Crewcab dually 2WD vs 4WD differences

[DK5]

My dad wants to restore his original 1991 1ton 4x4 manual crewcab dually with 454. He needs a better cab and frame because it spent a few years on the east coast.

We found a nice white (same color) 2WD crewcab and we're wondering what the differences would be and if there would be any necessary modifications.

Right off the bat I know that the trans tunnels are different (2WD tranny hump is lower than a 4x4), I was thinking that we would bolt on the 4x4 cover.

I also know that the cross member at the front of the frame is different for 2wd but this can be modified (cheaf heavy's build comes to mind)

anything else to consider?

 

[original balzer]

kinda broad explanation but the frame is different from the front cab mounts forward. most of it can be modified but there will be cutting and welding to do

First up the inner part of the C in the frame will need trimmed to clear the rear spring shackles.

next the holes for the K member (4wd cross member under the engine) will not line up with the A member (2wd version of previous) holes.

next the very front cross member is different. This one can be left alone but not if you run a steering brace. You could build your own steering brace though.

and finally the front frame horns are a bit differnt and the 4wd core support/spring hangers wont line up with the holes in the frame.

Hope this helps

 

[1BEATK5]

hump prob wont unbolt depending on the year of the replacement cab. small body lift or fab needes there

there is a 4x4 crew cab frame for $150 by my house, you should make a run down here and pick it up

 

[DK5]

Sounds like quite a bit of work. 4WD donor would be easier, although this will be no easy task. Either way it will be a long term project. We may just figure out a way to get it running and repair the rust as much as possible to pass inspection (ie., new cab support piece and rockers, motor hasn't run in 4 years..) only 108,000 original miles on the truck, quoted for truth- I grew up with this truck, Dad bought it new in 1991, paid $23,000 CAD for it.

 

[b454rat]

It's not that bad, I turned my 89 2wd dually crew into a 4wd. I used DIY4X B-52 kit, used the crossmember from Tennessee Diesel Conversions (future Cummins) notched the frame for the shackles, and modified the stock 2wd motor mounts. Only hard part was the boxing in and the crossmember, I don't have a welder so I had to wait for someone to do it.

If the 2wd cab was a stick, it will have a high hump. If not, a small body lift, or you could cut it and weld the 4wd in it's place.

 

[1BEATK5]

It's not that bad, I turned my 89 2wd dually crew into a 4wd. I used DIY4X B-52 kit, used the crossmember from Tennessee Diesel Conversions (future Cummins) notched the frame for the shackles, and modified the stock 2wd motor mounts. Only hard part was the boxing in and the crossmember, I don't have a welder so I had to wait for someone to do it.

If the 2wd cab was a stick, it will have a high hump. If not, a small body lift, or you could cut it and weld the 4wd in it's place.

hijack-on
did you get that 427 running? how is the power?
hijack-off

 

[b454rat]

I didn't get it going yet. But, at least it's in the truck now. I finally got the crossmember welded in. Still need to do the wiring, might go with a carb for now if it gives me too much hassle. After all, all that wiring is gonna come out when I swap to a Cummins.

I need to get a 454 balancer, waiting on a crank pulley, and some other odds and ends. I can't wait to hear this motor, everyone I talk to says these are torque monsters....