Make My Truck A 4wd

Nytemare · January 2, 2009

Probably asked before, But how hard is it to make a 2wd 2003 into a 4wd?

I would just trade up, but my truck lost $10K value in the last year or so due to market prices and being rear ended, so its just not worth trading in anymore.

Just wondering your guys opinions and input if anyone has done this before. If all else fails I'm buying a diesel 4wd and giving the wife this truck.

pwall · January 2, 2009

This has been asked on this forum many times. And just this past week.

The answer, yes you can (it's possible that is), however, it's just not cost effective.

Some figures were bouncing around, $4k.

Use this as an excuse to get the diesel. ;)

Zembonez · January 2, 2009

4x4 uses a different frame, crossmember, and front suspension setup so the OEM option is out unless you want to swap frames (not good).

BUT!

A solid front axle (leaf spring) conversion is quite possible. It would be expensive and require some "no turning back" modifications. If you have a smooth 5 grand to start with I think it would be very cool.

dietz4ibanez · January 2, 2009

Yeah its possible! Its called go to the dealer and get a different truck!

Nytemare · January 2, 2009

Yeah its possible! Its called go to the dealer and get a different truck!

Thanks...you didn't read the part where I said my truck is basically worthless on trade did you...LOL

Eh..it was worth a try I guess...as much fun as making my truck solid axle would be...not really into dropping a starting figure of 5K, than another 3 for larger tires and wheels...etc.

Looks like the wife's gettin my truck and I'm gettin a diesel

BuckFeverZ · January 2, 2009

How come you didn't just get a 4x4 in the first place? I'd never buy a 2wd truck. Sooner have 4wd and not need it IMO.

Nytemare · January 3, 2009

It was there and the price was right.

And I really don't need a 4x4, I just want one. Plus it comes in handy if we get a dumping of snow like we did this year, it happens like every few years where we get dumped on...usually it snows like an inch or 2 lasts for a day and is gone again...this year however we got like 3 feet.

I'll probably end up buying a diesel 1-ton in the end. After all my buddy and me are opening up a hauling company and the diesel may just come in handy for that.

Spurshot · January 4, 2009

I think a 2wd 1/2 ton truck would be as good a place to start as any for a 'balls to the wall' 4wd project with a fully caged frame and solid axles with an Atlas transfer case, 6 speed, and get rid of that 4.8 and put in a crate motor 6.0 off road engine. Pretty much all you'd use is the cab shell and bed and maybe the frame for a place to start building a stiffer chassis. Some 40" tires, etc.. Go for it!

....but if you wanted a streetable 4wd, buy one from the dealer.

Nytemare · January 4, 2009

Yeah I'm pretty sure that's whats gonna happen...A nice 3500 Diesel 4x4

dietz4ibanez · January 4, 2009

Yeah its possible! Its called go to the dealer and get a different truck!

Thanks...you didn't read the part where I said my truck is basically worthless on trade did you...LOL

Eh..it was worth a try I guess...as much fun as making my truck solid axle would be...not really into dropping a starting figure of 5K, than another 3 for larger tires and wheels...etc.

Looks like the wife's gettin my truck and I'm gettin a diesel

Did I say anything about trade??

Nytemare · January 5, 2009

Yeah its possible! Its called go to the dealer and get a different truck!

Thanks...you didn't read the part where I said my truck is basically worthless on trade did you...LOL

Eh..it was worth a try I guess...as much fun as making my truck solid axle would be...not really into dropping a starting figure of 5K, than another 3 for larger tires and wheels...etc.

Looks like the wife's gettin my truck and I'm gettin a diesel

Did I say anything about trade??

Very True....never have too many Chevys parked in the driveway