2WD -> 4WD

[tahleel]

Hello:
I'm looking to get a 2000 V6 2WD Silverado (regular cab), for a REAL good deal. I need a 4X4 for Michigan weather. It might not have to be this winter (its almost over), but for next winter.

I'm looking to see if anyone has gone from 2WD to 4WD. What is involved? Will the stock transmission work with the 4X4 transfer case? I'd rather do AWD, because I don't go offroading. What about using an AWD transfer case? I know I would need a new front axle. Do I change hubs? Are the brakes up to par?

Please shed as much info as possible.

Thanks!

-Tahleel

[97Chebbie]

Just my $0.02, but if you do a search you will find that w/ all that's needed to convert a 2wd to 4x4 you would be better off buying a vehicle w/ 4x4 or awd in the first place. Now, if this is a project vehicle then more power to you. :D

[tahleel]

Just my $0.02, but if you do a search you will find that w/ all that's needed to convert a 2wd to 4x4 you would be better off buying a vehicle w/ 4x4 or awd in the first place. Now, if this is a project vehicle then more power to you. :D

Yes, I know, I've heard that about ALOT of things that I've done in the past, and I'm really satisfied about it (i.e. turboing non-turbo cars, over buying the turbo model, etc).

-Tahleel

[Physh1]

Yes, I know, I've heard that about ALOT of things that I've done in the past, and I'm really satisfied about it (i.e. turboing non-turbo cars, over buying the turbo model, etc).

-TahleelThat really is a different game. People can turbo and supercharge a non forced induced stock engine because there are kits for it and relatively easy.

The frames are difference on 4wd from 2wd. Honestly, doing this to your truck will cost much more than getting a 4wd from the start. If you're really going to ever attempt this you need to a full donor truck. If you go AWD it's going to be even more expensive. You'd need to get a 4wd or AWD complete front suspension...I mean complete. The tranny, the tcase, the wiring harness, and possibly the engine if you want to go v8.

With you saying you really just need 4wd for winter, than this is ton of work that's really expensive. The money you're saving on getting a 2wd v6 is going to be blown (plus more) on getting it to 4wd.

Cameron

[tahleel]

Alright thanks. I was under the assumption that the frames are the same. I was at a local boneyard, and the guy was telling me that the 2WD and 4WD frames on Fords were the same, so I assumed they were the same on Chevy's. If they were the same, then I would've considered it, but since they aren't I won't. Anyways, thanks for the reply, I'm going to scrap the whole project.

-Tahleel

[klemmentine]

Everything is different on the front frames... this is why there are different lifts for 2wds and 4wds. Tahoe frames are the same... so they can use the same kits.

Some things you'll need or need to swap:
-Transfer case (NP 241, 243, 261 or the like)
-Front differential
-Front driveshaft
-Swap in a 4x4 knuckle/hubs
-Swap in 4wd control arms
-Frabricate front differential mounts
-Re-due the whole front steering, from the idler arms down.
-CV axles
-Transfer case shifter, floor or electronic
-Modify control arm pockets to accept 4wd arms
-Modify your PCM so it won't freak out when it sees a transfer case/4wd parts on a 2wd truck.

Bottom line is it's not worth it at all. 4wd trucks are only $1,000-$2,000 more than 2wd trucks... and this swap would put you well over $2,000. There is probably $5,000 just in parts, plus hours and hours of custom fabrication and installation. My guess... it would probably be a $6,000-$8,000 job.

[deve8edsilv]

I was thinking about making my 2wd an AWD and from the information I gathered from Chevy--the frames are the same.(this was on a 2003) The only mount that would have to be fabricated is the driver's side front diff mount. If you went with an AWD transfer case (NVG-149) there are no electronics so nothing to worry about. Also, the output shaft of the tranny has to be replaced. The only other problem that I was thinking about, but haven't really checked out yet, is the steering. If you find someone that has a full-size that they have done a solid front axle swap--you can probably pick-up all of their arms, spindles, diff, torsion bars, etc for pretty cheap. Anything can be done, for the right price and if you want it as a project, do it. But like stated above, to start with a 4wd would be the easiest.