2wd to 4wd conversion
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 4,063
Likes: 2
From: Southeastern IL
Hey guys, Iv been wanting to trade off my dually for a 4wd, but after reading this thread, it looks easier than I originally thought to convert to 4wd. Iv read somewhere else you need to stiffen the front frame before you can add 4wd. Is this true?
And is it REALLY a direct swap or will I be drilling new holes in the frame and so fourth?
And is it REALLY a direct swap or will I be drilling new holes in the frame and so fourth?
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 7,841
Likes: 0
From: Vacaville, Ca
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 4,063
Likes: 2
From: Southeastern IL
^^^ Agreed. They may mess up their bolts by having standard AND metric on the same truck and sometimes the same part, but they did good by making everything else swappable (if that's a word)
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,277
Likes: 89
From: MD
The frames are the same but the shackle mount is not there on the 2xs. Can be added. Most want a little lift so a shackle reversal kit is an easy way to get a front spring mount.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 11,231
Likes: 130
From: Thomasville, GA
Hey guys, Iv been wanting to trade off my dually for a 4wd, but after reading this thread, it looks easier than I originally thought to convert to 4wd. Iv read somewhere else you need to stiffen the front frame before you can add 4wd. Is this true?
And is it REALLY a direct swap or will I be drilling new holes in the frame and so fourth?
And is it REALLY a direct swap or will I be drilling new holes in the frame and so fourth?
2wd frame doesn't have the shackle pocket. Not boxed on the front like the 4x4 frame.
You are correct. No shackle pocket on the 2wd. Doesn't matter if you do a RSK like I did. I fabricated brackets to box in the frame where the RSK mounted though.
New User
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
I have two 1997 f-350 Power strokes, one 2wd supercab 5 speed dual rear wheel the other 4x4 cc auto.single rear wheel. I need a dual rear wheel 4x4 for my business. how hard would it be to put dually rear end under the crew cab?
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 11,231
Likes: 130
From: Thomasville, GA
As long as it isn’t a “cab and chassis” frame truck (F-Superduty) it’s direct bolt on swap. I did it to my ‘95 crew cab dually. Swapped a single wheel axle and bed onto it. You may need to swap the driveshaft yoke or use a conversion u-joint, though.