2nd Gen Dakota Tech 1997 - 2004 Dodge Dakota Tech - The ultimate forum for technical help on the 2nd Gen Dakota.

How hard is it to change a 2wd to 4wd

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 04-20-2013 | 11:12 PM
fldodge4x4's Avatar
fldodge4x4
Thread Starter
|
Rookie
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Default How hard is it to change a 2wd to 4wd

What do I need how do I do it? Have to do it.
 
  #2  
Old 04-21-2013 | 01:57 AM
Custer's Avatar
Custer
Professional
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 167
Likes: 2
From: PNW
Default

I couldn't say other than...Buy a 4X4. lol

For those who can help you you should give the details of your truck, i.e.
Year
Body
Engine
Tranny
etc...You get the point.
 
  #3  
Old 04-21-2013 | 05:16 AM
fldodge4x4's Avatar
fldodge4x4
Thread Starter
|
Rookie
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by Custer
I couldn't say other than...Buy a 4X4. lol

For those who can help you you should give the details of your truck, i.e.
Year
Body
Engine
Tranny
etc...You get the point.
2001 supercharge 360 quad cab four door bad *** truck
 
  #4  
Old 04-21-2013 | 10:17 AM
emesnarf's Avatar
emesnarf
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Canada
Default

Getting a 4x4 truck or parts there of for the 4wd chassis with the same cab box combo would be the easiest way if you have some investment in your bodywork. Or get a 4x4 that's the trim level you want and swap your hopped up stuff to the new truck. The front end of the 2wd truck frame is quite different.
 
  #5  
Old 04-21-2013 | 12:03 PM
dodgeramguy85's Avatar
dodgeramguy85
Grand Champion
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,508
Likes: 6
From: Houtzdale,PA
Default

You are better off to throw your motor in a 4wd truck. It will take lots of work and fab skills. For the very little you are gaining imo it isnt worth it.
 
  #6  
Old 04-22-2013 | 02:52 AM
magnethead's Avatar
magnethead
Legend
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 8,020
Likes: 171
From: Fort Worth, TX
Default

Originally Posted by emesnarf
The front end of the 2wd truck frame is quite different.
Just off the top of my head

4wd lower control arms
torsion bars
torsion keys
torsion crossmember
differential (w/ matching gears to rear axle) and output shafts (with fresh CV joints)
transmission/engine/front differential bracketry
transmission to transfercase coupler
transfer case
both driveshafts
4WD PCM (for transfercase control) that matches the truck's original, and transfercase wiring harness

Which adds up to what you could get another truck for.
 
  #7  
Old 04-22-2013 | 09:15 AM
Tom A's Avatar
Tom A
Section Moderator
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,564
Likes: 9
From: Concord, CA
Default

It would be much easier (and probably cheaper) to put a solid axle in the front than it would be to install a stock 4x4 front end.
 
  #8  
Old 04-22-2013 | 11:49 AM
magnethead's Avatar
magnethead
Legend
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 8,020
Likes: 171
From: Fort Worth, TX
Default

Originally Posted by Tom A
It would be much easier (and probably cheaper) to put a solid axle in the front than it would be to install a stock 4x4 front end.
my thoughts exactly. With a manual transfercase so PCM doesnt get involved.
 
  #9  
Old 04-22-2013 | 11:57 PM
GM1697's Avatar
GM1697
Amateur
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Default

make it a pre runner.

long arm suspension in the front, cheaper than any of the options discussed so far.

it would still be 2wd, but you could run real aggressive 35's and it would be way more badass.

bajadakfront.jpg
 



Quick Reply: How hard is it to change a 2wd to 4wd



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:43 AM.