90 suburban 2x4 to 4x4 conversion

[becky ashton]

I have a 90 suburban 4x4 that has much rock rash and rust, but it has some mods also. (6" lift, 3/4 ton with 14 bolt, detroit 4.56 gears, 37" tires) I can get a super clean 2wd suburban with a bad engine very cheap. Has anyone got any experience in swaping in a front diff. into 2wd? Am i better off swaping bodys? My biggest concerns are these: Is the frames simular enough to do this swap? Or how would i lift such a large body off to swap in the 4x4 chassis? Many extra parts will be available for sale when job is done. TBI 350, 700r4 2wd trans, 10 bolt diff, some body and interior parts etc. Call Wayne at 801-661-2543, thanks!

 

[Greg]

I'd swap the axle in long before a body swap. It shouldn't be too hard, I'm sure there's more than a few companys out there that make spring hangers and shackle mounts that you simply weld in place.

There's a company I'm thinking of... name is on the tip of my tounge, but I can't recall it right now.

 

[mbryson]

I'd swap the axle in long before a body swap. It shouldn't be too hard, I'm sure there's more than a few companys out there that make spring hangers and shackle mounts that you simply weld in place.

There's a company I'm thinking of... name is on the tip of my tounge, but I can't recall it right now.

Ding ding.....I'd be for swapping the tranny/case and axle.....(maybe linking it up instead of the leaf springs?)

 

[Tacoma]

no one's mentioned it yet, but swapping an axle in is kind of involved.

I suppose you might be able to 'front-half' the truck: take the front frame section off the 4x4 and weld it in... OR

get spring hangers and stuff fabbed up.... either way is kind of pricey and involved, depending on skills and deals and all that.

Greg, are you thinking of ORU (off road unlimited)? They have been in some articles a few years back doing that.

Personally I think you should just buy MBrysons sweet Suburban and go from there... heheh.

 

[offroadlogan]

Swap the body

 

[Greg]

... Greg, are you thinking of ORU (off road unlimited)? They have been in some articles a few years back doing that...

YES, Off Road Unlimited! Thanks Tacoma!

This is what I was thinking about-
http://www.offroadunlimited.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=22_84_34&products_id=35

I'm not sure if it would work on a 2x4 to 4x4 conversion, but that kit is for a IFS to Solid Axle swap using a GM Dana 60.

Personally, I think it would be easier to swap out the drivetrains and do a SAS than to swap bodys. Having to deal with the body wiring, rusted body mount bolts, lining up body lines, etc would be alot harder than some straight forward drivetrain pulling & axle mount fabbing.

 

[bobdog]

I think the body swap would be easier. The front Kmember and frame are different. Steering is different but I would uses the 2WD box and go crossover. If the 4X4 frame is wasted then look into converting the 2X4 or finding anouther 4X4 frame.

 

[Brad J]

I have an 86 2 wheel drive Suburban w/ a 454 in it and I've thought about converting it also but the front end has a serious crossmember under the engine that is 2 feet wide. It hangs very low and the front is independent suspension w/ upper and lower control arms, The easiest way to convert mine would be to get some leaf springs w/ tons of lift but it isn't gonna happen any time soon. If that 2wd is like mine I would swap bodys. Guys do it on scouts but I image that there is a huge difference in weight.

Good Luck, Brad J

 

[becky ashton]

2x4 to 4x4

Guys, I apreciate the responses on my questions. I guess i should have mentioned that this is the old body style suburban, the last year that had a solid axle. (Has a dana 44 in there now, originally a 10 bolt) Had it been an independent suspension, I absolutely would consider the solid conversion. Does this new info change anyones thoughts on this swap? thanks, Wayne 801-661-2543.

 

[DaveB]

Guys, I apreciate the responses on my questions. I guess i should have mentioned that this is the old body style suburban, the last year that had a solid axle. (Has a dana 44 in there now, originally a 10 bolt) Had it been an independent suspension, I absolutely would consider the solid conversion. Does this new info change anyones thoughts on this swap? thanks, Wayne 801-661-2543.

I have done several swaps on the older style chevys. We swapped the entire bodies which isn't as hard as you might think. On the older ones there are about 10-12 main body mount bolts that hold the whole thing on. The wiring has several main connectors that disconnect the body from the wires on the frame. We used a body jack to lift the body up then we would just roll the frame out from under it. The main issue you will have is whether the body mounts on the newer one are in the same locations as the older one. I would measure them closely and compare. When I did the swaps for my dad and brother we swapped 78 4x4 frames under an 85 suburban and a blazer. There were only two body mounts that didn't line up exactly and we just modified the ones that didn't.
When I swapped these 78 chevy frames the registration rules stated that the title went with the frame and running gear. Now the frankentruck rule says that the title goes to what it looks like. So your combined rig would be titled as a 90 and would have to pass 90 emissions rules. You also surrender both titles and they issue a new one.
Dave

 

[mbryson]

Guys, I apreciate the responses on my questions. I guess i should have mentioned that this is the old body style suburban, the last year that had a solid axle. (Has a dana 44 in there now, originally a 10 bolt) Had it been an independent suspension, I absolutely would consider the solid conversion. Does this new info change anyones thoughts on this swap? thanks, Wayne 801-661-2543.

Nope. The body swap might be worth trying, and is probably easier with the right tools, but I don't have those. I'd look to cutting the 2WD IFS off the 2WD frame, putting the 4WD tranny-tcase in and converting with leaf springs or better yet get some Dodge pickup coils and 4 link it.