I posted a short time back about my latest project. I am building a 1989 1 ton crew cab 4x4 non dually (last year of the square body) The donors are a 1989 crew cab 1 ton dually, and a 1982 crew cab 1 ton 4x4 that has a rusty beat up body. I now have them both in my posesion. I am trying to find the easiest way to make this happen.I cant see an real differences in the frame except the spring hangers and the hole in the frame for the front spring rear attaching point. Has anyone ever turned one of these into a 4wd without swapping the frame. My 1989 has a really clean frame and I would like to use it if possible. Would be easier to keep this on the down low if I didnt have to swap bodies. I live in Govt housing and they really frown on this, Hasnt been an issue on other projects, but this wont fit in the garage with the door closed. What are the pros and cons or converting my frame instead of swapping cabs?

The frames actually have a different profile from the center of the front wheel to front cab mount. Not serious enough if you are building for a lift, but enough to screw you around if you're trying to stay OE and just swap brackets & hangers over.

The other obstacle is the 2wd suspension crossmember. You need to find a way to support the engine whil you remove it and put in the 4x4 crossmember. Unless you can chop it down sufficiently to get enough spring clearance.

Wow I need to look at them closer. I just did a quick look before I went to work. Only had about 5 minutes. Will have more time tomorrow.

I hate to burst your bubble but 91 was the last of the square bodies. ;)

Correct. I just meant that it wasnt the rounded version like in the half ton that switched in 1988. Sorry bout that.

O.K. I got a better look today, Gonna rip the bed off it tomorrow because its junk and take some measurements on thr rear spring mounts and so fourth, Gonna chack the front also. i am planning on a 6 inch lift so i am not sure if the front crossmember will be an issue either way. Other than that i cant see where anything is much more than a simple bolt in with a few very minor exceptions.

I think with decent positive-arch springs you can mount them with the 2wd crossmember in place. Carve away as you need afterwards.

Consider using rear springs from the extra truck up front - perhaps take out a couple of leafs. It's common swap, and you're free to place the shackle mount anywhere you want on the undrilled frame.

Gonna use the 4wd frame as a template. Really not too hard to get them right since i have a doner example. Drilling the holes in the correct place is the least of my worries. Just need to know if there are any real show stoppers i am not seeing

4 wheeler just had a artical on a 2wd to 4wd. check that out it should help you a lot. offroad unlimited just came out with a kit as well.

Could you send me a link to the 4 wheeler website. I did a search, but there are alot of different sites that come up and I am not sure where to start.

i cant find it on the site. i know if you call offroad unlimited they will tell you every thing you need to know. they might know were you can find the artical.

www.offroadunlimited.com or (818) 563-1208

I only found info on 2wd from 1988 and up in the light series trucks. I am gonna get rid of the rusted body this weekend and make my decision. I have made alot of measurements and cant see any reason not to swap the gear and the motor mount crossmember. Seems alot easier than swapping the cab on a crew cab. Mine is an auto and the donor is a manual so clutch linkage and all that just seems like more headache then swapping the running gear.