The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network







Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Go Back   The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network > General Truck Forums > All 4x4 Tech & Off Roading

Web 67-72chevytrucks.com


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 11-02-2009, 07:29 AM   #1
krsowles
Registered User
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Colchester, VT
Posts: 7
Question 72 2wd to 4wd frame conversion

Hi, new guy here! I have a question for the experts! My brother and I are starting to combine 2 old Chevy trucks into his dream rig. One is a 72 c20 2 wd and the other is a 72 k10 4wd. I'm sure there will be a million questions as we go but here's the first. My brother really wants a 4wd truck (stock height and original) when he's done. Has anyone taken a 2wd frame and converted it to 4wd? If so, was it difficult? My brother is scared to death to do it! I don't care because its not my money! If it's not too involved his 2wd frame is beautiful!! If not, the 4wd frame is good, but not as good. Thanks in advance for any info and we'll keep you posted.
krsowles is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-02-2009, 10:32 AM   #2
KrazyRay
Registered User
 
KrazyRay's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Oroville, CA
Posts: 4,827
Re: 72 2wd to 4wd frame conversion

I'm doing the same conversion right now....putting a cheyenne 20 super 2wd on a 4wd frame. Its not that tough. The center will need the high hump, the exhaust will need to be redone, the e-brake cables are longer, etc. Just don't throw any parts away until you are done. You might need them.
KrazyRay is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-02-2009, 03:30 PM   #3
68350
Senior Member
 
68350's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Williston, ND
Posts: 2,999
Re: 72 2wd to 4wd frame conversion

I would use the 4wd frame, personally. It's already all set up for 4wd and the frames are not hard to "restore"(a.k.a. make pretty).
__________________
68 Chevy CST/10, 50th Anniversary, 327/th400, 373 posi, buckets
68 GMC Shortbox Stepside, 402/th400, Tilt, Tach, Bucket Seats, 3.08 Positraction
69 Chevy Camaro SS, 383, 4 speed, positraction
70 Chevy El Camino SS396, Triple Black, 454/th400, Tach
70 Chevy Shortbox Stepside 4x4, 350/th350, Tilt, Tach, Cab Lights, Bumper Guards, Tow Hooks
70 Chevy 3/4 Longbox, 350/auto, 70k, SURVIVOR
71 Chevy Blazer, CST, 350/auto
71 GMC Sierra K2500, 454, 4 speed, 4.10 posi, 37s
71 Custom/30, Open Road, 350/th400, tilt
72 Chevy Shortbox Fleetside, 496 Stroker/th400, Tilt, Tach, Bucket Seats, 3.42 Posi
72 GMC Sierra Grande 2500. 427/th400, tilt, a/c, tool and stowage, buckets/console, 3.54 posi
68350 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-02-2009, 04:53 PM   #4
monte0185
Registered User
 
monte0185's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Brighton, TN
Posts: 1,267
Re: 72 2wd to 4wd frame conversion

I have researched this extensively and trust me its way easier to just use the 4wd frame. If you still want to convert your 2wd you will need the kit from diy4x. If it has a leaf spring rear then itll be a pretty easy swap but if not Id use your 4x4 frame. Here is a link to the kit.

http://diy4x.com/cart/index.php?rout...product_id=122
__________________
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.

Duct tape is like the force. It has a light side, a dark side, and it holds the world together.
monte0185 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-02-2009, 05:56 PM   #5
krsowles
Registered User
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Colchester, VT
Posts: 7
Re: 72 2wd to 4wd frame conversion

Hey guys, thanks for the great input! I believe we're going for the gusto and swapping the 4wd hanger brackets for the front end onto the 2wd frame. And I'm sure we will measure twice and weld once like any careful builder should! Thanks again.
krsowles is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-02-2009, 06:36 PM   #6
Thealien
Senior Member
 
Thealien's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Pine Ridge Florida
Posts: 4,126
Re: 72 2wd to 4wd frame conversion

Keep us posted and takje lots of pics for the next guy with the same question!
Thealien is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-02-2009, 07:08 PM   #7
Gene
Registered User
 
