

wow , the cab n chassis front end is same mount points and a solid axle ... i have been thinking of doing that to mine for summer drag racing and removing the t case ... i wonder how many pounds it would shave off the truck ????