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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => 4 Wheel Drives => Topic started by: Hillbillydrums on March 05, 2014, 05:34:38 pm
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Hey there. This may have already been asked, so I apologize if so.
BUT, I have a chance to buy a '75 c20 for a verrrryyy cheap price. Here in California, '75 is pre-smog. ;D
One catch, it's 2wd. I'm looking for a 4x4.
I actually already have a 78' that is just sitting here that is 4x4.
My question: How hard is it to convert the '75 to 4x4? Is it a direct swap?
Thanks for the help
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If it were me, I would put the 75 body on the 4x4 frame. Put a body lift on it so the transfercase will clear the 2wd cab
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If it were me, I would put the 75 body on the 4x4 frame. Put a body lift on it so the transfercase will clear the 2wd cab
But then I'd have to smog it. I want the 75 because of the pre-smog.
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The VIN is on the cab in the door frame. If you put the '75 cab on the '78 frame, it should register as a '75.
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If it were me, I would put the 75 body on the 4x4 frame. Put a body lift on it so the transfercase will clear the 2wd cab
The VIN is on the cab in the door frame. If you put the '75 cab on the '78 frame, it should register as a '75.
California is a strange place when it comes to registering a vehicle.
Hillbillydrums, I have a few questions I need answered before proceeding. Is the 75 and/or 78 still registered ? If not how long have they not been registered ? This will matter greatly when it comes time to get one registered.
There are Lot's of people who are doing what you want to do and do it legally. Now if you do not want or care about getting the CHP involved for inspection purposes, then there is also a route to go for that.
I am doing the same kind of thing with my 74. My body was trashed and the PO welded 1/4" plate all over the place in the cab and on the sides of the cab. So I found a 77 cab with AC that I am using. (You have to document everything for this kind of swap, or if you don't care like some I have seen do it, you just swap vin plate tags when you are done.)
To answer your first question. YES you can swap the 4wd parts onto the 2wd frame. It will require complete tear down and drilling out the rivets that mount all the suspension parts and when installing the 4wd parts using grade 8 bolts.
The much easier way is to use the 78 frame and all the running gear and swap the 75 body with a body lift as Zeig suggested, or modify the hump if you do not like the body lifts. ( You can do this the legal way and go to DMV and tell them that you are doing this and using only the cab for whatever reason you want to give them ), or like I said you can just do it and tell no one and change the vin # tag, which by the way I have to state for certain reasons is totally 100% illegal in California but happens all the time and no one is the wiser.
Are both trucks manual or both auto, not 1 manual and 1 auto ? This would create a little more of a challenge. There is also differences in the interiors between the 2, small but noticeable to a trained eye. 77 was the cut off for some of the body changes also, I believe door shells and things like that.
Sorry for the long reply, but I have done both ways in the past and if done right no one knew any better, though you should never break the law. ( for attorneys sakes ;D )
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He wouldn't have to change the VIN tag because it is on the cab, in the door frame.
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He wouldn't have to change the VIN tag because it is on the cab, in the door frame.
That is true on the 75,( for some reason I was thinking it was backwards of what he actually said) if he put it on the 78 frame the only problem comes if it is not registered now ( the 75 ) and especially if it has not been registered in the last 5 years.
If it has fallen out of DMV records it will have to be inspected by the CHP (before it can be put back into the DMV records) which the CHP will do a frame vin # check also. ( they will try their best to find it, trust me ).
They have gotten really bad here about chop shops and stolen parts showing up on other vehicles.
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hey down here in Bama' you go in with the bill of sale, title, proof of insurance, and walk out with a tag :D
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hey down here in Bama' you go in with the bill of sale, title, proof of insurance, and walk out with a tag :D
Yea, that is like the stone age for this over liberal state. Gotta save those owls and fish that only live in 1 spot in the whole state. ::)