Swapping 4wd front axle to 2wd IFS

[jexo69]

I've looked, can't find what I'm looking for. If someone has a thread of this already up, I apologize for the repeat.

I'm looking at swapping a 4wd front axle off of a 1984 K30 for a 2wd IFS system off of a 1981 C30. Converting the 84 into a 2wd. Will/should the IFS bolt right up or is there a lot of fabricating and custom work needed?
I tried getting a good look at the frame and looks like it might work but not 100% certain. I was wondering if anyone knew and was 100% certain it would work.
And is it worth the effort or should I wait until another C30 pops up for sale?

Thanks.

 

[CSFJ]

I asked this question a few years ago. While it is technically possible, it requires changing cross members, and welding/installing the spring/shackle hangers. Which are all have a very vital need to be installed straight and square. The general consensus was, it's easier to use a 4x4 frame.

 

[Loren Darling]

CSFJ - I think Jexo69 is going the other way. He wants to convert 4wd to 2wd.

Jexo, it that is the case, check out a couple of the squarebody facebook groups. I've seen lots of threads on there dealing with it and there is a group of guys that are building "kits" that will change 2wd to 4wd. They say its easy if you have the right parts and and instructions. They could probably provide the instructions in basically reverse, to convert 4wd to 2wd.

I myself am interested in converting my 2wd to 4wd with a solid front axle. Its not in the budget right now, but will be in the coming months. Best of luck to you and "Go SquareBody's".

 

[Jrgunn5150]

It's my understanding the 2wd crossmember bolts to the frame, so it should be pretty easy with both trucks on hand.

 

[jexo69]

Loren Darling is right, The goal is to convert a 4wd to a 2wd. Jrgunn, I'm hoping that is the case.

 

[Jrgunn5150]

The only frame difference I am aware of, is the the front where 2wd's have a little more curl.

Of course, I've been drastically wrong before lol.

 

[jexo69]

Well I just got off the phone with Bob's Chevy trucks, the guy I talked to said I'll run into a lot of problems because the frame on the 4wd is wider, as well as tie rod lengths, steering, ECT. Can anyone vouch for this?

 

[Jrgunn5150]

You will have to swap boxes, the 2wd is 180° off from the 4x4, I'm pretty confident the frames are the same width, people do the opposite swap pretty often.

 

[jexo69]

Boxes? Like steering boxes?

 

[Jrgunn5150]

Boxes? Like steering boxes?

Yes

 

[bucket]

People normally go from 2wd to 4x4 because a decent K30 can be so hard to find. But a C30 is much easier to find, and they also tend to be much less valuable than a comparable K30.

 

[yevgenievich]

I remember someone working on a 4x4 coversion mentioned that frames were a bit different on dimensions after comparing measurements I took from a 4wd vehicle. Would likely be a non bolt it type of a swap but is doable

 

[Lu Blunt]

Can't seem to wrap my head around what ur trying to accomplish with the swap. What's wrong with the current solid axle setup on the k30? What from the k30 are u wanting to keep? Cab swap even motor swap sounds more do able if ur set on a 2wd. As stated previously in this thread the d60 front axle and k30 frame are highly desirable

 

[shiftpro]

I'm stumbled flubbed why anyone would want to decommission a 4x4 to 4x2. There are so many two wheel drives around, more than 4x4s, and they are a dime a dozen compared to 4x4s.
Anyway here is my 2 bits on the subject.

It's not going to happen... 4x4 to 4x2. Let me splain...
AFAIK, the frame width difference is subtle and only at the engine compartment. But the real issue is the frame sweep upwards. On a 2x there is less sweep upwards.
Therein lies the problem converting a 2x4 to 4x4... unless...!

Unless you want to go big on your 4x4, DIY has a kit to mount the front axle using a rear 52" spring pack.
The system gives about 4" min lift. It's great for running 38" and up tires and gives more travel and flex than the stock length springs. This kit is not designed particularly for a 4x2 to 4x4 conversion but it works all the same. As I said, the 2x frame doesn't sweep up as high as 4x4 frame, but mounting the 52" springs lowers the entire leaf assembly from the stock position so the frame sweep no longer is an issue.

I hope this helps with the perpetual questions regarding a 2x conversion to 4x4.
Didn't mean to highjack the thread, I just figured the best way to explain the differences and hopefully talk the OP into leaving the 4x4 as is.
Good luck whatever you choose jexo.

 

[Honky Kong jr]

Can't seem to wrap my head around what ur trying to accomplish with the swap. What's wrong with the current solid axle setup on the k30? What from the k30 are u wanting to keep? Cab swap even motor swap sounds more do able if ur set on a 2wd. As stated previously in this thread the d60 front axle and k30 frame are highly desirable

I'm with you on this one. I guy I know wants me to do the opposite to a pretty nice but R title Burb. He wants me to graft a K10 front frame section onto it.........not a big deal but not sure I wanna do it. For myself all day long for someone else not so much.