Author Topic: converting a c20 2wd to 4wd by front axle of blazer?!  (Read 9182 times)

Offline ali-mufc

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converting a c20 2wd to 4wd by front axle of blazer?!
« on: August 01, 2017, 02:52:08 PM »
hi every one , I'm new here
I'm from Iran and i going to convert a 2wd chevy custom to a 4wd and i need your help  :)
In Iran 98 percent of customs are C20 2wd 6 cylinder 1977-1980.
The 4wd ones are very very expensive .maybe 3 times more than a 2wd and i cant afford it.
Fortunately there are too many blazers 4wd 8 cylinder 1977-1980
Changing the Chassis frame is illegal here, also changing the body and engine is illegal .we only can change axle and gearbox .
Can i use the front axle of blazer and its transfer case to make it?
Is it fit? Is it work ? any other changes is necessary to do?
thank you so much  :)

Offline hwh

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Re: converting a c20 2wd to 4wd by front axle of blazer?!
« Reply #1 on: August 01, 2017, 03:59:15 PM »
Yes it will work. More things you will need is 4wd gearbox. Unless you want to do crossover steering you use a 2wd gearbox. Spring hangers, driveshafts, pitman arm, draglink. That will be a good start.

Offline hotrod87

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Re: converting a c20 2wd to 4wd by front axle of blazer?!
« Reply #2 on: August 01, 2017, 09:55:23 PM »
make sure you have the same gear ratios in both the front & rear axles

Offline jetman

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Re: converting a c20 2wd to 4wd by front axle of blazer?!
« Reply #3 on: August 02, 2017, 12:42:11 PM »
It is a tremendous amount of work. Few people in the USA attempt this conversion.  The devil is in the details, and there are a lot of details to consider. 
Such as the transmission hump.  The Squarebody trucks (73-87) factory 4x4's all have a taller hump to accommodate the transfer case.  You will most likely need to fabricate a new one or get a tall hump from a donor truck. 
With that said, given enough time and effort, anything is possible.

Offline ali-mufc

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Re: converting a c20 2wd to 4wd by front axle of blazer?!
« Reply #4 on: August 03, 2017, 03:12:16 AM »
Yes it will work. More things you will need is 4wd gearbox. Unless you want to do crossover steering you use a 2wd gearbox. Spring hangers, driveshafts, pitman arm, draglink. That will be a good start.

thanks.drag link , pitman arm , drive shaft , spring hangers and 4wd gearbox is no problem.if its all, it not too difficult

Offline ali-mufc

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Re: converting a c20 2wd to 4wd by front axle of blazer?!
« Reply #5 on: August 03, 2017, 03:13:07 AM »
make sure you have the same gear ratios in both the front & rear axles
yes of course ,thanks

Offline ali-mufc

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Re: converting a c20 2wd to 4wd by front axle of blazer?!
« Reply #6 on: August 03, 2017, 03:24:20 AM »
It is a tremendous amount of work. Few people in the USA attempt this conversion.  The devil is in the details, and there are a lot of details to consider. 
Such as the transmission hump.  The Squarebody trucks (73-87) factory 4x4's all have a taller hump to accommodate the transfer case.  You will most likely need to fabricate a new one or get a tall hump from a donor truck. 
With that said, given enough time and effort, anything is possible.

I think few people attempt it because in USA you can change the frame or body easily and its not illegal
I can cut the base of cab to reach enough space for transmission hump.thanks
but all i want to know is , what is the exact difference between front axle of 4wd custom and a blazer ?
If i could find a 4wd custom front axle , is it easier to match?

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: converting a c20 2wd to 4wd by front axle of blazer?!
« Reply #7 on: August 03, 2017, 06:58:00 AM »
The 1/2 ton axles will interchange between trucks, Suburbans and Blazers. you will also need a new rear driveshaft. Just keep the donor vehicle there for parts while you do the conversion.
,                           ___ 
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74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: converting a c20 2wd to 4wd by front axle of blazer?!
« Reply #8 on: August 03, 2017, 06:59:03 AM »
forgot to mention, the lug pattern will be different between a C20 8 lug and K5 6 lug so you'll want to swap both axles.
,                           ___ 
                         /  _ _ _\_
              ⌠ŻŻŻŻŻ'   [☼===☼]
              `()_);-;()_)--o--)_)

74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline ali-mufc

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Re: converting a c20 2wd to 4wd by front axle of blazer?!
« Reply #9 on: August 03, 2017, 10:43:10 AM »
The 1/2 ton axles will interchange between trucks, Suburbans and Blazers. you will also need a new rear driveshaft. Just keep the donor vehicle there for parts while you do the conversion.

thanks
1/2 ton axles are the 6 lug ones? right?

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: converting a c20 2wd to 4wd by front axle of blazer?!
« Reply #10 on: August 03, 2017, 01:07:48 PM »
Yes
,                           ___ 
                         /  _ _ _\_
              ⌠ŻŻŻŻŻ'   [☼===☼]
              `()_);-;()_)--o--)_)

74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline jetman

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Re: converting a c20 2wd to 4wd by front axle of blazer?!
« Reply #11 on: August 03, 2017, 10:41:02 PM »
Keep us posted as to your progress! Regarding the number of lugs, the front hubs are interchangeable easily allowing one to change from 6 and 8 lug, pics posted to: http://www.bacliffrv.com/Truck    Should you need any pics or measurements from my K10 with K20 (3/4 ton) running rear just drop me a line. All the best.
« Last Edit: August 04, 2017, 08:58:33 AM by jetman »

Offline ali-mufc

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Re: converting a c20 2wd to 4wd by front axle of blazer?!
« Reply #12 on: August 04, 2017, 01:21:33 PM »
Keep us posted as to your progress! Regarding the number of lugs, the front hubs are interchangeable easily allowing one to change from 6 and 8 lug, pics posted to: http://www.bacliffrv.com/Truck    Should you need any pics or measurements from my K10 with K20 (3/4 ton) running rear just drop me a line. All the best.

thanks