2wd to 4wd conversion options
08-16-2009 | 04:10 PM
#1
Guest
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2wd to 4wd conversion options
I have been thinkng about converting my 73 D100 to 4wd and my two options are pulling all the parts from a donor or doing a body swap. I don know years I can pull either ofthose off with, 72-83? I'm leaning towards a parts swap over a body swap.
Any advice or places I can start reading up on the swap?
Thanks
Any advice or places I can start reading up on the swap?
Thanks
08-16-2009 | 06:07 PM
#2
Mopar Lover
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 837
Likes: 2
From: Springfield NE
The years are 1972-1993 actually. 1993 was the last year of the 72 on style of CAB. There was a split between 1980 and 1981 where they changed the sheetmetal somewhat but the cab basically stayed the same. I believe it would not be a problem to do either of what you are contemplating from a mechanical standpoint. I'd go for the suspension swap though just to keep the frame the same Identification as the cab in case your state looks at things like that. (dont forget about laws!) the suspensions varied through the years as far as transfer cases and axles but I think the springs stayed the same. I think your 2 WD frame might even have the holes predrilled for mounting the front 4 WD suspension. Any way good luck. I just bought a '79 W150 4WD shortbox with a slant six. It has a NP435 manual transmission, a 9 1/4 rear with sure grip and a dana 44 front axle. Not sure about the transfer case though. Any way, good luck!!!..........
08-17-2009 | 12:57 AM
#5
Mopar Lover
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 837
Likes: 2
From: Springfield NE
well, my 79 has rivits, big ones, holding it together as far as the spring hangers go. Guess you could replace them with some beefy grade 8 bolts there. Maybe there might need some welding as far as the trans crossmember is concerened. not much more else I can think of. Engine mounts? I'll compare my 4WD truck with my buds 2WD and get back to ya with a report.
Darn now you got me wondering. {my bud has a 2 WD ramcharger, '85 I believe. He said that he is going to convert his, so I'm assuming that its possible. He has a ton a experience with Dodge trucks}
Darn now you got me wondering. {my bud has a 2 WD ramcharger, '85 I believe. He said that he is going to convert his, so I'm assuming that its possible. He has a ton a experience with Dodge trucks}
08-17-2009 | 02:40 AM
#6
Admin
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,173
Likes: 200
From: Goffstown, NH
It is posible. I would rather bolt and weld the spring hangers over just bolting them though. Leafs are easy enough to set up. You'll need a 4wd tranny with a t-case that is the same side drop as the front axle or convert your 2wd tranny to 4wd. It would be easier and cheaper in the long run to just swap your good cab onto a 4wd chassis.
with a swap. That's why I ask though.
08-17-2009 | 03:31 PM
#8
Mopar Lover
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,074
Likes: 1
It is posible. I would rather bolt and weld the spring hangers over just bolting them though. Leafs are easy enough to set up. You'll need a 4wd tranny with a t-case that is the same side drop as the front axle or convert your 2wd tranny to 4wd. It would be easier and cheaper in the long run to just swap your good cab onto a 4wd chassis.
08-18-2009 | 02:49 AM
#12
Admin
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,173
Likes: 200
From: Goffstown, NH
It isn't that different from doing this with a C#&$y or F*@d, just different make and model. There are writes out there on other forums, I'm sure of it.
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