Hope I dont get flammed for this, I couldnt find much searching. How much does it take to go from 2wd to 4wd? im very handy and have a full garage. Anyone have a complete parts list? Or would I just be smarter to sell the truck and spend more for a 4x4? problem is that the price gap is pretty steep between the two.

 

if you're just wanting to have 4wd to use occasionally, you'd be better off selling, and buying a 4x4.

however, if you want to build a truck to run more "extreme" trails, a 2wd pickup is not a bad place to start. they are becoming popular as 4x4 project bases, because they are cheap, plentiful, and the frame has more arch in the front to allow for less spring arch, which in turn lets the front axle flex better.

parts you'd need:

'79-85 front axle, complete
front springs
front spring hanger, shackle mounts, and shackles
steering box and drag link/tie rod/arms(i highly recommend converting to crossover steering, you may even be able to use the box that's on the truck, depending where it's located)
4wd transmission and transfer case
aftermarket crossmember for the t-case
misc parts(shocks, spring bushings etc)

and then, you'll need a 6 lug, sprung over rear end to match the front end, so one from a '79-95 4x4 will work
rear springs
front and rear drivelines

it's a pretty involved project, but not much more work than doing an SAS on an '86-95 4x4.

 

yeah it sounds like it would be a lot of work but if you know what your doing it shouldn't be that hard to take parts off a junk truck and swap the old stuff out.

 

i am definately looking to run the rougher trails. this project sounds like a lot of fun, and from your parts list doesnt seem too bad at all. after i finish my turbo project on the bimmer, i will deffinately look into this. thank you.

P.S. You arnt to far from me at all. Would you be interested in going wheeling with myself and some of my friends at Tahuya? if you havent been there (but im assuming you have) its a blast!

 

i'd love to do some wheeling, but i still have a lot of work to do on my own truck

 

4RNRRICK is doing the same thing, his thread is a little side tracked at the moment due to parting out his 4Runner. He does incredible work and it would be worth while to follow his thread. He does a very thorough job of covering all the details involved in his projects
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showt...=447914&page=5

 

It would be that much work, couple axles and a transfer case

 

especially making it straight axle. makes things 100 times easier. weld on the hangers and shackles. connect springs. connect front axle to springs. and then you have a rolling, drivable truck. (after the crossover steering install of course.)then just like kyle said, 4x4 tranny and t-case and some drive shafts and it should be all set.