i was thinkin...if i wanted to make my 2wd truck a 4wd, could i get an axle and just buy a lift kit to get the suspension parts i needed? i guess i could just get the suspension parts from a junk yard as well. i know i still have to bolt a transfer case on, change the rear drive shaft and get a front one. but the 'getting a axle and using the suspension kit for parts' sounds like it would be easy to do.

...or should i just stop thinkin?

 

I don't know how easy it would be. You might consider after your time and materials that it might make more sense to find an equivalent or maybe newer truck that's already 4WD.

 

Yup, I agree! Cheaper to buy a 4x4.

But if you could get a parts truck (4x4) and use it as a donor, that would be easier and a fun project.

 

the cost can't be more than a couple grand can it? i'm not in the truck very much so if spent a couple grand for 4x4 parts i should be ok.
i saw on another thread that the 2wd truck and it's indi front suspension could be an obstacle to overcome. something about the front frame rails are different. anyone know about this?

 

It may be more than a few grand.
I looked at this option seriously when I had a 2 wheel GMC pickup.
Now, I'll admit my experience is based entirely on my research with a mid 80's GMC and may or may not be relevant to Dodge trucks.
However, my research on GMC's uncovered that the front of the frame is different between two and four wheel drive trucks.
Now, again the difference was related to the leaf spring mounts and our trucks are coiled. However, you will need the front axle control arms mounts welded/bolted to the two wheel drive frame.
Also, on a two wheel GMC, the rear leaf hangers are longer and would require them to be cut out and replaced. (You could use blocks and get the same hight. )
Also, the cross member under the engine on the GMC two wheel drive is massive and would need to be cut away and replaced with the one that is much smaller from a four wheeler.
In terms of cross members, the two wheel framed truck is not drilled for a cross member where the transfer case would rest.
You will also need a different output housing to mate the trans to a transfer case (if theyre the same as the GMC's are set up)
On the easier side of the conversion, you will need to shorten/replace the drive shaft to make room for the transfer case.
You will need longer brake lines front and rear (along with shocks).
You will also need (obviously) the front axle, coils, and linkage.
The GMC cabs are also different between the two trucks as the center hump is higher in the four wheel version to allow room for the transfer case and linkage.

I honestly dont know how much of the above is relevant to a Dodge, but it is a start for things to consider.
If you have the time and the money, anything is possible.

Rich.

 

My thoughts exactly..

the parts in itself and labor are gonna be time consuming and expensive...

Rick

 

It's going to be expensive from the start, and what's worse, any little oversight could result in a life-threatening situation. In addition to what's already been stated, the entire rig will need to be lifted about 2". how do you re-title this 2WD into a 4WD? It may have to have a 'rebuilt' title issued.

Probably other projects that would be more worth your effort.

 

I've done one of each - GMC crew, and Dodge club - and it's way beyond a few stanley tools from yer local ace hardware.

Drilled over a hundred new holes for the GMC 4wd brkts\hangers\crossmembers, and sectioned the entire 4wd front frame under the Dodge front seat.

Excellent results, but b'lieve me, it's a real hill, even for a stepper.