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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => Topic started by: jwnn on December 09, 2008, 03:19:29 pm

Title: 4wd suspension in 2wd?
Post by: jwnn on December 09, 2008, 03:19:29 pm
hey guys new to the site.. just wondering if this could be done/be worth it.. wanting to know because i want to lift my 79 2wd but options are limited... theoretically, i could use a suspension lift kit for a 4wd? not sure.. just thought i would through the question out there for you guys to hopefully answer.. thanks in advance for all you help
Title: Re: 4wd suspension in 2wd?
Post by: choptop on December 09, 2008, 03:34:19 pm
The only part of a 4wd lift kit you can use would be the rear blocks. Fabtech and a couple others have lift kits for the frontend, depends on how high you want to go, and what you are trying to accomplish.
Title: Re: 4wd suspension in 2wd?
Post by: jwnn on December 09, 2008, 05:45:44 pm
you sure about the fabtech lift? i went to there site and couldnt find anything.. dont really want to go that high.. maybe three inches
Title: Re: 4wd suspension in 2wd?
Post by: choptop on December 09, 2008, 05:56:26 pm
Yes, I have a 3inch lift from Fabtech, unless they quit making them. I will look and see what I can find.
Title: Re: 4wd suspension in 2wd?
Post by: dunedigger on December 09, 2008, 06:15:15 pm
You can convert your truck to 4x4 if you are up for a challenge but in my opinion it is never worth it.  I would buy another truck before I would do that.  I don't like 2wd trucks with lift kits either. If anything as much as I don't like body lifts have you looked into them?
Title: Re: 4wd suspension in 2wd?
Post by: choptop on December 09, 2008, 06:18:59 pm
http://www.truckaddons.com/Catalog/subpages/fabtech_chevy_2wd_5.htm  try this link
I dont mind 2wds lifted, but I like the 4wds better. Heres mine
Title: Re: 4wd suspension in 2wd?
Post by: jwnn on December 09, 2008, 07:25:30 pm
thats perfect! thanks for the link, exactly what i needed.. btw i know there is a lot of debate on the 2wd lift subject... but it actually improves the ride quality and it looks good.. if i had a 4wd, i would probably never use it anyway.. truck looks good by the way.. love the color thanks guys
Title: Re: 4wd suspension in 2wd?
Post by: Captkaos on December 10, 2008, 12:15:51 pm
It is on their page also, just not pictured:
http://www.fabtechmotorsports.com/applications/gm/2wd73-98c1500.html

I have a buddy that has one on his 4x4 converted to 4x2 70 Blazer.
Title: Re: 4wd suspension in 2wd?
Post by: Dragon on December 11, 2008, 04:40:53 am
It is on their page also, just not pictured:
http://www.fabtechmotorsports.com/applications/gm/2wd73-98c1500.html

I have a buddy that has one on his 4x4 converted to 4x2 70 Blazer.
OK I can understand converting it to Slam it, but to do so and then raise it ???
Title: Re: 4wd suspension in 2wd?
Post by: Captkaos on December 11, 2008, 04:54:37 pm
He did a ground up restore on it and drove it for a month and didn't like it, and he decided he would never "offroad" it, but like the looks so he converted it and lifted it back up.  It drive much better and he drives it all the time now.
Title: Re: 4wd suspension in 2wd?
Post by: jwnn on December 11, 2008, 07:26:32 pm
ok guys.. one more off the wall question.. what if i were to put 3/4 or 1 ton springs in my truck.. i know it would raise it up a little.. but would the same lift work on my 1/2 ton? any thoughts would help.. dont even know if its possible for conversion like this.. thanks guys
Title: Re: 4wd suspension in 2wd?
Post by: dunedigger on December 12, 2008, 07:09:53 pm
ok guys.. one more off the wall question.. what if i were to put 3/4 or 1 ton springs in my truck.. i know it would raise it up a little.. but would the same lift work on my 1/2 ton? any thoughts would help.. dont even know if its possible for conversion like this.. thanks guys


If you are talking about 2wd parts to swap over, the 3/4 and one ton parts are a lot bigger than the 1/2 ton.  Not just the springs but the whole front end somewhat needs to be swaped over to make that work properly.  A lot of work.  As far as the rear springs, you have to measure the length of the springs.  If you are up to it, the spring hangers can be relocated for the different length springs.  The 4x4 spring hangers are different as well.  Just a little taller. 
Title: Re: 4wd suspension in 2wd?
Post by: Captkaos on December 15, 2008, 11:38:49 am
you can add 3/4 or 1T springs to lift a 4x2.
Title: Re: 4wd suspension in 2wd?
Post by: joesgarage71 on December 17, 2008, 07:38:34 pm
 Taller springs in front and add a few leafs in the rear and larger tires will get you the three inches you want.