Would I be able to make my '85 2wd into an SA 4WD? As in, can I use the 2wd frame?

 

i would imagine not since the 4x4 frame has to be much tougher and better gusseted but i have no idea its the first thing that comes to mind maybe the frame is the same hopefully someone that owns a mid 80's truck can give you a better answer

 

uh, IIRC, the frames are exactly the same, just one has 4wd and one doesn't.....

 

I'm not sure if they are the same. I do know that Downey Offroad sells a kit to reinforce the front end of the frame when they lift it for high speed launch.

 

that's for long travel, when doing jumps, iirc.

 

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f88/...2wd-4wd-96255/

 

You can put a solid axle on most anything, that question is how easy.

Please help with the pics of the reinforced and gusseted parts of the 4wd frame.

On that generation of truck, the solid axle frames have more arch compared to later IFS. Not sure if that holds for IFS 2wd.

 

Yes, you can use the 2wd frame. In fact, it's actually slightly preferably as it's dimensions are almost identical to a pre IFS 4wd frame. 4RnrRick did a SAS on an 96 2wd xtracab recently and also has a full side-by-side 2wd/4wd frame comparison. I'd post a link, but the search on PBB is having problems right now.

If I were building one, this is teh way I would go.

lots of info here: http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=447914

 

same frame, ones 2wd and ones 4wd thats it