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65 suburban 2 to 4 wheel drive

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5150julie

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Please forgive me if I've posted this in the wrong area. I just bought a 65 Chevy Suburban. It's my first restoration and I'm very excited about it! I'm toying with converting it from 2 wheel to 4 wheel drive. Can someone point me in the right direction regarding how to do that?????

Thank you!
Julie
 
Well Julie, welcome to CK5....that burb...it will need some major work, like crossmembers, and the like. I don't think it will be a bolt in. Post up more info, and throw some pics on here when you get 15 posts up.
 
Can you fabricate?

What type of suspension would you like?

How would you like it to ride?

How much do you want to spend?

The questions could really go on forever. It is not a difficult job for someone who can fabricate and has some knowlege of suspension. If you have never replaced a shock before then it will be very difficult.

To start you need to figure out drivetrain (engine transmission and transfer case) Then you can figure out whether you will need a drivers side or passengers side drop on your axle then you need to decide what type of front suspension you will run. Leafs are easy coils ride nice coil overs are sweet and bring the bling but have their own issues.

So a little more info would be useful
 
This is gonna be a lot harder to do than any other year truck. The factory rear suspension on these is a trailing arm setup, you would need to take all that out and get spring hangers. The front might be easier but would still need the engine crossmember, front/rear spring mounts, if you want to keep it factory style, will need a divorced t-case.

I think it would be easier to find a 4wd frame and swap the body on to it. Too bad your on the left coast, buddy still has my 62 4wd Suburban, needs a body, but the frame is still solid.
 
I did it to my 85. See sig.

It is NOT as hard as people say it is, but with the 65 it may be a tad bit more detailed.

The best advice is to get the brackets off of a 65 4x4 and try to convert them over.

I have been told it would not transfer over on my 85, well it did.

Good Luck!
 
On the old rigs, the absolute easiest is to swap the body to a 73 and 87 frame. The only thing you need from your 65 is body parts. i have a 66 two wheel drive sittin at dads, that is gonna get the same treatment.
 
54inches said:
I tend to disagree. I thing suspension conversions are far easier than a WHOLE body swap.
Click to expand...


Like i said. Older body swaps. Your rear axle and suspension is already of an updated design. The WHOLE body really is easier, especially if your talking an older restoration. Your gonna have it all apart anyway.
 
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