Hello, and can I make a 2wd a 4wd?

[basecamp]

Let me say hello first. I am new to the board.
Without getting into great detail as to why I want to do this, let me ask if it is even possible.
I would like to take a 2WD 3/4 ton truck and make it a 4WD. Basically, if I had a 2wd 3/4 ton frame and the front section of a 4wd frame (axle/leafs/crossmember/etc.) could I remove the 2wd crossmember and install the parts from the 4wd?
I was told the frame rails are the same, so all I would have to do is drill out the rivets holding 2wd equipment and install my 4wd stuff.

Can it be done?    

[TRUCK6DRIVER]

Yes it can be done. However it is alot of work.
If you have a 4wd frame it may be easier to lift the body off and put it on the 4wd chassis. Pulling the engine will not matter since the engine will have to be removed to do the crossmember sway anyway and the transmission will have to be changed to a 4wd trans w/ transfer case.
Either way you have to pull the truck apart to do it but it can be done.
Ray  

[griswold510]

any idea how much this would cost to do on a 76 C10? im considering doing the same but just going to a junk yard and buying parts.

[1976Scottsdale]

I just did this, however, I simply got a 79 k10 frame and swapped bodies.  However, for the individual parts, the local salvage yard- U Wrench It, says this for prices
Engine- 79.95 plus a 35.00 core
Trans- 79.00 plus a 20.00 core
t-case- 40.00 plus 10.00 core
crossmember- don't know (maybe 20.00)
differential assembly- 170.00 with core
springs- maybe 20.00 each

[73K20]

Yes, it can be done.  Is it worth it in my opinion, no.  I would get a 4x4 frame (probably less than $150), prep it and do a swap of body parts.  A little advice for you, when swapping replace all the body and spring bushings.

1973 K20 - 350/465/205