2x4 Chevy stepside to 4x4

[Greasemonkeywannabe]

I'm hoping to get some help and knowledge about upgrading my old 2wd to 4wd. I dont know too much but I am interested in mechanics and would like to get some guidance as to what direction to take. What ALL do i absolutely have to replace and whats the least i have to spend to convert to 4wd?

[MikeNH]

Welcome to the site!

 

We would need to know more (year?) to be of much use but realistically a 4x4 conversion is not cost effective, especially if the truck is newer.

[Greasemonkeywannabe]

Mine is a 1990 chevrolet stepside, Swb, 5 speed and my grandfather and i have already replaced the 4.3 with another 4.3 v6 because of liittle time and money earlier last year but I'm hoping to do something this summer since im making more money...

[MikeNH]

Well I'm pretty sure the frames are different so if you are looking to swap in factory parts that'll likely be a show stopper. Depending on your skill set, swapping to a solid axle may be possible. The easiest way probably would be to weld in spring perches and run a Dana 44 from a 87 or older K10 with leaf springs. But that is just the tip of the iceberg. A project like this isn't something you want to undertake if budget is a big concern.

[Greasemonkeywannabe]

Probably too large of a task for me at my skill level... what makes me want to do something like this is that i found a cheap s10 blazer i could have possibly replaced the head gaskets in and maybe made a project out of and have fun but they changed there mind this morning. I was pretty dissapointed.

[zach1990]

Well the hardest part will be swapping to a 4x4 frame. If you are not prepared to do that I'd consider doing a solid axle swap

 

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[Greasemonkeywannabe]

Thats what my father suggested. I'm thinking my only hope to fulfilling my dreams is a junkyard.