Gene's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Muskogee, Oklahoma
Posts: 2,914
Re: 72 2wd to 4wd frame conversion

Quote:
Originally Posted by krsowles View Post
Hey guys, thanks for the great input! I believe we're going for the gusto and swapping the 4wd hanger brackets for the front end onto the 2wd frame. And I'm sure we will measure twice and weld once like any careful builder should! Thanks again.
Problem you will run into is that with stock length springs, your rear shackle on the front spring will want to go through right where the park brake cable bump out is on the 2wd frame. If the rear is coils and are wanting leafs, you will need leaf spring hangers off of a 2wd GMC frame,(they allow for the "step out" on the coil frame).
Gene is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-02-2009, 07:38 PM   #8
watahyahknow
Registered User
 
watahyahknow's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: the netherlands europe
Posts: 4,335
Re: 72 2wd to 4wd frame conversion

if the two trucks are somewat complete i would start with the 4x4 frame and use watever else is needed from the K cab to complete it
the high hump transtunnel with the handles for the mid diff can be cut out of the K cab and welded or bolted intoo the C cab .... stuff like that it would be eazier in the long run .
dunno if you have the type of typeaproval stuff we have here but an uncut chassis with the correct chassisnumbers would be eazier to get aproved for roaduse
__________________
i got a job again and having fun at it too

idea's for the trucks and the order of things to do are taking shape and get closer to being realized , a few more months and i be able to start building for real

i complete 2 of the trucks intoo running fashion one custom and one basicly stock the thirth will be sacrificed for parts
watahyahknow is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-02-2009, 11:09 PM   #9
Joesjunk
Senior Member
 
Joesjunk's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Independence MO.
Posts: 7,689
Re: 72 2wd to 4wd frame conversion

I have done several body swaps to make nice 4x4's and it is sooo much easier to use the 4x4 frame. Swapping to bodys over is easy.
__________________
72 3/4t Custom Deluxe 402/auto 66k Original paint
71 3/4t 4x4 Custom Deluxe 10k original miles Original paint
71 3/4t Cheyenne 402 70k original paint
72 3/4t 4x4 Custom deluxe
72 3/4t 4x4 Custom deluxe 91k original paint
72 Cheyenne/30 Dually
69 Camaro SS396 4-speed
13 GMC 2500HD Duramax I bought new
05 Jeep Wrangler "Willys Edition" 12k miles (I bought new)
85 3/4 ton 4x4 Scottsdale 33k miles original paint
86 1 ton 4x4 SRW Silverado 454 restored
80 1 ton 4x4 SRW Silverado 9,434 original miles!! original paint
95 GMC 1 ton dually 4x4 my dad bought new
95 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4, regular cab 454, 31k original miles
2002 2500HD 4x4 regular cab 6.0L 67k miles
2002 2500HD 4x4 regular cab 8.1L 28k miles
2003 GMC 2500HD 4x4 regular cab Diesel 93k miles

67-72 Parts for sale
Joesjunk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-31-2009, 11:09 PM   #10
70 aquamarine
Registered User
 
70 aquamarine's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Ord NE
Posts: 48
Re: 72 2wd to 4wd frame conversion

anyone ever used that kit to make a 2wd frame a 4x4 ?
70 aquamarine is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-31-2009, 11:25 PM   #11
Gene
Registered User
 
Gene's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Muskogee, Oklahoma
Posts: 2,914
Re: 72 2wd to 4wd frame conversion

Quote:
Originally Posted by 70 aquamarine View Post
anyone ever used that kit to make a 2wd frame a 4x4 ?
There is no "kit" that I know of to completely convert to a 4wd. The DIY kit just makes it possible to convert the front to 52 inch springs. The rear is a whole different story, not to mention the transfer case crossmember etc...
Gene is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-23-2010, 12:09 AM   #12
bodman
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Abingdon, VA
Posts: 11
Re: 72 2wd to 4wd frame conversion

I had the same original question, except I'm without the 4wd. I'm looking to convert my C20. I'd really like it to be 4wd, cause it's going to be my several times a week driver. Any further suggestions, like find an old 4wd that's toast and harvest the frame? I re-read your comments about the rear leafs. I have beef rear leafs on my 71 Custom Camper C20. I've hauled massive weight in that thing and would like to do the same once it's converted. Thoughts on this.

