What is needed to change a 2x4 into 4x4? I am asking because I can't find anything in the search about how to change it to solid axle if it's an '85 2wd (last year of solid axle, correct?) I would assume you'd want to upgrade "things" when you did that, since I have no trans case, would it make sense to start off with a dual case or a lower geared case? If you were going to spend all that $$ anyway??? So the parts needed would be : solid axle swap parts, transmission, transfer case (or 2), front and rear driveshafts, regeared rear (2wd would have a higher gear, correct?) so I'd want to go to 4" lift springs in the rear to match the front, 35" tires, 5.29s, all that stuff so it wouldn't need done in the future?? Yeah you'd need a lot of stuff to do it right, huh? Well depending on how easy the sas would be, it might not be that hard to get done....hmm....oh well I can dream, can't I?

 

The guy on "Trucks TV" was asked about this and his advice was "Sell your truck and get a 4WD. I think that would be easier.

Andy

 

Not if you want a solid axle... I do not think it is any harder than anyother SAS.. You will need a transfercase/tranny combo and drive shafts.. What you need is a parts truck.

 

I may even have a parts truck, with a 20R engine, so I can swap the 20R head as well...it's solid axle 4wd....

 

You'd need to do the SAS, replace the tranny/driveshafts, then I'd also use a 4wd rear axle. The 2wd axle uses a spring-under mount, and the 4wd is a spring-over mount. Also what I would do is re-use your u-bolt plate (under the axle of your 2wd) and you'll have the u-bolt flip taken care of.
The 2wd trucks (most of them) use a 7.5" rear end (harder to get gears/locker) while the 4wd toy uses a 8".
Something you may need to be careful of is the axle width of your donor.
I think the early 80's trucks had a narrower track than the mid 80's trucks.
It should work out for you anyway.
Hope this helps,
Todd