Thread: 4WD to 2WD Conversion

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I am looking to convert a 91 GMC Jimmy 4X4 to a 2WD low-rider. The vehicle i'm looking at has had the engine and tranny removed and the guy will possibly take the differentials. I can get access to a 2WD running gear. My question is if it is possible to install a front suspension in this rig. If so can anyone point me to some good information on this.

If you are smart, you will trade it for a 2 wheel drive Blazer...............

I've heard that. Wonder if its just me.. All kidding aside. There is a good possibility that this rig is going to go for a very sweet price (almost a steal). The body is perfrect. I haven't seen a 91 Jimmy or Blazer (which is the last of that body style) in a 2WD or any other year of that body style in that good of shape. Would it be better to find a 2WD truck frame and shorten the wheelbase?

Originally posted by themoose
I've heard that. Wonder if its just me.. All kidding aside. There is a good possibility that this rig is going to go for a very sweet price (almost a steal). The body is perfrect. I haven't seen a 91 Jimmy or Blazer (which is the last of that body style) in a 2WD or any other year of that body style in that good of shape. Would it be better to find a 2WD truck frame and shorten the wheelbase?

Convert a 4 wheel drive to a 2 wheel drive??? Sure that's easy....just remove the drive shaft from the transfer case to the front axle and yer done.....

If you really can't find one, then I guess starting with a truck frame and then shortening the wheel base would work. I wouldn't put that much work into it (I'd really try to find another one) but that definitely don't mean it can't be done.

Cheers,
Firechicken

what i would do is find a 2wd chassis, or a 2wd jimmy or blazer that has a good running gear, but the body it shot, and swap the good body over. that is the easiest way to go. teh next easiest way is to swap a mustang ll front suspension in place in front, and lower the rear.

Maybe search/post on some of the GM 4WD forums or truck forums and find someone who's wanting to go from 2wd to 4wd. Then do an even swap (assuming they're close enough to you to make it worthwhile).

Otherwise, strip a 2WD truck in the wrecking yard to the bare frame and put the stuff under yours. Then sell off your 4WD stuff to recover some of the cost. Might be more costly than finding a complete truck that isn't that great body-wise, though.

By the time you do all that, then drop it, you probably could've bought a nice aftermarket MII IFS.....hmmmmmm


Just my .02

What are the 2wd drive peices from?? I'm not a chebbie guy, but wouldn't a 2wd S-10 be base on the same chassis as an Jimmy?? Do some measuring and see how the peices compare in mounting location, etc.

S10 2 wheel drive has a completely different suspension system than a 4x4, coil spring vs torsion bar etc. It would be easier to swap the whole frame.

I apologize for not clearing up one small (hardly) detail. This truck is a full size Jimmy not an S series. From what I've seen so far it looks as though it might with the exception of some bolt holes needing to be added but I'm not sure. Anything anyone can tell me or tell me where to look is appreciated.

It's still basicly the same problem................................

The crossmember from the K10 2wd front end with all the suspension components can be removed as a complete unit and bolted to your frame. You should be able to do it over a weekend. You may have to drill the bolt holes in the frame if they're not already there.
I have seen some of these K10s lowered but to get a real low rider you might have to change to the MII front end kit.
The rear end is the same for a 2wd as a 4wd. The rear mounts under the springs. You can lower the rear by mounting it over the springs. Cut off the spring pads and weld them on the other side of the housing or use a car rear end that already has the pads on the bottom. Welding things on a rear end can warp the housing if you're not extremely careful.
If you're getting that Jimmy for a good price it's a worthwhile project.

As an often positive proponent of the MII front suspension, I would have to disagree with using one on a vehicle of this size and weight. It would need to have some serious, and expensive, beefing up to be safe and functional.

Al's right about the 2wd front suspension being a removable unit, but it's been my experience that the 4wd frame and the 2wd frame are different. It's subtle, but there are differences in configuration. If I recall correctly your '91 has the same chassis as the '73 and up versions, if not, the '88 & up has the same options, and that the blazer/jimmy is the same as the short wheelbase truck for frame. There's a world of parts out there to lower the '73-87 2wd truck (or '88 up)........short springs, dropped spindles, air bag kits, dropped lower control arms, rear end flip kits, frame C-ing kits, etc. They're probably the easiest truck out there to lower, and have the most options for doing it.

You just need to determine if you're willing to do that much work to swap frames. Remember, it takes the equivalent of three stalls to do this. One for the removed body, one for the old chassis, and one for the new......unless you're throwing the old chassis out completely and not transfering ANYTHING.

Thanks for the info. I do believe the standard C10 2WD will work from what you guys have said. And I also think the MII front would be too light. My goal if everything works is to do an air ride suspension. Ideally a 3 or 4 link rear suspension.

this is a swap i am planning to do myself. i picked up a 88' K-5 with a great body the previous owner had removed the tranny and transfer case and installed a 2wd tranny and a new driveshaft. the reason i am doing this conversion is simply becuase i cannot afford to replace the 4wd parts and i have a complete 71' gmc 2wd lwb to use for parts. according to all of the measurements i took the front xmember will pretty much bolt right in (gotta drill some holes) the rear end is 2" narrower but the spring pads are in the same place ( i figure just room for wider tires )

any way have you started your conversion yet? any pics?

He's probably done with it or given up by now, Moose's last post is a little over a year old.......