Last edited by bodman; 01-23-2010 at 12:27 AM. Reason: cause I could
bodman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-23-2010, 11:15 AM   #13
watahyahknow
Registered User
 
watahyahknow's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: the netherlands europe
Posts: 4,335
Re: 72 2wd to 4wd frame conversion

there been a couple of buildstories on this form about stuff like that that can provide some info and theres chucks chevy pages eeeeh let seee.......... http://www.chuckschevytruckpages.com/ some info on stuff that will fit and a lot of other info too there a couple of build tories hidden in there not all of them complete though
__________________
i got a job again and having fun at it too

idea's for the trucks and the order of things to do are taking shape and get closer to being realized , a few more months and i be able to start building for real

i complete 2 of the trucks intoo running fashion one custom and one basicly stock the thirth will be sacrificed for parts
watahyahknow is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2010, 10:55 AM   #14
Scrub
Collector of rusty Items
 
Scrub's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Sisters,Oregon USA
Posts: 731
Re: 72 2wd to 4wd frame conversion

A 4x4 frame and a 2wd frame are not the same width in the front. The conversion is a nightmare. The b52 kit is not a 2wd to 4wd conversion and it will not work on a 2wd frame as it will be too wide.
I started to do it once. Forget it. Get a 4x4 frame.
4x4 frames are cheap I just sold one for 50 bucks that had 100 worth of paint on it and gave another one away as I could not sell it.
__________________
Scrub
Sisters, Oregon - Home of the Sisters Rodeo.
70 GMC 1,000,000 + miles
72 K-20 project, 456 Dana60 front, Corp14 rear w/locker, 265R19.5 tires 20-ply. Warn 12k winches both ends, Cross-over steering with raised tie-rod, Powerbox steering, 4500 watt 120-AC power, Air, Hydraulic aux power, 4 inch lift, 5000 lb air-bags both ends.
Scrub is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2010, 12:26 PM   #15
1970GMC468
Registered User
 
1970GMC468's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Orland, California
Posts: 72
Re: 72 2wd to 4wd frame conversion

The B52 kit will work and it works great! My truck is living proof of that! I just posted some pics in the 4x4 pic forum.
1970GMC468 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2010, 12:27 PM   #16
1970GMC468
Registered User
 
1970GMC468's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Orland, California
Posts: 72
Re: 72 2wd to 4wd frame conversion

Search the forums I put up my build with pictures.


1970GMC468 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2010, 06:20 PM   #17
Dieselwrencher
6>8 Plugless........
 
Dieselwrencher's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Prairie City, Ia
Posts: 17,112
Re: 72 2wd to 4wd frame conversion

Quote:
Originally Posted by Scrub View Post
A 4x4 frame and a 2wd frame are not the same width in the front. The conversion is a nightmare. The b52 kit is not a 2wd to 4wd conversion and it will not work on a 2wd frame as it will be too wide.
I started to do it once. Forget it. Get a 4x4 frame.
4x4 frames are cheap I just sold one for 50 bucks that had 100 worth of paint on it and gave another one away as I could not sell it.
That is not true at all. I just did my 1972 Longhorn and I have done my 1976 C30. I used both 2wd frames and installed the 4wd brackets from donor frames. The front hanger is a bolt on with 4 bolts, drill 2 in the lower flange and bolt them as well. The rear shackle hanger can be done a few different ways but is definitely doable. The front of the frames are not a different width either. The 4wd crossmembers don't fit perfect but do bolt in the 2wd frames. You will have other things to change as well like trans crossmember, steering box, brake lines, ebrake cables, but it is definitely doable.
__________________
Ryan
1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread
1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4
1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed
1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe
1969 Chevy milk truck
1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10
1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project


Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.
Dieselwrencher is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2010, 06:24 PM   #18
Dieselwrencher
6>8 Plugless........
 
