2004 Suburban 2wd to 4wd

[Csm Davis]

My other half has a '04 1500 suburban 2wd and wants to know if I can make it 4wd. I know that I could do a SAS but what about the front of an '04 4x4? Just looking for options would like to keep the '04 I have as it was bought new by my Dad and it is one of the few things that I have of his.

 

[Avery4jc]

Four Wheeler did a cool project that might give you some ideas...

http://www.fourwheeler.com/project-...oe-solid-axle-swap-rosco-p-drivetrain-part-1/

Don't forget to check out the next articles too. I think there's three in the series. You'll find the links at the bottom of the first article.

 

[Csm Davis]

Thanks Avery but was wondering if I could just use the ifs of a same year 4x4.

 

[Avery4jc]

The problem here is there's some sentimental attachment to your 'sub. The real answer (and it's been discussed many times on forums and articles in magazines) is it makes absolutely no sense, time wise or financially to convert a particular vehicle to 4wd if that vehicle was produced as a 4wd. You'd be leaps and bounds ahead to just sell your 2wd and buy a 4wd 'sub....

BUT, like I said you've got some sentimental attachment to this one.

Think about sourcing the front crossmember/subframe assembly, 3rd member, CV shafts, probably different unit bearings, maybe even different knuckles, front d-shaft, transfer case and associated wiring if electric (or linkage/cutting a hole in the floor if it's manual shift), t-case crossmember, shortening the rear d-shaft, etc.
It can add up fast.

If you're attached to this vehicle I'd run it as is and get her a 4wd something to run around in during the winter (assuming that's why you want 4wd).

 

[Csm Davis]

The problem here is there's some sentimental attachment to your 'sub. The real answer (and it's been discussed many times on forums and articles in magazines) is it makes absolutely no sense, time wise or financially to convert a particular vehicle to 4wd if that vehicle was produced as a 4wd. You'd be leaps and bounds ahead to just sell your 2wd and buy a 4wd 'sub....

BUT, like I said you've got some sentimental attachment to this one.

Think about sourcing the front crossmember/subframe assembly, 3rd member, CV shafts, probably different unit bearings, maybe even different knuckles, front d-shaft, transfer case and associated wiring if electric (or linkage/cutting a hole in the floor if it's manual shift), t-case crossmember, shortening the rear d-shaft, etc.
It can add up fast.

If you're attached to this vehicle I'd run it as is and get her a 4wd something to run around in during the winter (assuming that's why you want 4wd).

Thanks for the honesty and I have been thinking about all of those parts and I think I should be able to get a 11 year old 4x4 for cheap maybe even a wrecked one and after working on 5 ton military trucks for most of my life the suburban is small. I just wanted to see if there is a bolt in solution or if I might as well do a SAS I think I will make it 4x4 regardless.

 

[Csm Davis]

So does anybody know if I can bolt in the 4x4 parts of a "04 into a '04 2 wheel drive? Somebody has got to know.

 

[diesel4me]

I've helped a few guys put together older trucks (67-80's) ,by using all the parts off a 4x4 donor--its a lot of time consuming labor,having to swap things like rear spring hangers ,removing rivets,drilling "missing" holes,etc--it drags on for days...converting a 2wd frame to be a 4x4 is possible,but lots of work..

It is much easier to find a 4x4 rolling chassis in good shape (with all drivetrain & engine if possible),and take the body off the 2wd, and plop it on the 4x4 frame--things like the tranny tunnel may require mods to clear the t-case and shifter,(some just put in a body lift kit )--and other "small" annoying things,but in the end I felt that way was easier,and came out better in the end..

I know a guy who got two '73 trucks,a C-20 and a K-10,he tried splicing the two frames together behind the cab--trucks had the same gearing so that part worked OK,but he learned the rear spring hangers are different on a 2WD,and the back looked like it was dragging its butt,till he got angry enough to go get rear hangers off another salvage yard frame to make it "right"--he had scrapped the remains of the frame he had too hastily..
He agreed he should have just swapped the 2wd cab onto the 4x4 frame,it would have been better--no spliced frame,etc..

 

[bigblock72]

So does anybody know if I can bolt in the 4x4 parts of a "04 into a '04 2 wheel drive? Somebody has got to know.

Most parts will go in with little to no modification.

Front hub/bearing assemblies will need to be changed, knuckles are the same.

Tabs/brackets will need to be welded and drilled, not a big deal if you have a donor to measure from and cut off necessary parts.

Transmission output shaft is shorter on 4x4 and transmission will need to be completely disassembled to change output shaft.

Will need transfer case and front diff actuator harness. Fortunately this harness is separate from the other wiring harnesses and is fairly easy to unplug and remove from donor. Will also need t-case module and push button switch from dash.

Will need both driveshafts from donor 4x4. There is also a short extension harness needed for VSS.

Is it bolt on? not really, but it's not terrible either. I would guess if you have the necessary tools it would take 40-60 hours which would include time removing parts from donor. The transmission would be extra though.