HeyYou, the 2wd trans is still in there. but I do have the transmission/transfer case from the same 4x4 truck the frame came out of additional $600 with 90K miles. But I believe it may be possible to swap out the overdrive unit/transfercase with little extra effort, waiting to test that theory till i have more time and money. I could still just swap the tranny but mine has 70k miles so I'm gonna see if i can keep mine.

 

That's an interesting point, after all, everything forward of the O/D unit *should* be exactly the same, regardless of the number of drive wheels.

Considering rebuilding it before tossing it in?? There is a POWERFUL spring in there to contend with.

 

Hey you, I was hoping it was in good enough shape to avoid a rebuild, unless its highly suggested. But either way Im gonna wait for more time and money before I start tearing anything apart. Also because if I have to pay a shop to measure and give me properly lengthened and balanced driveshafts it might be easier to just pay them to swap the 4x4 O/D with the 2wd O/D as well. Cant imagine that would cost very much extra if its a quick swap.

 

My thoughts were that.... while it's out.... it ain't gonna get any easier. But, with only 90K on it, you might be able to get away with it.

Did you get driveshafts with the donor frame? If you did, they should bolt right in as well.

 

I didn't get the driveshafts cause i thought with a 5 inch lift they might be getting pulled out a little far. My 2wd driveshaft is pulled about an extra inch or more out of the transmission as it is and I don't like that. But if everyone else is keeping their old shafts I might as well do the same.
I was curious about the cost of buying a 4x4 shaft with unknown condition and possible improper length vs paying to shorten my 2wd shaft which I know is in good shape and it will be the exact length.

 

Probably going to be wildly variable, just depending on where you are. Check around the junk yards, and see what you can find.

 

You could probably sell the 2wd stuff on to someone in the rust belt. We in the West are so spoiled by rust free older rigs. It'd be at least twice as hard if you lived in Michigan or Chicago.

My first reaction to this thread was "Holy moly, you one ca razy *****!" But probably a good thing to do at least once.

I'm wondering if you'll have any problems with CARB? Hope not, but have your ducks in a row before your next smog test.

 

Brian in Tucson, I do have the stuff for sale actually, just sold the Fabtech lift spindles today, believe they were in Washington. It was a crazy project but of all the things I've done to my truck this is definitely the most useful.
I don't think that CARB will be a problem either, for my smog checks I don't remember them ever paying attention to he front end, and thats the only noticeable change. They just look under the hood and put the sensor in the exhaust from what I remember, but hey ill let everyone know if I get in trouble, deal? lol

 

Nice thread! Lot of work went into that. Nice truck!

 

Thanks 1997JollyGreenGiant, more work than I can explain. lol