2wd to 4wd conversion

[thirsty]

I would buy a whole 3/4 ton parts truck so that you have the 4wd spring hangers and measurements to put the axle in. You would also get driveshafts, t-case, tranny, crossmember.

[1979C20]

Well, I haven't found any 3/4ton D44s. Right now, I'm just looking to mount the front axle with brakes so it is driveable. I have a 2wd transmission so I need to find a divorced transfer case or a new tranny. The front axle is just my first step towards converting my beasty.

[Irish_Alley]

You need the shackles odor the front two choice a buy new. Don't know the price but seen some for 50 apiece or b. Buy a used truck where not only will you have shackles but like said transfer case transmission and drive shaft

[1979C20]

I cant find a reasonably priced 3/4 ton 4x4 anywhere, and I don't have a lot of money to spend. If I had a lot of money, I would buy a 4wheel drive and turn my truck into a donor!

[1979C20]

Hmmmm. If I found a 4x4 in the junk yard, How could I remove the spring hangers and what not? How do you guys remover the rivets from the trucks at the yard?

[756man]

Cutting torch !   Then reinstall with grade 8 bolts.

[1979C20]

But...... How the heck do you take a cutting torch to pick a part?

[Da67goatman]

On a golf cart.

[1979C20]

Hahahaha. Okay, what about not having a cutting torch? What would you use?

[hotrod24]

You can also do the X if you like with a grinder or a cut off tool and then take a air hammer and hammer out the rivets, But a torch is the bast way to do it...

[Da67goatman]

I take a battery powered sawzall and just take the section of frame too and take the rivets out at home.

[756man]

1979C20, if you don't have a torch you probably shouldn't be working on your own truck, much less trying to convert it to 4 wd.

[Da67goatman]

That's not true, I do not own a torch or plasma and have rebuilt mine from ground up.  Those would make it easier, but are not essential.

[1979C20]

My dad has an oxyacetylene and a plasma torch and 2 welders. I personally do not have a torch to take to pick a part.

[thirsty]

Bring the whole chassis home from the boneyard. I cut the heads off the rivets with a torch then used a air chisel with a punch to pound them out. You can grind the head off with a 4" grinder them use a hammer and punch also. My opinion is that you will need to have a 4x4 frame to find the exact locations of where to mount your 4wd brackets.