2WD to 4WD Conversion

[muleskinner]

Hi all, its been a long time since I've posted.
I have a unmolested '67 C-10 Fleetside, meaning all wiring and parts are original never hacked into. So that's why I want to keep it. Just feel lucky to have one this old without someone hacking away at it.Just want to know what years and vehicles I can use as a donor. Such as C-20 or K-10, K-20. I can find 4x4 Blazers that are basically junk that I think will work but wanted to tap into your vast knowledge base.I've done some research on here and seen some disagreements on the need for leaf springs in the rear.Also, are there any parts and can use from the 2WD such as inner/outer tie rods. it would be a shame cause I have less than 50mi on a entire new front suspension including the springs.

[mongocanfly]

youll be better off finding a k10 complete, frame, axles, crossmembers,driveshafts and all to do a swap with...not sure if you have lwb or swb
a c20 and k20 will be lwb...stick with the 67-72s for donors
im not against modifying anything to suit my needs, but some will have a fit for trying to swap a pristine 67 from 2wd to 4wd

[muleskinner]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

youll be better off finding a k10 complete, frame, axles, crossmembers,driveshafts and all to do a swap with...not sure if you have lwb or swb
a c20 and k20 will be lwb...stick with the 67-72s for donors
im not against modifying anything to suit my needs, but some will have a fit for trying to swap a pristine 67 from 2wd to 4wd

Thanks mongocanfly, Cool..... so I have a lot of options then because I have a LWB. Just to be clear I can use 67-72 C-10 & C-20 pickups, and K-10 & K-20 Blazers.

Do you know if its true that I must add leafs to the rear?
Can I reuse some of my front end parts?

[mongocanfly]

if your gonna do a frame swap then the blazer will be to short...
if your gonna do it ,a frame swap will be easiest...
your 2wd parts more than likely won't work on 4wd..
keep in mind if you use 67-72 k20 axles you'll probably wind up with a ho52....very hard to find the expensive to nonexistant parts..and fronts are likely to be closed knuckle with drum brakes
it'll be a big job to use your original frame and try to get axles under it..

[Benjamin]

Think long and hard if 4WD is really what you want. A 1967 4WD is a totally different truck than 2WD.

Also, do some research on prices in your area, but it might be easier to sell your 2WD, and use the cash for a 4WD.

That being said, if you move forward with the swap, I wouldn't be too quick to go with a frame swap.

You could theoretically use the springs & spring hangers, axles, front crossmember, transmission and transfer case from a donor truck, or substitute spring hangers or other components from DIY 4x4, Offroad Design, or Ruffstuff Specialties.

On the topic of retaining any 2WD front end, I think the only thing you could use again would be the steering box, and that's only if you go with a crossover steering system. If you dont know what that is read this:
http://offroaddesign.com/catalog/Dana44crossover.htm

Two things to consider on that topic:
1. Do you have power steering and if not would you be adding it?
2. Do you plan to lift the truck 2" or more over the stock 4WD ride height? I'm pretty sure you cannot do crossover steering on a leaf spring truck unless it has been lifted, and I think it's a 2" minimum.

Point is, figure out what you want the finished product to look like.

Look at the DIY 4x4 B52 kit, and I think they have one or two generic spring hanger kits.
https://diy4x.com/product.php?produc...cat=250&page=1

Ruffstuff
https://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com...pringswap.html
https://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com...shackhang.html

Offroad Designs is a good resource too, they sell a crossover steering kit
http://offroaddesign.com/catalog.htm

[Benjamin]

Figure out what is involved in the frame swap (wiring, etc..) vs. the axle swap (drilling the existing frame, possibly welding, although no absolutely necessary) and decide which matches up with your abilities and tools and equipment.

[muleskinner]

Originally Posted by Benjamin

Think long and hard if 4WD is really what you want. A 1967 4WD is a totally different truck than 2WD.

Also, do some research on prices in your area, but it might be easier to sell your 2WD, and use the cash for a 4WD.

That being said, if you move forward with the swap, I wouldn't be too quick to go with a frame swap.

You could theoretically use the springs & spring hangers, axles, front crossmember, transmission and transfer case from a donor truck, or substitute spring hangers or other components from DIY 4x4, Offroad Design, or Ruffstuff Specialties.

On the topic of retaining any 2WD front end, I think the only thing you could use again would be the steering box, and that's only if you go with a crossover steering system. If you dont know what that is read this:
http://offroaddesign.com/catalog/Dana44crossover.htm

Two things to consider on that topic:
1. Do you have power steering and if not would you be adding it?
2. Do you plan to lift the truck 2" or more over the stock 4WD ride height? I'm pretty sure you cannot do crossover steering on a leaf spring truck unless it has been lifted, and I think it's a 2" minimum.

Point is, figure out what you want the finished product to look like.

Look at the DIY 4x4 B52 kit, and I think they have one or two generic spring hanger kits.
https://diy4x.com/product.php?produc...cat=250&page=1

Ruffstuff
https://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com...pringswap.html
https://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com...shackhang.html

Offroad Designs is a good resource too, they sell a crossover steering kit
http://offroaddesign.com/catalog.htm

Benjamin, Thanks for info. I was thinking about selling and buying a 4x4 either same vintage or newer. Then I thought I know what have and I like it and the money spent on a new truck would go far on a conversion.
I don't like the frame swap idea for a few reasons.
I do like the links you provided. Those are the things I need to find. I added power steering when I rebuilt the front end. Sweet upgrade. and I have no plans to lift it. I want to keep it as low as possible without "lowering it".
So I've learned a few things and a starting point.
Anyone looking for a new 2WD front suspension? Sucks...........

[muleskinner]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

if your gonna do a frame swap then the blazer will be to short...
if your gonna do it ,a frame swap will be easiest...
your 2wd parts more than likely won't work on 4wd..
keep in mind if you use 67-72 k20 axles you'll probably wind up with a ho52....very hard to find the expensive to nonexistant parts..and fronts are likely to be closed knuckle with drum brakes
it'll be a big job to use your original frame and try to get axles under it..

See, that's the kind of stuff that needs to be known. I'd hate to start in a direction then find out parts are hard to find or that they suck. Nope not gonna swap frames. I have a welder so anything goes.

[57taskforce]

It’s really not that bad to add a front axle to a 2 wheel drive frame. You have to run a 4x4 ebrake setup, fill the e brake cable holes in the 2 wheel frame with plate. Then Drill and mount the rear spring hanger where the ebrake holes were. Then add the front hangers of your choice and mount your springs. 71-72 k10/20 front axles will have disks. You’ll need a 4x4 trans and transfer case, drive shafts. If you can find decent 4x4 frame parts you can do all of this with factory stuff. As for the coils in the rear. Some run them some don’t. It’s not “factory correct” to have coils out back on a 4x4 but as far I’m concerned it will run just fine like that at stock height. There have been several of these conversions documented on this site. Search around some and you’ll find the exact details you seek.

[dennislbrooks]

Here is one link for some info on one method.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=505589

Since then I have added a 14 bolt in the rear.