1997 GMC SIERRA 2WD 4WD Conversion

someguy2112 · April 23, 2006

Hi Everyone,

I would like to start out by saying I am new to this forum and that I look forward to spending time and gaining knowledge from fellow GM enthusiasts. Let me take this opportunity to describe my love for the off road sport and for the GMC brand in the off road hobby.

I currently have a 1997 2WD GMC 1500 With the 296 C.I. V6 It is a daily work truck as I am in construction. I have made minor modifications but nothing serious. I was planning on doing something serious to the truck this year such as dropping in a 350 and the most major thing is to convert the 2WD to a 4WD. This is why I am here. I wouldn't konw if it is possible to do so and if so how would I go about doing it? Also I am planning on dropping in a 350 V8 once I have the AWD system finished. Now this truck is used heavily off road on construction sites and what not and as my daily commuter truck. When I am finished with it i want it to be the baddest 1500 out there.

Thanks Folks,

God Bless

Leo

WildRover · May 22, 2006

There was an article in a recent 4 wheeler magazine about doing just that. If ya want I can scan it in and email it to ya.

skills4lou · July 21, 2006

There's a significant amount of work involved ($$$) in doing this, but anything is possible. Have you considered making a pre-runner? Basically you lift truck, putting on long travel suspension. If you spend the money on a decent locker for the rear (ARB, E-locker) you can get decent traction when needed, and it'll still be a good work truck too. It can be done for probably in the neighborhood of $2G, and that's figuring labor too. Just something to consider.