4wd from 89 to convert 2wd 93 to 4wd can it be done?

[GMichaels]

I have a line on a donor truck which has rusted away, its an 1989 dually 4wd. I would like to convert my 2wd 93 to 4wd, but not sure if it can be done without excessive effort.



looks like the frame will have to be drilled for the xfercase support, and leaf springs. as well as cutting the floor for the xfercase shifter.



I was reading posts and is there a big floor hump for the xfercase as well thats not there for the 2wd? (don't have the 89 close to look)



The truck is at auction 5/22 figure it will go for a 1k or less, so need advice asap. the getrag is good in it, so it would save me from a rebuild and having a spare rear axle would be handy.



I have the tools, but really don't want to spend months converting it, is it a reasonable upgrade??



PS can you tell the axle ratio from the vin number? the tags were gone.

 

[bgilbert]

The dealer might be able to run the vin for axle ratio, but there is no coding for axle ratio in the vin that you could check via a service manual. If there still is a spec sheet/sticker under the hood, it will tell you the ratio. I suggest if you want a 4wd, buy one, not try to convert. Now maybe if you were to convert a crew cab 2wd to 4wd it maybe a reasonable upgrade. This truck for auction is a CTD ? Not sure about the floor hump on 4vs. 2.

 

[Philip]

If the truck has a CTD in it then your set on the drive train parts you need. If it is a gasser. Check to make sure it has a model 60 front axle in it. If it has a full time 4WD that case will not hold up behind the CTD.



The axle ratio should be on a tag on one of the rear end cover bolts around the 10:00 position. If someone hasn't removed it. If the truck is a gasser it most likely has 4:10 or so in it.

 

[GMichaels]

ctd

Yes it is a CTD 4wd dually. The tags for the axle are missing. I want the 3. 5 not the 4. 10, so I guess if its the right price I will take a chance. I assume someone will want the engine which will help with the cost. greg

 

[Philip]

With it being a orginal CTD truck. If it has an auto in it. It should have a set of 3:07's. If it has a stick shift it should have 3:54's. I don't think the 4:10's were offered in that year. But if it does have a set init. Most likely they were swaped in. I priced a new CTD truck in 89 and 3:07's and 3:54's were the only gears offered.