Swapping in a 4x4 axle in my 2wd

[Waystro]

I was reading a thread and a member said that they had done three 4x4 swaps into 2wd trucks I would like to do this but I would like to keep my 2wd frame and just throw an axle up front instead of doing an body swap. If that member could post up there tips or builds would be great

 

[Dieselcrawler]

find a donor truck. study both frames and you will see what all you need. I am the one who has done 3 of them. I can do it in 2 days front and rear axles with all suspension. then the following weekend for trans/tcase and all associated parts.

 

[riotwarrior]

USE SEARCH!!!!! There are many many many threads on this exact subject

 

[IDIoit]

break out your 220 MIG, oxy/acc, and beer.
the bigest pain in the rear is your steering.

 

[direwulf23]

Does the donor truck have to be a diesel or can it be a gasser (except using the tranny, of course)?

1994 Ford F250, 2wd, 7.3L IDI, NA, E4OD

 

[riotwarrior]

GAS...and DON"T forget SEARCH

 

[Ugly Moosling]

Wouldn't a diesel donor have the proper heavier suspension and possibly a stouter front axle, depending on the cab configuration? I think it would also make sense to find the same wheelbase and trans combo so all the driveshafts would swap too.

 

[6 Nebraska IDIs]

I have a fairly detailed thread about this with lots of pictures on this forum. Search for brown truck under the knife.

 

[franklin2]

Wouldn't a diesel donor have the proper heavier suspension and possibly a stouter front axle, depending on the cab configuration? I think it would also make sense to find the same wheelbase and trans combo so all the driveshafts would swap too.

The suspension and it's pieces had nothing to do with the engine installed. Those depending on the GVWR rating of the truck, regardless what engine it had.