how hard is it to convert to 4x4?

Question

a 1990 gmc suburban could i just take a 4x4 parts truck and just place the trans and drivetrain then i just buy the other stuff pertaining to the suspension and wheels new? i know a mechanic that can do it but does it seem exspensive? i always wanted a 4x4 suburban and this fits the requirements of the suburban except its 2wd. thanks in advance.

justin, you're saying taking any 4x4 truck what type 1/2ton or 3/4 ton because this suburban is going offroad and it would probably be easier to buy a 4x4 suburban. but it would keep a mechanic in a job and money is going to be wasted, ik but this suburban is the mechanic's personal vehicle he's a gm certified mechanic and very honest

rad78k20 would i need to find a certain size pickup like a regular/crew cab, lb or sb

scratch the crew cab thats only for the 1 ton

Answer 1

I did it,,, want details? its easier than you think it is...if you have any type of gm doner truck you can do it...just takes some time and good math skills.


PS it started 2wd, then to 1/2 ton 4x4, then went to 1 ton 4x4, if i had to do it again i would go with 3/4 ton..lol more suspension options

keep this in mind....all standard cab/standard box pickup frames and suburban frames are the same wheel base.

i"ll do the hard work for ya....1990 sub body put onto a 1976 to 1979 3/4 ton pickup frame.

Answer 2

Just find a 4x4 suburban donor from 73-91 they had the same frame and only minor body changes through the whole production run.Then just put your body onto the donor frame then use what ever good drive train parts from the 2 wheel drive burb you can.I did this on an 81 Chevy pick up.**No it has to be a suburban frame 1/2 or 3/4.The 3/4 would be the best 73-80 it has the np205 t-case,Dana 44 front axle and gm 14 bolt full floater axle in the rear and would only be worth it if the 2 wheel drive body is in good shape.And by using two burbs you have all the extra body panels and other parts that are interchange able for spares.And by the way 90 still had the solid axle in the front on the 4x4 they didn't start independent front suspension until 92 on the suburbans and fullsize blazer/jimmy.

Answer 3

it can be done but you'll need a new transmission with a 4X4 transfer case that'll be about $1500 brand new from Jasper, front differential and half axels if your going independent front suspension of you could go with a solid front axel but that'll probably have to be custom built. New suspension either way. oh yeah and a drive shaft to connect the transfer case to the front end that'll probably be the cheapest part of the build and will still run you about 300 bucks. it's a 98 I'm with some of the others you should forget the conversion and try to get another truck.

Answer 4

It comes down to being cost affective. The total cost of your conversion (thats what it's called) would be atleast as much as buying the right 4WD suburban. You should be able to buy a nice 1990 suburban 4x4 for between 2 or 3 thousand dollars. I cant imagine a conversion costing you less than 2 thousand in parts if you do it yourself. Sure you can run a best case senario in your head of $1,000 but it ainta gonna happin. Conversions are best done on cars that dont come in 4WD like an elcamino where it can add seriuos value. Keep lookin and be patient, your 4WD will come. Good luck !

Answer 5

for the money i would go find a 3/4 ton 4x4 chevy pickup the same vintage and put the suburban body on that frame.the good news is all youll have to fix is the transmission tunnel in the 2x4 body it isnt tall enuf to fit. i am not a really big fan of body lifts but a 2" body lift will allow you enuf room so you dont run into the floor hits the transmission problem.all the body mounts will line up so its really just a matter of replaceing your frame,and cutting a hole in the floor for the 4x4 shifter

Answer 6

4x4 Conversion

Answer 7

The 2WD Suburban has a different frame and body. The floor-pan is completely different. It would be economically wiser to start with a 4X4 Suburban rather than convert. Too much fabrication.

Answer 8

It will cost you, probably, about four times what buying a 4x4 would. The parts alone are probably more than your present suburban is worth and the labor will run you more than the parts. Besides if you think your present suburban is a gas guzzler wait until you try a 4x4 suburban. The extra weight and all that extra driveline wil really suck the gas.

Answer 9

No. It would be a huge deal and way more pain then it would be worth. With your suburban you would have to weld in the front axle assembly cause its all independent suspension. Not mention you would have to get a transmission to mate up with the transfer case.

Answer 10

it would be alot cheaper to just buy a 4x4,and alot less headaches,lol.i did one conversion,and that was a nightmare.