2x4 to 4x4 ?

[Bundok]

I have a `92 D250 Cummins 2x4 truck that is really clean with low miles - 80K. I really like it, but was thinking about converting to 4x4. I know on older Chevy's and some older fords it is a pretty straight foreward deal where you can unbolt what's there, drill some holes and mount up the front end.

What's the deal on a Dodge? Anyone done this? I know it would be easier to just get a 4x4 and sell this one, but I like it and it's clean and low mileage...

[440-fide Ramcharger]

A friend did just that to a 73 or 74 Dodge. Just changed out the crossmember. I am sure there were some other issues, but he told me it was just a matter of removing a bunch of rivets and swapping parts. Hope that helps a little,

[Bundok]

thanks man, that is kind of what I heard too. The guy that I heard about took at crew cab and coverted it to 4x4 and cummins and the same time.

[GRMhick]

Ok, I thought about this for my 77 d-100 awhile back... insted of finishing my 77 W-100. Basically, I noticed it needed a different engine,a nd tranny x-member, also when you add the front spring mount, you need a brace going up to the body mount. Also, you have to drill 4 holes for the rear spring hanger.. but otherwise, i think that they are actually the same frame... hope i helped some... Garrett

BTW, I have a 77 2wd, and 77 4wd in my yard if ya need me to check anything for ya.

[drnut]

Then you have to think about steering. It might be easier to find another truck to pull everything from.. axle, steering, drive shafts, and transfercase. I think it would be cheaper and way faster to just buy a 4x4.. but thats just my $.02...

[Bundok]

I totally agree that it would be cheaper and faster to get a 4x4, but the four wheel drive versions of a `92-`93 Dodge Cummins sell for $10,000 to $14,000 or more around here (VA) and I could only sell my 2x4 for like $8000 at most, maybe more like $7000.

I was thinking of tring to find a wrecked gas powered 4x4 dodge- even a half ton and then swapping over all of the 4x4 frame hangers, steering, transfercase, etc and buying a dana 60. Ideally I'd be able to find a diesel 4x4 as a donor but that would be a long shot.

The more I think of hit, the more of a hassle it seems.

[GRMhick]

I think it is a waiste to put all the parts into a 4x4.. I personally think it would be easier to just keep the 2wd frame, and mate on the 2 x-members and the spring mounts. As for the steering, cross over steering is awesome... and you need the 2wd setup on the frame side to use it... just my $0.02

[dodg partz 1t]

STILL HAVE A DONOR ON THE TABLE !!!!!

sounds to me like it would be simple and satisfying ..... when you design what you want ...... your not stuck with the original design ...... a suggestion would be to go to a longer ford front spring for a better ride !!!!! ..... had a gent do it and he could say nothing bad about it ..... have to move rear shackle mount and fab it in frame ..... he also changed the rear to a van spring to soften the ride ......

JUST DO IT !!!!! ===> then tell us how it worked out ..... <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

[Bundok]

thanks for the input.

I guess if I can find a donor truck nearby or with in cheap shipping range it might be a good project.

Is the Dodge transmission one of those situations where you can swap on the tailshaft of the 4x4 version onto my 2x4 version?

[Chet]

that was the one thing I was wondering about is the trans.

I have a '89 2WD diesel that I got really cheap due to the body being not that great.

What I was thinking was using a divorced NP205 Tcase then you wouldn't have to mess with the trans and you would gain a longer front driveshaft as well!

Any thoughts?