1985 Chev Truck 4x4 Conversion

Off Road Red · May 26, 2003

Okay, I have a 4x4 frame and axles from a 81 Chev 4x4, do guys think it's possible to take the body and engine from my 85 2wd and mount it on the 4wd frame? Also, can I swap tail shafts on my 2wd TH350 tranny to make it work with the transfer case?

DuckhunterInTN · May 26, 2003

You'll have to cut a hole in the floor for the transfer case lever, obviously. Also, I remember on the 69-72 models that the 4wd's had a larger center floor hump than the 2wd's (maybe only the automatic 2wds, I'm not sure). I am not sure if the 73-87's are the same way.

As far as the trans, I don't see why you would not be able to do that. But I have never done it either so I can't tell you for sure

tfpary · July 12, 2003

I have a friend that did the body swap, very similar years, with out a hitch. The transmission is a little more difficult. I believe you can swap the tail shaft and housing, but the shaft has to come out the front of the transmission, which means you have to completely tear down the transmission to r&r the tail shaft, might as well replace the clutch disks and all the seals while you have it apart.

tad

N2TRUX · July 13, 2003

They are all correct. You can do the swap, but 73-87 4x4's have a tall hump that bolts in. You may have to do some cutting there. Yes, the tail housing will work, but like tfpary said the tailshaft goes in first, and come out last...bummer, huh.