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How bad of an idea would it be..

S

SurfinCR

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to try and convert an 88 c2500 ext cab long bed to a k2500?

everything i have read has said its a horrible idea to convert a truck from 2wd to 4wd but all of them seemed to be other models of trucks. i know its easier to just buy a 4x4 frame and put the cab on but it seems to be few and far between to find one with the same features without spending a ton of money. i may be picking up a k2500 with a 454 to swap the engine and AC system into my c2500 and was planning on swapping the axles to my blazer and converting to TBI. however i go to wondering how hard would it be to just convert it to a k2500.

i have all the tools(welders, torches etc) to do it

i'm leaning toward it most likely being far more work than its worth, the only reason i am considering is the c2500 i have is in great shape for its age over all and ones close to its age and with similar features are ether in rough shape or overpriced(imo)
 
It's a lot of work but if the truck Is worth the effort and you have the full donor truck it will be a easier swap over. All the frame hangers need swapped over and hopefully the frame holes match up so you can just bolt it all on. The whole driveline will need swapped over as well so more lining up of all those bolt holes. It's been done as has been said. If you love your truck then this will make you happy go for it and ill be watching as these are fun to see happen.
 
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Is your truck the 88-98 body style? I assume so as you said extended cab.

I did that swap with a buddy about ten years ago. wasn't that big of a deal. He had to do all the welding though. The tough part was cutting all the 2wd suspension off.

Took about a day to cut it all off and clean up the frame.

And then a day to weld on all the brackets. I think we used the kit from Off Road Unlimited.

Everything else was just assembly time ie. bolting in springs, axle, crossmember, transfer case. etc.

It wasn't cheap but it wasn't that hard. All the parts are readily available. If you already have an axle, springs, transfer case you'd be in pretty good shape.

A lot of guys convert their 4wd IFS trucks to Solid axle using the same kits. My dad has been considering purchasing a new 3/4 or 1 ton Chevy 4wd and swapping out the IFS for solid axle dependability as he regularily travels on very rough roads in foreign countries and he doesn't want to be concerned with Unit Bearings and half shafts failing.
 
89yimmiJ said:
Is your truck the 88-98 body style? I assume so as you said extended cab.

I did that swap with a buddy about ten years ago. wasn't that big of a deal. He had to do all the welding though. The tough part was cutting all the 2wd suspension off.

Took about a day to cut it all off and clean up the frame.

And then a day to weld on all the brackets. I think we used the kit from Off Road Unlimited.

Everything else was just assembly time ie. bolting in springs, axle, crossmember, transfer case. etc.

It wasn't cheap but it wasn't that hard. All the parts are readily available. If you already have an axle, springs, transfer case you'd be in pretty good shape.

A lot of guys convert their 4wd IFS trucks to Solid axle using the same kits. My dad has been considering purchasing a new 3/4 or 1 ton Chevy 4wd and swapping out the IFS for solid axle dependability as he regularily travels on very rough roads in foreign countries and he doesn't want to be concerned with Unit Bearings and half shafts failing.
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Thats encouraging to hear. i'll have to start pricing it out.

it is an 88 c2500 cheyenne ext cab with long bed. my first priority is to try and get ac in it since it now seems to be running right.
 
SurfinCR said:
Thats encouraging to hear. i'll have to start pricing it out.

it is an 88 c2500 cheyenne ext cab with long bed. my first priority is to try and get ac in it since it now seems to be running right.
Click to expand...

So do you want to swap in IFS or a solid axle?

Martin
 
I may have spoken to soon as I was assuming you were referring to a solid axle swap when you mentioned swapping blazer axles. If you are referring to installing an ifs, big waste of time in my opinion.
 
89yimmiJ said:
I may have spoken to soon as I was assuming you were referring to a solid axle swap when you mentioned swapping blazer axles. If you are referring to installing an ifs, big waste of time in my opinion.
Click to expand...

after reading through some of the rest of the comments i doubt i would do an ifs swap, especially since i have noticed most people want to get away from the ifs.
 
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