I have an 01 ram 5.2 V8 2wd, wondering if anyone has ever done a 4wd conversion and what all it would take to do it. Someone once told me the only part needed to add was a transfercase and shift cables, but seeing as there are no CV axels on the front end it would be more than that no?

 

You would need a complete front differential (with the central disconnect mechanism, preferably from a 2nd gen truck), upper and lower control arms, mount points on the frame for the control arms, transfer case, transfer case shifter and linkage, front driveshaft and the vacuum lines to engage the 4WD setup. I believe there are also a few electrical wirings needed to activate the 4WD light on the dash.

Take a good look under a 2nd gen 4WD truck to see the differences noted above.

 

Not to mention you would need a different o/d unit that the t-case would bolt to..... you would end up cutting off, and welding on, a host of brackets. Frame swap would likely be easier. Keep in mind, on the 01 trucks, the t-case shifter mounts to the body. I do not know if that is an additional part, or if the provisions for it will be on your 2wd cab. (but, I wouldn't hold my breath.....)

 

Unless you have a donor 4WD truck for the parts and excellent fabrication and welding skills, it would likely be best to find and purchase a 4WD 2nd gen truck and move forward from there. Dodge made plenty of the 2nd gen trucks, so finding a used 4WD truck shouldn't be too hard to locate.