2wd to 4wd conversion
 

so just for shits and giggles, i got a 04 z71 and a 07 classic 2wd. i know it takes time/money/knowledge ive got that covered. what all is really involved? i know pretty much everything on the whole front end has to be swapped over blah blah blah. anybody ever done this?

Frame swap if you want the OEM 4x4 or SAS would be the other option.

It's been done several times before. Most 2wd guys do an SAS.

forgot to mention the 07 is reg cab and the z71 is ext cab lol sorry

You will need to do a SAS or find a 4wd frame. Otherwise some serious fabrication to make the deame work.

Well you could shorten the Z71 frame but it's a lot of work.

An SAS conversion would probably be easier.

I'd be interested to know if you could just chop the front end of the Z71 off and weld it to the 07 frame.

You know just lop both off like right under the door.

As long as you are a good welder...or know one...that should be all you need.

Or to be safe, do it right behind the T-Case After end of the chassis should be the same.
As long as you take it to the ends of the torsion bars you'll be good for suspension.


You will need to get a rear drive shaft for sure...the extended cab will likely have a 2 piece where reg cabs(Assuming this is a RCSB) has a single driveshaft.
But you may luck out. Than you'd just have to shorten it.

There is a seam were the frame sections are joined together just under the cab there.

It can be done but it's a lot of work.

to say the least....

Its an option if you don't want to buy a lot of parts though.

In theory, you should be able to dismantle both cut both frames, weld, and re assemble.

You could have a 2wd Z71 and a 4WD 07.
In theory........

I have graphed many frames together...for what ever reason. But never actually built an IFS 4wd like this. Alignment is key...measure, measure again...and then measure some more...

Cross brace the holy shit out of it....measure

then hope for the best and put stick to metal.......

Did I mention to measure...

Having said this....I dont know how it will go with your DOT when you have a 4wd truck that was supposed to be a 2wd. Rebuilt title? look into this first.