I just bought a 2001 Dodge 1500 5.9. I would like to convert it from 2wd to 4wd. It's an expensive project i know but thats what i want. So please no posts stating trade it in...now what are the major needs?

 

A parts donor truck, and a dry place to work on it.

 

Sell it and buy a 4x4 unless you have deep pockets. I didn't say trade it. As stated, you need a 4x4 parts truck and lots of time.

 

What parts exactly? Looking for a truck now.

 

Start with a 4x4 parts truck. You need a transfer case, front and rear drive shafts, front axle, brakes, PCM, depending on the year, etc.

 

A 4x4 that's close to the same year.

Trans, t-case, driveshafts, front axle. Control arms. Mounts. Trackbar, frame side mount for that. Cutting the crossmember out of the two wheel drive frame, and on and on and on. Not a light undertaking. Might be easier to install a long-arm lift instead of the stock suspension..... you would still need to do some cutting/welding on the frame though.

Better have a fairly nicely equipped shop to do this....... and have some good fabrication skills.

 

Deep pockets and time..

 

If you're getting a parts 4x4 anyway and the frame is decent it may be easier just to swap what you want from the 4x2 over onto the 4x4?

 

Yep. Probably end up with a safer vehicle as well.

 

^ This. Depending on the mileage these trucks only go for a few grand anyways which would almost be the parts truck plus dealing with the headache of electrical makes it very unappealing. I had a 4x2 work truck for 7 years and it never did me wrong, just nice all terrain tires and some salt bags for the winter.