1980 2wd long box swap to 1984 4x4 Short box

[elliott2509]

Hi everybody,  I have been looking into swapping my cab and front clip over from my '80 2wd long box to a short box frame.  According to everything I have read on here the body swap should be relatively easy providing i use the bushings from the new frame.  Here is where my question starts, I have a donor frame from a mid 80's short box but it is a 4X4.  I want to keep the drive train and suspension components from the 2wd and will possibly be using air bags in the future so my question is,  will the suspension/steering components transfer over from the 2wd to the 4X4 frame with relative ease or are the frames quite a bit different in that respect.  I know it may be easier just to chop the long box frame but I want to tear it all down for paint and minor repairs anyway and I'm not much of a welder and would like to do the majority of the work myself.  Looking to borrow some of your experiences out there to help me along. Thanks

[bake74]

  You will run into a couple of differences with frames.  A 4x4 frame is set up for a live front axle, the crossbrace for the trans/tnsfr case will be different.  There might be more difference's but that to me would be enough to trade the 4x4 frame for a 2x4 frame, or just hunt down another frame.  If I read your question right and you wanted to keep it 2 wheel drive.
  If you wanted to switch it over to 4x4 using your 2x4 cab then you will have a problem with the tunnel in the cab not being big enough for the tnsfr case to fit without cutting and raising the tunnel.

[elliott2509]

You are right i want to keep it 2x4.  Could i Just swap the suspension parts over? will they bolt right on?

[bake74]

  No, the front end of a 2x4 and 4x4 are totally different.  They wont even be close to bolt on, the best here is finding another 2x4 frame.  What is wrong with your frame?

[VileZambonie]

You can make a 4x4 frame into a 2wd frame as long as you have all the parts from the 2wd frame

[Blazin]

The entire front supension, main cross member will bolt into the 4x4 frame. Keep in mind you will need to remove the motor mounts, and front cross member from the 4x4 frame. The rear spring hangers / shackles are also taller on the 4x4 frame. You will need to swap the 4x2 ones onto the frame or it will sit way high in the rear.
 Welcome from New Hampshaa ass well.

[elliott2509]

Thanks for all the responses guys.  There is nothing wrong with my current frame other than its to long    I just figured that because i can get the 4x4 frame for free and I want to unbolt everything for painting anyway then why not just swap them over if its possible.  That and I am not that handy with a welder and am to cheap to have someone do the frame chop for me.  Please feel free to add anything to the already helpful posts. Thanks again.

[Swims350]

from what they said only thing you're gonna need is time tools like sockets, wrenches and such and a grinder or chisel maybe cut off wheel and that's only to get the factory rivets out. Once they are out you can bolt them back in with some grade 8 or case hardened stuff.

[elliott2509]

yeah thats exactly what I was hoping to hear.  I have all of that in my arsenal right now so hopefully it wont go to bad, I think I am going to install a lowering kit and do a transmission swap at the same time so it could get interesting.

[Swims350]

lol cab off trans swap would be a breeze to do, just take it loose and pull it up out of the frame. You may need some buddies or an engine hoist to lift the cab off though, or chain hoist, fork lift whatever.

[elliott2509]

Yeah I have an engine hoist to do the lifting and thanks to everybody on this site I have a plan of attack on how do tackle this.  I just figured it would save me alot of jacking and dolly work if I just moved the transmission cross member when the frame is clear from above.  Even though I have the 700R4 ready to put in I'm not in a hurry because my 350 Tranny is still working great for now.  Also I will get to practise the tear down procedure with my donor truck before I get to tearing down my project truck. 

[elliott2509]

Ok, the deal is done.  To me- one 4x4 short box truck with VERY Rusty Body complete with a 400 small block auto transmission and transfercase.  To him - One 66oz bottle of whiskey.  gotta love it.