well, the typical has come across me... my transmission is slipping and the speed output sensor is malfunctioning.... (p0720) i'm looking into new transmissions i've seen a couple auto's and some manuals (i am iffy on getting a manual but it will last longer) and most of them are for a 4x4... some come with x-fer cases and i can get a front axle... all mostly 100$ each... some like the axle push 200... tranny well they range from 100-400.... i was wondering what kind of labour i'd be looking forward to if i did a 4x4 conversion... and any tips or problems i'd run into... do i need anything other than an axle, x-fer case, and tranny?
thanks.

 

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but I am pretty sure the front end in a 4x4 is a lot different. I know the 4x4s have torsion bars, while the 4x2s don't, not to mention the 4x4 I am pretty sure has different springs also since they sit about 2" higher than a 4x2. Again, someone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong on this, I've only got a 4x2, but I've read a lot about the difference between the two since I thought at one point I would do this also.

 

It is not a simple swap, and everyone will tell you to sell the 2wd and buy a 4wd. Cheaper in the long run.

 

^^^agreed. The suspension/steering are so different that it makes more sense just to buy a 4x4 than to spend the time/money for a conversion.

 

there are not tortion bars in the front its coils. and you would need to somehow cut the bracket off the 4x4 and weld it to your frame on the 2wd. big hassle i was going to do it but then i just bought a 4x4

 

The torsion bars that smashed was referring to are the suspension arms (control arms).

You'd need to cut the brackets for the 4x2 control arms off, weld in some for the 4x4 arms, weld in the coil/shock towers, make some accommodation for the track bar, and redo the complete steering system for 4x4.

A huge and expensive undertaking.