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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => Topic started by: bryan103 on July 05, 2009, 12:05:16 am

Title: 4wd to 2wd conversion
Post by: bryan103 on July 05, 2009, 12:05:16 am
I just bought a 82 crew cab short bed and its a 4wd,wanting to change it over to a 2wd.Im going to get a donor truck,was wondering how much work im in for.
Title: Re: 4wd to 2wd conversion
Post by: Blazin on July 05, 2009, 12:21:23 am
Crew cab as in a 3+3 4 real doors? GM never made a crew cab short bed. The frame has been shortend if it actually a short bed. You will need to shorten the 2 wheel drive frame the same amount. Then its just the labor of swapping the Motor, & body over.
Title: Re: 4wd to 2wd conversion
Post by: bryan103 on July 05, 2009, 09:45:30 am
Yes,its a 4 door,the frame was shortend,i want to just change the suspension,as in the complete front crossmember,spindle to spindle
Title: Re: 4wd to 2wd conversion
Post by: Blazin on July 05, 2009, 11:23:06 am
It can be done. you will need to take the 4wheel drive motor cross member out. You will also need to swap out the front, &  rear spring hangers / shackles for the rear suspension.
Title: Re: 4wd to 2wd conversion
Post by: bryan103 on July 05, 2009, 02:31:06 pm
I knew about the rear,i justed wanted to make sure the frames are the same from a 4wd 1/2 ton to a 2wd 1/2 ton
Title: Re: 4wd to 2wd conversion
Post by: Captkaos on July 06, 2009, 12:47:03 pm
Crew Cabs were 1ton not halfton, but you can swap out the crossmember from a 1/2T 2wd to make it a 4x2.  It is a major undertaking.
Title: Re: 4wd to 2wd conversion
Post by: bryan103 on July 06, 2009, 07:01:12 pm
I dont think its the factory frame for the cab,it has six lugs and it from a 76 truck
Title: Re: 4wd to 2wd conversion
Post by: andrewmp6 on July 08, 2009, 04:09:55 am
If i remember right the floor pans are different too the 4x4 has a bigger hump in it.
Title: Re: 4wd to 2wd conversion
Post by: Captkaos on July 08, 2009, 04:37:55 pm
Floor pans are the same, only the actual tunnel is different which includes the rear portion under the seat on 4x4's.
Title: Re: 4wd to 2wd conversion
Post by: 1980c10 on August 05, 2009, 09:57:35 pm
4wd has leaf springs and 2wd has coil springs. I would imagine it is a good ampount of work and i would take pictures before disassebly  to help remmeber where and how everything is set up.
Title: Re: 4wd to 2wd conversion
Post by: 79K20 on August 06, 2009, 02:28:08 pm
Seems like a lot of work to me....

Why don't you just buy a 2wd 3+3 and then shorten the bed? Seems that would be easier than attempting the 4wd to 2wd swap. C30 3+3's are a dime-a-dozen on Craigslist... http://bend.craigslist.org/cto/1299804607.html

Or just buy one that is already done: http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/1294471470.html
Title: Re: 4wd to 2wd conversion
Post by: bryan103 on August 23, 2009, 05:40:24 pm
Because the truck is perfect,all new interior,crate motor and new paint,i dont mind the work,its what i do for a living.As long as the frames are the same in the front it should be easy enuff.
Title: Re: 4wd to 2wd conversion
Post by: Flamingbig10 on August 24, 2009, 01:00:38 am
I would find a donor 1/2 2wd truck for the the front cross member, steering components, rear suspension and also a good 1/2 ton  rear end
Title: Re: 4wd to 2wd conversion
Post by: bryan103 on August 24, 2009, 10:12:03 am
I bought a 82 2wd swb and gonna swap parts,make the swb a 4wd and sell it
Title: Re: 4wd to 2wd conversion
Post by: maddog on September 01, 2009, 06:28:05 am
I just looked at this post and ask why ? I have done just the opposite 2 wheel to 4 wheel if everthing works good just unlock hubs and let her free wheel, you could even pull front drive shaft out.
Title: Re: 4wd to 2wd conversion
Post by: bryan103 on September 01, 2009, 10:07:48 pm
Because it rides like a wheel barrow.And im gonna bag it.
Title: Re: 4wd to 2wd conversion
Post by: maddog on September 04, 2009, 06:28:24 am
Your right it rides like a wheel barrow because it works like a wheel barrow, they are both designed to haul loads, just like a loaded wheel barrow it smooths out with a load in it.