Chevy S10 2WD to 4WD conversion

[MinesJeep]

Alright so the girlfriend just loves her truck and she's not in great position to trade it in for a pick up with 4wd. It's just a regular S-10, not sure what axels are underneath. Any information on getting started to converting to 4wd and what it would cost is appreciated.

TIA

Tony

[willys]

I covernted a Bronco II to a 4wd and I purchesed a wrecked 4x4 that way I had any and all parts that I needed. It was cheaper than buying the parts as I needed them. Good Luck.

[thomjpster]

Frames are completely different.

2wd = coil sprung, 4wd = tortion bars

you'd really be better off getting a 4wd truck

[MinesJeep]

So if changing the suspension over was an option ( big if I know) what are we looking at in costs? I just want real numbers to tell her so I can convince her to jsut let me sell the truck and buy something with 4wd already for her.

[CSP]

Costs for you to do it or to have it done?

For a shop to do it I would guess $3000-3500 at a bare minimum.

[MinesJeep]

Yeah, we would be doing all the work, she's actually good with cars, I'm just mechanically retarded.

[CSP]

Can you both fabricate, as in cutting, measuring, and welding?

This isn't a bolt on procedure.

[Gunter]

So if changing the suspension over was an option ( big if I know) what are we looking at in costs? I just want real numbers to tell her so I can convince her to jsut let me sell the truck and buy something with 4wd already for her.

the biggest deal is getting your axle.the rest for a chevy is just parts changing.
i'd say fix the rear first,then make the front match the rear with whatever axle you choose.waggy d44 up front and maybe a 10 bolt GM or a 12 bolt rear from a blazer,both would be the same 6 lug. should be able to find both in same gear ratio.or both axles from a full size blazer.
my choice for the ranger was for the bolt pattern for both was the same,and both had the same gear ratios too.that saved a lot of money up front.
i'd say as for the work,coils vs leaf no big difference in amount of work. you can stop by and see what i have going over here if you want,same basic project in progress.

[MinesJeep]

Alright, so my thoughts, why would we need to change to from a coil suspension to a torsion suspension or leaf suspension. Shouldn't we just need to change the axels and the driveline?

[CSP]

The coils on the front end are between the upper and lower a-arms, not between an axle and frame.

Go look at it first, then ask questions. It's nowhere near as simple as you think.

[~tc~]

Because it's IFS.

OR, you can do a Solid Axle Swap, which is what Gunter is talking about above. It will be stronger offroad, but in all likelihood not drive as well onroad.

Seriously, you're looking at quite a bit of cutting, grinding, and welding to convert it. If you can do that, great. If you have even the slightest doubt, just buy a 4WD. I would recommend a Toyota LOL

[OrangeCrush]

Tell her 5k and to go see someone at a stealership about trading it in

[scottycards]

Go look at it first, then ask questions. It's nowhere near as simple as you think.

CSP is right on this one, Tony. This is one heck of a project. You have no idea........basically, from what I know of your situation, not even one I'd recommend you consider.

[MinesJeep]

Good, thats all I really wanted to hear from everyone. We went to the stealership yesterday and they only offered her 4k for her 10k truck

[OrangeCrush]

Good, thats all I really wanted to hear from everyone. We went to the stealership yesterday and they only offered her 4k for her 10k truck

throw it on craigslist you never know, someone might be looking to spend 10k on a 4k 2wd truck.

[MinesJeep]

Yeah, I threw it on there for 11k and already got a response.

[MinesJeep]

Thanks, everyone for the feedback. I knew it would get this kinda response, but she wouldnt relent until everyone said it just wasnt feasible.

[gmule]

Fabtech makes a killer sas kit using a dana 30 out of a cherokee.

[never wheeled]

Build a pre-runner out of it. CST and Velocity fab and Total Chaos make KILLER long travel kits for s-10's check it out. Trust me shooting walls is fun catching air at 60 is a rush.