2wd to 4wd swap possibility. Few questions

[awpsome]

I have a chance to look at a crashed t4r that's 4wd.
It's from the same year as mines.

Few questions:
What will I need from the truck? I don't plan to buy the truck cause he wants the motor.
How much do you think I should spend for above parts?
Little over 100k miles

What would you rate swap difficulty? This is something Ive been looking to do for a long time. No I will not sell my truck to buy another with it.
No negative comments please.

So far generally I know I'll need transfer case. Do I need the tranny? Or can I bolt to my current?
I know I'll need front axle and diff. Front driveshaft
Anything else ?


It has front damage as well so thats already a red flag for me as I need to check the condition first before those parts might be damaged.

Thanks!

 

[4-Ripcord]

Not my area, someone experienced in these matters should chime in..


But off the top of my head.. you'll need the Donor ECU, transmission, transfercase, rear driveshaft, front driveshaft, front diff, CV axles, front hubs, interior console pieces.. Thats all I can think of.

 

[BrianSD_42]

From threads I have read in the past, and please correct me but I think the general consensus is that it would be easier just to buy another truck that is 4WD.

 

[awpsome]

Yea that seems to be a common answer. But I'm not looking to sell my baby anytime soon. Also I'm looking to do this as a project as I love working on the truck. Also it will be a good experience for me to learn about 4wd drive systems.

 

[t4r4life]

you will need everything before the transfer case including the transfer case, also need computer stuff like 4wd models and ecu i think (not sure)

 

[t4r4life]

honestly its worth more just to do an Solid axle swap and get way more satisfaction out of it

 

[awpsome]

ive also thought about SAS but only reason why im even consider doing this right now is the fact that the guy is giving me a GREAT deal. dirt cheap deal. but before i get all impulsive i wanted to know what i am getting into from all angles..

 

[t4r4life]

honestly its just way too much work, you gotta get mounts, drop the front diff in, wire up the computer, run the vaccume hoses, would i do it **** YEA screw 2wd, but would i suggest it to my friends no they will scratch through their scalp trying to figure out all the stuff they gotta run

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

I'd do it, just waiting for my chance.

Only if donor vehicle is of similar year.... that stuff can be tricky.

 

[awpsome]

honestly its just way too much work, you gotta get mounts, drop the front diff in, wire up the computer, run the vaccume hoses, would i do it **** YEA screw 2wd, but would i suggest it to my friends no they will scratch through their scalp trying to figure out all the stuff they gotta run

its not as hard as you think? i was looking at my truck and comparing to a buddies 4wd there isnt that much that would make me not want to do it..
just wanting to see what ill need, but i might have convinced the seller to just let me take the vehicle whole after he scoops the motor out of it

I'd do it, just waiting for my chance.

Only if donor vehicle is of similar year.... that stuff can be tricky.

yup thats why its even more tempting.. its the same year as mines *97
and ill have everything in it ill need except a motor cause he is taking it.
and the tailgate.. AHHA

 

[Singtoe]

To do a 4wd conversion is not possible without some serious fabrication skills.

The transmission Cross-member is about 8" to far back. So it will have to be cut out and re-welded in the correct spot. Then You will have to mount the front (weld in diff carrier mounts), rear diffs (2wd ratio is higher then 4wd) and then change out your knuckles and hubs to accept the front axles.

Assuming that the wrecked has a straight frame. If it was me. I would get the whole wreck. Unbolt the body from the chassis and roll the chassis out from under the body.

While the chassis are removed from the bodies, Swap your motor on to the 4wd chassis, then roll it under your body and bolt it back together.

You will need the 4wd interior trim pieces, the shifter and a saw to cut a hole out for the transfer case lever.

Last part would be to wire up the A.D.D. front axle.


There again, not for the mechanically challenged.

 

[t4r4life]

there you go op Singtoe just save you a whole lotta headache