Frame swap to 4WD?

[Diesel]

Random thoughts going through my head.

I really like my trucks body and engine. I know all about my drivetrain and I have basically restored the body and bed and had the front clip painted. Body also has no rust. I sort of wouldn't mind 4WD sometimes. I don't want to do a swap with my current frame. SO....

If I bought a rolling 4WD frame and 4wd a518 could I swing in my engine and body (making hole for tcase shifter)? Can I use a non-IC frame for my IC engine? I feel like this could be easy. Get diesel frame with a bad body and sell motor and scrap body - install the rest from my truck. Am I missing something?

[CumminsPower59]

Might be alot easier to torch what you need off the 4wd frame and swing it under your frame. "1990" did just that when he converted his, there is a thread somewhere back about the swap

[Diesel]

I would so rather have a roller...can my 518 be made into 4x4?

[dazedandconfused]

Ive done both on trucks before and personally id rather swap frames. Its nice to be able to paint the frams. You should be able to swap the od tail housing and output shaft.

[ellis93]

You should be able to swap the od tail housing and output shaft.

Sure can

[Diesel]

I'm getting excited! Ok so I know there are frame differences but I would guess I would just need to find a 91.5+ intercooled frame and I should be good.

[Mark Nixon]

1992 or 1993 3/4 ton 2wd are the only 2 years a 3/4 ton used the 1 ton height framerails, ON A STANDARD CAB TRUCK.
The 1991s that have SRWs and the tall frame are considered 1 ton SRW.
Otherwise if you want the tall standard cab frame, find a dually 4wd and swap it all out.

I have NO clue why anyone would knowingly subject themselves to the beating a standard cab SRW 4wd dishes out on rough roads.

Mark.

[bmoeller]

I have NO clue why anyone would knowingly subject themselves to the beating a standard cab SRW 4wd dishes out on rough roads.

One word- Kelderman!

Unbelievable difference in ride.

[Diesel]

So who's got a tall frame roller they want to sell me No seriously if anyone knows of any out east or hears of one please do let me know.

[Mark Nixon]

I have a standard cab 1992 (tall) frame here.
It has front and rear springs, crossmember and a fuel tank.

Mark.

[Diesel]

Mark would it happen to have axles, and tcase?

[Mark Nixon]

What t-case do you need? Auto or Manual?
It doesn't have axles, though I do have a set of 4.10 dually ones around....

Mark.

[Diesel]

Mark,

I need automatic and srw front. Plus I need the parts to make my trans 4wd or I would need a 4wd automatic. I think I would be better served buying a whole truck that is in rough shape.

[simplysmn]

Yes just buy a part's truck with a rough body that way you have everything you need to do the swap

[Mark Nixon]

Yes just buy a part's truck with a rough body that way you have everything you need to do the swap

While I tend to agree with that, it's really a matter of how much a person wants to spend, along with the effort they want to go through.
You have to watch what you pay for "donor drivetrain trucks", because I've gotten them with junk axles, junk transmissions (stick AND auto) and transfer cases needing work and they DROVE home.

My best suggestion to Diesel is to either pay the money and buy a NICE truck like you want, or be very selective and buy a donor that's either been wrecked, but had been taken care of, or one that has low miles and rusty panels.

It's VERY easy to get 3 grand into basically junk that might not even be good as cores.

Mark.