Converting 2wd `98 to solid-axle 4x4? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

YBHIGH · 12-16-2003, 07:34 PM

I recently bought a `98 Chevy ext. cab SB 2wd with the 305 and 5spd.
I already ordered the lowering parts and some other engine performance stuff.
I decided to go with the 2wd because it will be my daily driver and I needed the best gas mileage possible, and most comfortable on the highway. It currently gets 21 mpg even before I replaced a bad O2 sensor and replaced the factory cap and rotor.

So, I'm thinking that in a couple of years, I will be wanting a 4x4 again and can get a cheaper vehicle to commute in.
I would like to know what options there are in converting the truck to 4wd.

I did this to a `66 F100 by mounting the body on a `76 F150 frame. Worked pretty well and wasn't too hard.

With my Chevy, I know that ORU offers straight-axle conversion kits for the 4wds, but do the 2wd and 4wd have the same frames?
I'd like to swap in a Dana 60 front, Corp 14-bolt out back, with a NP205 transfer case.
I'd like to run 37s.
I assume this has been done before, any links or advice?
Even though I wouldn't do this for a couple of years at least, I'd like to start collecting parts now to be ready.

6869704X4 · 12-17-2003, 01:42 PM

While your collecting parts get a welder and learn to weld. It will come in handy for building spring mounts, hangers, crossmembers and such. Then it wont matter if the frame is the same or not.

Coma · 12-17-2003, 03:27 PM

He could use a divorced t-case and keep his current tranny. And why would he need new interior?

6869704X4 · 12-17-2003, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ChevyGuyBC
its way too much of a hassel to convert, youll end up spending so much extra cash, id just get a 4x4 and be done with it, remember, you gotta sticka different tcase tranny, diffs, driveshafts, interior, etc etc etc

Jeeze man, if you read the post he said he was going to start collecting "PARTS". He has also done this before.

Coma · 12-17-2003, 09:55 PM

The np205 isn't a push button t-case, it's shifted with a lever.

YBHIGH · 12-18-2003, 01:55 AM

I see that ORU will be soon offering a straight axle kit for the 2wds, so that might make things simpler.
The main reason I don't just buy a 4x4 version of my truck is because I know I would eventually want to upgrade the IFS to a straight axle.
I figured if I built it myself, I could use all the right parts to start with

.
Seems like the most difficult part is the transfer case; figuring out the linkage, and getting the shifter to look factory where it pokes out of the tunnel.
Also, most of my experience is with Fords and Dodges, so I don't know if my tranny will bolt to the NP205, or if I should go divorced.
A good friend of mine has a great shop and built his own 10-sec. pro-street `68 Road Runner, so he will be a big help with the fabrication.

smokekiki · 12-18-2003, 10:52 AM

Find a divorced case.It will give you more room to play with the location to mount it.

12-16-2003, 07:34 PM	#1
YBHIGH Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Idowa Posts: 4	Converting 2wd `98 to solid-axle 4x4? I recently bought a `98 Chevy ext. cab SB 2wd with the 305 and 5spd. I already ordered the lowering parts and some other engine performance stuff. I decided to go with the 2wd because it will be my daily driver and I needed the best gas mileage possible, and most comfortable on the highway. It currently gets 21 mpg even before I replaced a bad O2 sensor and replaced the factory cap and rotor. So, I'm thinking that in a couple of years, I will be wanting a 4x4 again and can get a cheaper vehicle to commute in. I would like to know what options there are in converting the truck to 4wd. I did this to a `66 F100 by mounting the body on a `76 F150 frame. Worked pretty well and wasn't too hard. With my Chevy, I know that ORU offers straight-axle conversion kits for the 4wds, but do the 2wd and 4wd have the same frames? I'd like to swap in a Dana 60 front, Corp 14-bolt out back, with a NP205 transfer case. I'd like to run 37s. I assume this has been done before, any links or advice? Even though I wouldn't do this for a couple of years at least, I'd like to start collecting parts now to be ready.

12-17-2003, 01:42 PM	#2
6869704X4 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: SE NM Posts: 769	While your collecting parts get a welder and learn to weld. It will come in handy for building spring mounts, hangers, crossmembers and such. Then it wont matter if the frame is the same or not. __________________ The more I learn about women, the more I love my truck.

12-18-2003, 10:52 AM	#7
smokekiki Mike Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: west chester pa Posts: 2,474	Find a divorced case.It will give you more room to play with the location to mount it. __________________ 70'c/10, 71 suburban4x4 402bb, 72suburban 4/6 drop, 72k/5 4x4 blazer 4" lift 35 tires

12-17-2003, 03:27 PM	#3
Coma Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: u.s. Posts: 82	He could use a divorced t-case and keep his current tranny. And why would he need new interior?

12-17-2003, 09:55 PM	#5
Coma Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: u.s. Posts: 82	The np205 isn't a push button t-case, it's shifted with a lever.

12-18-2003, 01:55 AM	#6
YBHIGH Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Idowa Posts: 4	I see that ORU will be soon offering a straight axle kit for the 2wds, so that might make things simpler. The main reason I don't just buy a 4x4 version of my truck is because I know I would eventually want to upgrade the IFS to a straight axle. I figured if I built it myself, I could use all the right parts to start with . Seems like the most difficult part is the transfer case; figuring out the linkage, and getting the shifter to look factory where it pokes out of the tunnel. Also, most of my experience is with Fords and Dodges, so I don't know if my tranny will bolt to the NP205, or if I should go divorced. A good friend of mine has a great shop and built his own 10-sec. pro-street `68 Road Runner, so he will be a big help with the fabrication.



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