2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Converting a 2WD 98 12V to 4WD?

[Willys]

Seen a few threads lately about the rarity of 98 12V 4x4 QC trucks... so I got an idea today



My mom has a 98 12V 2wd truck, with a strong automatic. In 1-2 years she plans to replace it with a new SUV... I'm toying with the idea of buying it, converting to a REAL front axle with leaf springs and decent front end parts to replace the junk that Dodge put on them... maybe use a divorced T/C, put a tighter TQ in... lift it a little bit... Oo. I can probably do this a little cheaper than buying a newer used truck, the platform is one I'm more familiar with(12V), and I'll have a good truck that I'm already familiar with.



Has anyone done this to a similar truck, or seen it done?

 

[RBrunson]

My thought on it is, you are looking at a lot of work. You already have a rare truck in the two wheel drive 98. The drag racers prefer these trucks over the 4x4. I think it would be worth more money the way it is.

 

[pwerwagn]

I personally wouldnt screw with it. Unless you just really really want to do it, and you want to keep it. If you convert it to 4x4, it probably wont be worth any more money. probably less actually. Most people dont want stuff that others have messed with.

youll probably be much happier just finding a 4x4 QC SB 12V.

My . 002.

-Jeff

 

[GMincher]

I like the way you think! A divorced NP205 out of a 1960's W series. Leaf springs and Dana 60 with real wheel bearings and real hubs. Out of what? phord the diffs' on the wrong side, maybe a 70's-80's chevy? I wonder about overall width and spring perch placement, but it could be done! By damn that'd make a nice truck! And a really long front driveshaft! See ya, Greg

 

[Willys]

Its just an idea at this point... but I usually don't sell a truck-I'll drive it till the wheels fall off. My current work truck will become a full time work truck for a crew to drive as my business grows- its still reliable enough for that. The 98 would be a family/work truck until it gets too small for the family- then it will become a full time work truck... and I'll buy a used 3rd gen and learn how to deal with all the new stuff. Basically, I don't plan on increasing resale value, because I don't plan on selling. A truck is a money pit(especially if you sell within the first 150,000 miles), I just plan on making it a little more usuable. Its not an investment. This would just prolong my buying a newer truck for a while.



I'll have to check on front axles... but I think either a ford or chevy would work- I think ford used some divorced passenger side t-cases. If the entire front axle/steering/suspension assembly is removed and replaced, I don't see anything stopping me from moving the driveshaft to the opposite side. The major concern is that the frame narrows significantly around the steering box. I would have to attach spring perches, and I'd be cautious welding on the frame. I'm a qualified welder, but I've heard these frames are heat treated, is this true?



The front driveshaft would be looooong, but I doubt it would be an issue as long as the rear driveshaft doesnt become so short that it causes vibrations or binding. I never use 4x4 at high speeds, so as long as the front shaft clears everything, its ok.



I'd also need to lift the rear- stock springs would work, but lift springs(to clear 35's ) would be nice. Even nicer would be air bags.



Any other ideas?

 

[sewman]

Some of the old Dodges in the 80's had Dana 60 fronts w/lockouts,leafsprings they should work.

 

[Willys]

thanks. Those are rare but I'll keep it in mind.

 

[yyzski]

Does anyone know if the floorpans are the same for 2WD & 4WD? (to avoid cutting/trimming for the 4WD gear).



For the front Dana 60, a Ford axle may be the way to go as pre-'94 Dodges had the differential pumpkin on the passenger side (as did Chevs). There should be tons of Ford front Dana 60s available as they didn't use the evil 'twin-traction-beam' front end in the F350s for long and the pumpkin has been on the drivers side for as long as I can remember... ... .

 

[Willys]

Does anyone know if the floorpans are the same for 2WD & 4WD? (to avoid cutting/trimming for the 4WD gear).

Didn't think about that... but I can find out tomorrow... .

 

[chef]

trannies are different aren't they?



thought about doing it to my 99... being 2wd is the only thing i dislike about it. it came with a THICK book of maintenance records, and had a really good owner. I jumped on it due to those basic facts, but having gotten stuck a few times taking my jeep to the dry lakes, it's a pain sometimes.

 

[Willys]

trannies are different aren't they?

Yes, but I was thinking about using an older divorced transfercase, with a short driveshaft between. This is probably a redneckish way to go about it , but I don't see yet why it wouldn't work. Oo. The t-case gears won't be as low, but with the automatic, I doubt that will be an issue. (and I've heard rumors of $$$ kits for replacing the gears with lower ratios)



This particular truck has rarely been used to tow- the paint in the receiver hitch has hardly any scratching... The original owner just drove it to work. Every 5-6 years he sells his truck and buys a new one. My mom definitely won't be doing any towing, so the 120k miles on it are hardly anything as far as wear.

 

[pwerwagn]

Ford used a divorced 205 with driver side output. Dodge used the div 205 with pass side output. Your right, the 205 doesnt have as low of a low (1. 96:1) but there is a company that is developing a kit right now that is going to be a 3:1 low, close to the 241.

There is a thread in the off road forum about using a divorced T-case, I belive MJoppie wanted to do it.

It shouldnt be hard to do, though. I have converted a 2wd truck (not a ram) using a 205. One pointer is build a GOOD crossmember to mount the 205 to.

--Jeff