I bought a 4x2 truck that I really don't like because its a 2 wheel drive. I would like to convert to a 4x4. What parts do I need in order. Oh and would it be possible to put the new front assembly that come in the new 5500 models? Thanks.

 

man that is alot of work. just putting a solid axle in place of IFS on a toyota was a ton of work and fabrication time. It'd probably be worth it to trade the 2wd in for a 4wd.

 

like mentioned above, alot of work, but you would atleast need the front axle assembly (complete), front driveshaft, trans to transfer case adapter (may be easier to find a 4x4 tranny and sell yours), transfer case (manual shift would definately be the way to go), modify rear driveshaft. Different front springs? Maybe rear springs? Don't the 2wd trucks sit lower than the 4wd ones? Maybe different tranny crossmember if there is no allowance for a front driveshaft?

 

cheaper to trade in and up-buyer remorse sucks!!

 

I've never looked under a 2wd truck, I wonder if the axle would be a bolt in affair? If so, the work wouldn't be too bad. Now if you have to do any cutting and welding on the frame to get brackets in the right spot, it would be a pain in the rear.

Also, steering components might need changed (pitman arm, draglink, etc)... If the front sits higher, maybe longer brake lines as well...

 

The problem is not body is going to want to deal with it when you sell it or trade it in. It's best just to bite the bullet and get another 4x4 truck.

 

I have looked at doing this on some 4x2 long time ago. It is much cheaper and easier to trade for a 4x4 trust me.

 

Buy a different truck. This will only haunt you if you try to go thru with it.

 

You probably would have terrible alignment issues afterward if you didn't get it PERFECT. Its just not worth it unless it was an old beater with a junkyard full of spare parts.

 

dont forget the big one, the frame is different! i also looked at this and quickly forgot about it. itd cost more than trading trucks 4sure.

 

I suppose if your gonna go that far you might as well make it a mega long bed and install a tilt cab. Be different if your gonna go broke doin it.

 

I just think it's ironic that your username is "Tuf 4x4"

If you need 4x4 buy it, don't retrofit it. Too many changes...

 

I had the same questions with my last truck. I wanted to throw a Dana 60 and leaf springs under it. I had access to an axle and a divorced NP205. One obstacle is I think the 2x4 had rack/pinion steering instead of a normal box (correct me if I am wrong). A guy who does IFS-straight axle conversions of Gm trucks told me I would really be better off and money ahead to sell & get a 4x4. The only way I see it making sense is if you can do all the work yourself. And if you are a kick-butt fabricator, I would not bother looking at the 5500 axle, just get a Dana 60 & a divorced NP205.

Good luck if you go for it, though!

 

Alot of work. Cheaper to trade it. I learned the hard way. I converted a 2X4 70 GMC to 4X4. I would not do it again unless I had plenty of time, and didn't need the truck.

 

Hey dont pic on that poor guy he couldnt afford a 4x4 after all that BANKS stuff.

Just kidding of course Banks just doesnt get a real good rap on here. To each his own.