How to convert from 4x2 DRW to 4x4 SRW

[Money Maker]

I know you gotta get different wheels, take off the spacers and fenders. Actually I am going to get a different bed and ditch the one I've got. Not sure there is a whole lot more to this part of the project.



Then for the 4x4, I'm looking for a Ford 1Ton front axle from a 1989-1995 truck. I could probably open that year span up a bit but for now those are the only years I am sure of. The reason for the Ford is - driverside drop Dana 60 and no unitbearings to deal with. Another thing I do not know at this point is if I should be looking for a DRW Ford to steal the axle out from under. If anyone knows what the WMS to WMS is on any of these axles please let me know.



Not sure what T-case I'm going to use anyone know what options I have? I'd rather stay with a manual style and avoid electronic issues.



Also since I have 3. 73 gears what size tire can I get away with using a NV5600? I'd like to go with 37's but not sure if that is feasable. The plan is to do a radius arm link setup on both the front and rear and go to coilovers. Gonna be a pretty big project and am really just in the planning/parts accumulation stages.



Let me know if I missed anything... Thanks

 

[Grizzly]

It sound like a lot of work and what have you gained? No offence, but are you sure it's worth it?

 

[Money Maker]

Getting out of the transport business and have lots of miles on a perfectly good truck. Resale wouldn't do it justice IMO, I'd like to have 4x4 and no longer need a DRW so the way I see it I will gain the truck I want without getting another payment. I already own the tools to do the project and it seems like not doing it would allow those tools to go unused. Only real detraction to the whole thing is that the truck will be down for quite awhile, it's not like I have nothing else to do.

 

[JFaulkner]

You might send Tsterner a PM I know he has both the front and rear axle out of his 2004 with 11k miles if you want to swap from a DRW to a single rear and don't want to use spacers. I know you want a dana out of a ford but if his dodge axle is cheap enough it may be worth it. He also has 3:73 and 4:10 gears for both your choice, the front had an E-Locker but has since been sold. (but the housing is already modified if you wanted to add one later)

 

[Money Maker]

thanks for the info

 

[PRattenbury]

Might wanna find a donor truck like a wreck or a rustbucket, snag the parts off it, and junk/part out what you don't need.

 

[BHolm]

Sounds like you are a glutton for punishment It would be quicker, cheaper and you would definately end up with a better finished project if you just traded what you have, for what you want.

 

[Grizzly]

Getting out of the transport business and have lots of miles on a perfectly good truck. Resale wouldn't do it justice IMO, I'd like to have 4x4 and no longer need a DRW so the way I see it I will gain the truck I want without getting another payment. I already own the tools to do the project and it seems like not doing it would allow those tools to go unused. Only real detraction to the whole thing is that the truck will be down for quite awhile, it's not like I have nothing else to do.

I do see your point, it's a project. Other people have done simular projects, like build a house from the ground up with very little sub-contracting. I've built three and my son and I built his 3K sq ft house.

 

[Money Maker]

Might wanna find a donor truck like a wreck or a rustbucket, snag the parts off it, and junk/part out what you don't need.

I originally thought about going that route. But in the end I would end up with a hell of a lot of work and it would would never show because everyone would assume it was made that way. If I am going to spend a lot of time and money on something I want to have something to show for it. Plus I can make a better suspension than what came on them from the factory, it is just going to take a lot of time.



Once I pull out the torch there will be no going back, so for right now the truck is still safe.