I want a 4x !!! How hard would it be to change the front suspension or can it be done??? I know I'd have to hunt down all the parts (front diff., tranfercase, etc......)

Or would it be easier/cheaper to 'try' to sell my truck and buy a 4x4????

 

Yes!!!! It is a lot of work

 

If I can save $$$$, the work doesn't bother me. Look at my pics. and see the car, I did the back-half plus all the work to it. My vehicles never go to any shop, unless there is a warranty (wife's car).

I like to wrench on stuff. If the front susp. change over is do able, I need to look at a 4x4 myself I guess.

 

Just my .02. For what full size 4x4 are selling for now you could buy one cheaper than converting your existing truck.

 

Around here, the lowest price is 22k. for slt 2500. I think I can do the swap cheaper. Remember there is no labor costs. That also means my truck price is down for selling.

I wish I didn't think I didn't need a 4x 'cuz I don't go off roading, didn't even think of 4 wheels is better pulling than just 2.

Right now my load is under 10k, but a friend and I where thinking of buying an enclosed trailer to haul both our racecars since we will be going to the same track might as well car pool.

 

Step 1: Sell 2wd
Step 2: Buy 4wd

Seriously though, advertise nationally with ebay motors, autotrader, etc. you should be able to find a buyer for your 2X and a good deal on a 4X.

 

if you dont off road then why do you need a 4x4

 

Anything`s possible , but I`m not sure if it`s worth it in the long run....who`s going to want your truck when it comes time to sell it after it`s been "converted" to 4WD? What about your insurance policy...wonder how that`s going to work? What about YOUR time and effort (even if you enjoy doing it)?

I`m thinking you`d be better off lifting your 2WD , or selling/trading it for a 4WD. 22K might be the ASKING price , but I`d bet you they`re not selling for that...

I`m not trying to sound like an a z z , just giving my 2 cents.

 

It's cheaper and alot easier to just buy a 4X4. I converted a 70 GMC from 2X4 to 4X4......I don't recommend it.

 

Why do most of the people on this forum have a 4x, how many of the truck go off-roading?? When towing a descent load, it's better to have 4 wheels pulling than 2, right??? In the near future, a friend and I are thinking of buying a enclosed gooseneck trailer to haul both our racecars and tools. Wouldn't it be better to be pulling the trailer with 4x??

I appreciate everyone's input, it's an idea I had. Just wish I thought this out more before I bought. Another thing, I like to race (as you can see in my pics.) and with my 2wd, I break the rears loose pretty easy. I haven't had it on the track yet, so I'm guessing I wouldn't be able to launch very hard or I'd just be spinning.

I took a friend for a ride a couple of wks ago, he's a cheevvvy guy!! I showed him what a CUMMINS can do. First time I did this too, I did a 10lb boost launch (on the street) and smoked the tires for about a 200ft. fishtailling all the way. We had some fun!! I lifted a little to get traction and shot off. Made a u-turn and then did a 2lb launch, much better. He said I had him pushed back in the seat pretty good til I lifted. Went back to work's parking lot to get his truck. We lined up and I got him by at least 5 truck lengths. BTW this is in kinda industrial area so no others were around. He was impressed with what my truck could do. I told him that there are you guys with much more mods that walk all over me.

 

In general, you tow in 2wd if you're on a highway. I would only use 4wd if I had to pull the trailer through a field or if I was in a severe weather event. In either case, I wouldn't tow in 4wd over 50mph.

 

I guess I was mistaken, huh?? I would of thought using all four when towing. Then I don't need a 4x at all. Save some time and money.

Who has a 2x and runs it down the strip??

 

if you can find the sales records of the big three- the most 4x4's are sold in the snow belt states-off roading,etc would be secondary,etc

 

Jim Fulmer has one bad 2wd that has made a few passes.

 

It amazes me how some guys get around with 2 wheel drive in these trucks , mine is in 4x4 at least once a week in the summer and just about everyday in the winter . There is no way I could own a 2 wheel drive and be happy and yet many do . With factory tires I couldn't even back out of my garage in the winter in 2 wheel drive , it got better with Toyo's tires but not enough .
That said , I have switched trucks over to 4x4 from 2 when I was young and dumb , a lot of work for no cost savings in most cases . I would venture to say unless you have some real good connections for used parts you would save money selling you truck and buying what you want . Unless you do a real good job your truck will be worth less in the end from all the used parts and a 2 wheel title . The only way to do this is buy a totaled truck in one peace and sell what you don't need , good luck finding one with the parts you need in good shape totaled , maybe something that went swimming . My vote is no way no how that I would do it again , I spent over a year getting parts together and many hours of work , luckily I had another truck to drive at the time .