1985-1991 Crew Cab Long Bed 4X4 Diesel

[Deer Creek]

First thing is first, Hello everyone. This is a great forum and a lot of great info with knowlegable truck enthusiasts. I know this question has been brought up before but please hear me out; I want to know if I can convert a 2WD into a 4WD? Here is what I have; a 1990 2500 Suburban 4X4 with 8" lift and 36" tires. Had a 383 in it but sold it. It was the first gas engine I ever had and I HATED it. This is my 3rd suburban but I have to have a truck. I bought a 2004 Ford F250 4X4 Crew Cab Diesel Long Bed but want to go back to GM's. I have searched high and low for a 85-91 Crew Cab Long Bed 4X4 but have been unable to locate one at a reasonable price. I have however found multiple 2X4's that are in great shape. My question is can I use the running gear out of the suburban and build a 4X4?

Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[1HI4x4]

The short answer is yes, the tranny hump is different from 2wd to 4wd, but that should be fairly easy. I'm thinking the frames from 2wd to 4wd are the same, but the Captn' will have to chime in to tell you for sure. I'm not totally sure of the differences between 3/4 and 1 ton frames.

[Captkaos]

you can make it work, but some brackets are specific to the burb on the rear, front will be the same.