converting 2wd to 4wd?

[Dustin07]

How much should I expect to spend if I want to convert my 99+ ext 1/2 ton silvy to a 4wd? I know I could just sell it and buy one, but this one has a new rear end and tranny. I know what I'm getting if I keep this one.

 

anyone done the project?

thanks,

[redvett]

New frame, front axle, front suspension, wireing, PCM programming and much more.

Not worth it. Just get a 4x4 and sell yours.

[Dustin07]

really, new frame? I was told it was just front axel + suspension before.

 

yeah that would cost a lot more.

[Rolandd]

I don't know for sure that you need a new frame. However, you would be into some serious welding to add all the bracket lands and other mount points for the front axle, steering box, torsion bars, lower control arms, etc. You would also have to rebuild your tranny to shorten the output shaft and tranny housing to accept a transfer case. If the rear axle springs are underslung you will have to change the spring mounts so that the axle will mount under the springs as it does on 4x4's. You also need to make sure that the axle ratios are compatible--there may be 2x4 gearing that is not offered for 4x4's or vice-versa.

 

While the PCM programming is different you could probably get away without mods as long as you were careful in 4-Low, where the computer might throw errors because the truck is moving slower than expected.

 

All said and done this conversion is a lot of aggravation. Unless you are on a quest to learn more about the details of one of these trucks than you ever thought was possible I would recommend that you buy a 4x4. You, your family, and your friends will thank you.

[fossil]

lift up driver and install new truck underneath

[ZZebes]

You could do a Solid Axle conversion and get 4wd but it still honestley makes more sense to buy a 4x4 becasue you will be constantly sinking money into this truck

[redchev1]

It all depends what you need 4wd for. A lift kit for the 2wd, a good locking rear end, and tires to match the terrain You may be surprised how far you can go. Airing down the tires and adding a winch can also help.

[pm26]

This is not worth doing. Selling your truck and buying a factory made 4

WD vehicle is the way to do.

[Rolandd]

The other option is to keep this truck and use it as a truck and get a second vehicle for you 4x4 needs. Often the use for a 4x4 would lead you to a Blazer or something else. You would end up with the best of both worlds and fewer hard miles on your truck.

[Dustin07]

The other option is to keep this truck and use it as a truck and get a second vehicle for you 4x4 needs.  Often the use for a 4x4 would lead you to a Blazer or something else.  You would end up with the best of both worlds and fewer hard miles on your truck.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

This is what I ended up doing. I'm going to keep the 2wd and likely lower it like I had always planned. It'll stay my 'baby' and my father in law is selling me his Wrangler for a song, so I'll have the 4wd as well.

 

thanks for your suggestions guys.

 

lift up driver and install new truck underneath

 

LMAO!