Despite everything I have read about the difficulty of a 2wd to 4wd swap, I'm giving it a go. I fell in love with a 2wd truck and am in the process of converting it to a 4wd.

It's got a 460/c6 in it currently but I'm in the middle of making some changes. I purchased a donor truck, a '79 Supercab with a 400M/4 speed (totally stock).

Sorry if the photos are a bit large, I'm new to this site. So anyhow, the donor truck has had the body and engine removed and the chassis is being wire wheeled and undercoated. I've run into an issue- I plan on installing the 460 from the 2wd with the 4 speed that was in the 4wd donor truck. I bought the correct motor mounts but after I read that the bellhousing would bolt right up, I forgot to do more research on the clutch. I picked up a late '79 flywheel from NAPA today and it's obvious that the old clutch and pressure plate won't fit. The 460 flywheel that they gave me is actually smaller than the 400M flywheel. Is this right? Basically I need to get this truck together ASAP so what's the best way to mate the 4 speed to the 460 using the parts I have from the two trucks and NAPA? Living in the mountains I don't have access to a junkyard.

 

You have to use a special flywheel/clutch or piece together one from a 360 IIRC. L&L has the kit to do it, but it's expensive. I was given an L&L flywheel as trade for mine, so I can actually justify buying the clutch for it.

You also need to make sure the flywheel is right for the balanced engine. 78 and earlier are internally balanced, 79 on are not.

The bellhousing will bolt right up. manifold/headers may be an issue also, as people say the auto manis will not fit with a 4spd. I' haven't gotten that far yet to know. Use the 460 radiator as well.

 

2wd 460 is a front sump pan, some folks say you need to swap to a rear sump pan. The front sump pan will work, just know that if you off road it hard, the front axle pumpkin can hit it.

But it looks like it will not be off road at all, are you transferring the rims?

And you did get the 4x4 truck title right? The title goes with the frame, not the body, just so you know. You might will probably need both at the DVM.

Are you putting the 4x4 body back on the 2wd frame and flip sale it? Or just list the 2wd frame/running gear, and body separate?

 

gonna say his donor looks nicer than what i drive.

 

The 4x4 has Highboy springs on it so I'm not too worried about the oil pan.

It's getting 1" pucks on top of the new poly body mounts so Il'' be mounting 37's to the 20" wheels. I think that's a decent amount of sidewall for the fire roads and trails I'll be on. Honestly it's too pretty to be a serious off-road rig anyway.

And yes to answer your question, I'll be parting out everything left over. In theory I could have a 400m/c6 2wd complete truck but it's more valuable in parts. The 4x4 is western slope colorado truck and in really nice shape. I'll have to look at the title issue but when the 2wd had a CO VIN inspection, they just checked the door tag.

 

Ob boy you better get a little more concerned than that. My 78 had them to and the PO still hit the oil pan with the pumpkin.

Then he put blocks in there DUH!, them HB springs were plum wore out flat. 460 is a heavy ol dude.

I swapped in some Rough Country 4" to ditch the blocks.

 

Man both of those look like nice trucks. I would hate to see one of them end up as just scrap and parts!

 

That SC dent chrome is worth a little bit...Do not trash it, part that sucker out to the folks on here. Classifieds are free.

 

Yeah I'm saving everything. If someone wants a complete truck that's fine but the interior on the donor is thrashed. The trim is in great shape and has been set aside. I'll get a classified ad up shortly.

 

Just wanted to give everyone a heads up that the swap is done and I have (literally) tons of parts available. I don't want this stuff to go to waste- check the classifieds!

 

 

Old school,
Hey it looks great. Less than 3 weeks build time... way to go.

 

That is a SWEET truck! Nice job!

 

Well that was fast! I like the twin stick setup, but it looks like your trans shifter is a bit short! Are you running bucket seats or just the standard?

 

How does it feel to walk out of a place and see your truck a 4x4?

Kinda cool isn't it? Nice job on it, looks good.

In the pic of the twin sticks, I noticed in the back ground what looks to be seamed carpet lower door panel covers? Where did you get them from?