2wd to 4wd
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New User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 4
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2wd to 4wd
I have a chance to buy a 88 b2 2wd for $400.00. The people say that the motor is shot, don't know how bad. The body is in much better shape than my 4wd 86 b2.My question. Is it feasible to swap the transfer case, and whatever else from mine to the 88 to make it a 4WD and use the body? Or maybe try to rebuild the engine on the 88 and keep it a 2WD, buy it for parts for my 86 or maybe just leave it alone. Any thoughts will be appreciated!
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 118
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From: Bothell USA
2wd to 4wd
If I were you I would just take the body parts you need off of the 88 2wd and put them on your 86. Trying to convert the 2 wheel drive to four wheel is more trouble then its worth.But thats just my thoght on the matter. Good luck and enjoy!
Fun:1979 F-150 4x4 351M C-6 NP205
Commuter:2001 Ranger XL
And for the mud:1985 Toyota 4x4 with a 1973 302 C-4 NP205 Dana 44 in front and rear.
Fun:1979 F-150 4x4 351M C-6 NP205
Commuter:2001 Ranger XL
And for the mud:1985 Toyota 4x4 with a 1973 302 C-4 NP205 Dana 44 in front and rear.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
2wd to 4wd
Just swap the body to your 4x4. Except for minor stuff like wiring, all you are talking about is undoing 8 bolts, jacking it up, putting it on a couple of 4x4 pieces of wood and stands. Then rolling the good chassis under it and reattaching it.
It will probably be faster than just the time spent drilling out the rivets from the radius arms to swap them unto the 2x4.
It will probably be faster than just the time spent drilling out the rivets from the radius arms to swap them unto the 2x4.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
From: morristown usa
2wd to 4wd
im going to agree that the body is faster and easier. 400 for a body aint bad either. not if its in good shape. just watch your wireing and while youve got it apart look for the weld spike and smooth them off with a dremel to prevent wireing troubles.
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
2wd to 4wd
I hate to break it to you, but you only have to drill 4 rivits to convert to 4 wd. Did it myself. B2's ALL used the same radius arms and such for the 2 and 4wd versions. there is one difference...the right axle pivot bracket is mounted INSIDE the engine x-member on a 2wd, and ouside on a 4wd. Drill that bracket out, replace w/ the 4wd one, and everything bolts on. 6 hours job instead of a couple of days!
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: Seattle USA
2wd to 4wd
Even if you only buy it for parts, buy it. The parts you pull off it for your use will pay for the car, let alone the money you could make back by selling parts you don't want or need.
Either way you go (converting to a 4x4 or rebuilding) you are going to be out a couple of days unless you have done that kind of work before. The body exchange will require the wiring knowledge, and the 4x4 conversion will require the tools and knowledge. If you have all of these I would convert. It's easier than trying to find the room to do the body switch, let alone actually doing it.
Either way you go (converting to a 4x4 or rebuilding) you are going to be out a couple of days unless you have done that kind of work before. The body exchange will require the wiring knowledge, and the 4x4 conversion will require the tools and knowledge. If you have all of these I would convert. It's easier than trying to find the room to do the body switch, let alone actually doing it.
