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

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!!!..........:):):)

Welding and lots of time. Not just a parts swap. Buy a 4wd you are happy with and sell the 2wd.

Thanks for the years and other info.

Is there welding involved? To me of looks like conflicting replies, I figured it would be almost all bolt for the suspension swap.

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}

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.

Thanks for the info!

I looked on CL and called up some wreckers, no luck so far.

I need to look at things up close to see what is needed to bolt on the supspension, I keep thinking it would less cash with a swap. That's why I ask though.

Agreed

Looks like a body swap is the way to go. I've looked for some info on the web, anybody happen to have any links to a guide? I have my shop manual but figured I'd ask.

what part of the country are you in?

[im asking cause there seems to be alot of 4 WD dodge trucks out here in Nebraska, sitting all over out in the middle of the state]

I'm close to Tacoma Wa. There isn't alot around here right now. I'm in no rush though.

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.