How many parts need to be swapped to convert a GMT-800 1500 4wd front suspension over to 2500? Is it the whole control arm assembly with hubs and everything, just the hubs, something else? I'm looking for a salvage LBZ donor and wondering how much of the front suspension needs to be intact.

 

Check with Duntov1967, he's done it. Here's one of his posts from his build thread.

 

What does this do for a 1500? Never heard of this conversion.

 

I'm looking at swapping a d-max into a 1500. If I do that, I'll want the 14 bolt rear axle from the donor vehicle, and if I have an 8 lug rear end I'll want a matching 8 lug front end too. I've done more reading this afternoon and it sounds like I can convert a 14 bolt to a 6 lug, that would probably be easier than converting the front to an 8 lug. It would also open me up to a better selection of donor vehicles, there are a few right now that I didn't think I could grab since they have suspension damage.

 

Thanks man, if I decide to do that swap I'll get in touch with him.

 

There are 2 different 14 bolt rear ends, 10.5" and 9.5" ring gears. The 9.5" is a semi-floating and could be converted to 6 lug. The Duramax will have the 10.5" full floating rear end in it, and I don't believe you will be able to convert that to 6 lug. Unless there's something out there that I don't know about.

 

Duntov is a really smart dude, and you will want the HD front suspension IMO. The half ton front diff will probably be fine most of the time but should you ever get the front spinning and one side grabbed traction, you might pop the diff. Also going from the 8.5 to 9.25 you will have the option of adding a locker for true 4wd. The HD front suspension also uses larger hub bearings and CVs to withstand the tq of Im sure the modded motor that will be turning them. Personally if you find a good roller Id just do the whole 8 lug conversion as itll be stronger and finding a good core 14 bolt then converting to 6 lug would cost more than grafting in the factory 8 lug parts Id think.
Dmax is a 11.5", the 10.5" is the gas motor HDs.

 

Thanks for the info guys!

 

Well figure out how to do all this then come do a Dmax swap in my Vmax

 

Ah, I forgot about the 11.5" 14 bolt!