Body swap 4x2 to 4x4.

[UHcostUH]

I have wrecked my 2wd and took a pretty good size chunk out of the frame. This gives me a good reason to tear it down and really clean it up and fix it the right way. However it was also my DD so I am gonna transfer the body to a 4x4 frame that I have so that I still have some wheels. I was wondering if any one could think of any real issues that could or will arise right off the top of their heads. I am also thinking about putting a mule gear 3spd in place of a th350 or 400 I have both what would be the best option if I want to go off road some times and still make decent power. Motor is and 84 350 out of a van rated at 145hp.

first is donor 4x4 then it's my wrecked 2wd



Thx guys,
Jason

[benoit454]

frames are a bit different, pretty sure you need to use the bushing that fit the frame you want to use.

the cab floors are different unless your 2wd is floor shift. the 4x4 and floor shift 2wd had high hump and column shift 2wd had low hump, you can cut that section out though and use the one from your 4x4 floor.

the bumpers match the frames, I've heard ppl say one bumper is shorter then the other, but I think they said the 81-87 style on your 2wd is the narrow one, which probably would not matter for your swap. You could reuse your 73-80 4x4 front clip? if so you'll need to fill the hood hinge holes in your 2wd cab and drill a hole or two and reuse the wiper linkage and arms, posts from your 4x4, then I know your bumper would be fine with the frame and front end.

[UHcostUH]

Thanks man any ideas on which tranny to use cause I have pretty much all of the real options

[benoit454]

oh hey man didn't realize it was you, you wrecked it? that sucks.

mule gear is great for pulling and take off like four wheeling or something. you know what trans it is like an sm465 top loaders four speed that has the granny low? as for it going in place of a th350 or 400 not sure how great that would work out due to driveshafts and transfer case adapters and stuff. What does the 4x4 have in it now and what other 4x4 setups you have?

[UHcostUH]

Yeah I went out to get effin butter so I make mashed potatoes with dinner. I shoulda stayed at the damn house lol.

[UHcostUH]

Originally Posted by benoit454

oh hey man didn't realize it was you, you wrecked it? that sucks.

mule gear is great for pulling and take off like four wheeling or something. you know what trans it is like an sm465 top loaders four speed that has the granny low? as for it going in place of a th350 or 400 not sure how great that would work out due to driveshafts and transfer case adapters and stuff. What does the 4x4 have in it now and what other 4x4 setups you have?

Don't know what trans it is not sure what tcas I hate other then cast Iron and I got **** gears like 2.72

[benoit454]

yea those gears suck. we have the same in dad's 84 a granny low would help on take off, although you take off in 2nd with them it would help crawl if you went wheelin.

just curious somebody hit you or was it bad out? man valley market and krogers is a bad place anyways if it was there, nobody pays any attention lol.

Somebody side swiped my 88 back in dec. hit it and ran, nobody saw a thing right in front of my old mans house.

[UHcostUH]

Yeah I hit some one. I was in a blind curve and some one was stopped on the other end for no apparent reason. I hit the brakes and the locked of course, I slid into the other lane of traffic and took the side out of a brand new eddie bauer explorer. The guy who was stopped sped away after I hit the explorer idk why. However I have no clue what kind of gears are in the 4x4's possibly 3.08 not sure whether I have any lockers or not it would be nice.