Dieselwrencher's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Prairie City, Ia
Posts: 17,112
Re: 72 2wd to 4wd frame conversion

Here is a pic of the 72 in the begining of the swap.


Here is a link to my Longhorn build.
http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=372717
__________________
Ryan
1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread
1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4
1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed
1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe
1969 Chevy milk truck
1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10
1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project


Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.
Dieselwrencher is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-27-2010, 01:24 AM   #19
1970GMC468
Registered User
 
1970GMC468's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Orland, California
Posts: 72
Re: 72 2wd to 4wd frame conversion

Thank you Diesel and good luck with the project!

1970GMC468 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-27-2010, 12:30 PM   #20
Gene
Registered User
 
Gene's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Muskogee, Oklahoma
Posts: 2,914
Re: 72 2wd to 4wd frame conversion

Yep, the 2wd and 4wd frames are the same at the front. The DIY kit works great, it's the rear that gives you problems, the rear is alot wider on a coil sprung suspension, unless you stick with the coils and just flip the rear. I opted to go with leafs, but man was that a nightmare.
Gene is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-27-2010, 01:19 PM   #21
1970GMC468
Registered User
 
1970GMC468's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Orland, California
Posts: 72
Re: 72 2wd to 4wd frame conversion

My GMC had leafs in the rear. Otherwise I probably wouldhave went to a 4x4 frame!
1970GMC468 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-02-2010, 11:30 AM   #22
monte0185
Registered User
 
monte0185's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Brighton, TN
Posts: 1,267
Re: 72 2wd to 4wd frame conversion

I just ended up getting a 4wd frame complete with running gear and transmission and transfer case. Was much easier than spending all that time on bracketry and such. But if you go the time and skills go for it. there have been several people her that have done it.
__________________
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.

Duct tape is like the force. It has a light side, a dark side, and it holds the world together.
monte0185 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-02-2010, 02:02 PM   #23
argonaut
Senior Member
 
argonaut's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Long Beach, CA
Posts: 1,813
Re: 72 2wd to 4wd frame conversion

Maybe I'm missing something but one of the trucks is already a 4x4. And what you want in the end is a 4x4.... so why re-invent the wheel? Put the best body on the 4x4 frame and it will be much easier and cleaner than hacking the 4x4 parts onto the 4x2 frame. Plus I always thought that the 4x4 frames had taller c-channel sections in the middle part of the frame to make them stiffer.
__________________
Jason M. @argonaut62

1972 K5 Blazer CST, Turquoise
1966 K20 Short Fleet Pickup, Big Ugly
1964 C10 Short Fleet, Gertrude

2001 Porsche 911 Carrera
1996 Ford Bronco XLT
1980 Jeep Wagoneer

2008 Honda CBR1000RR
2005 Honda RC51
1981 Honda CB750C


No dis-assemble Johnny Five! No dis-assemble!

Last edited by argonaut; 02-02-2010 at 02:02 PM.
argonaut is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-02-2010, 04:08 PM   #24
Dieselwrencher
6>8 Plugless........
 
Dieselwrencher's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Prairie City, Ia
Posts: 17,112
Re: 72 2wd to 4wd frame conversion

Quote:
Originally Posted by argonaut View Post
Maybe I'm missing something but one of the trucks is already a 4x4. And what you want in the end is a 4x4.... so why re-invent the wheel? Put the best body on the 4x4 frame and it will be much easier and cleaner than hacking the 4x4 parts onto the 4x2 frame. Plus I always thought that the 4x4 frames had taller c-channel sections in the middle part of the frame to make them stiffer.
There isn't any hacking to this job. And if you use a camper spec'd chassis, those frames are heavier than the 4wd 3/4 ton frames. If I had a good 4x4 frame and a good body I would transpose the body on the frame. But if I can't find a good frame I'm not going to spend a ton when I can make mine 4x4 just as easy. It's totally up to you and how much work you want to do or how much moolaa you want to dish out.
__________________
Ryan
1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread
1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4
1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed
1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe
1969 Chevy milk truck
1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10
1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project


Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.
Dieselwrencher is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:38 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com