4wd to 2wd conversion

[bryan103]

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.

[Blazin]

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.

[bryan103]

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

[Blazin]

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.

[bryan103]

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

[Captkaos]

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.

[bryan103]

I dont think its the factory frame for the cab,it has six lugs and it from a 76 truck

[andrewmp6]

If i remember right the floor pans are different too the 4x4 has a bigger hump in it.

[Captkaos]

Floor pans are the same, only the actual tunnel is different which includes the rear portion under the seat on 4x4's.

[1980c10]

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.

[79K20]

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

[bryan103]

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.

[Flamingbig10]

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

[bryan103]

I bought a 82 2wd swb and gonna swap parts,make the swb a 4wd and sell it

[maddog]

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.