2wd To 4wd Conversion

[rjti]

Looking to buy a 85 Toyota Dolphin RV - 2WD Want to convert it to 4WD for the beach. Have an 86 4WD to use for parts. What, if any are the differences in the frames and is this do-able?

 

[bkg]

Looking to buy a 85 Toyota Dolphin RV - 2WD Want to convert it to 4WD for the beach. Have an 86 4WD to use for parts. What, if any are the differences in the frames and is this do-able?

Anything is doable with the right amount of time/money/effort. But the frames are not interchangeable for the front suspension. You might be able to move the body to the 86 frame...

 

[Cube Dweller]

I've thought about this too. I've seen threads on other pages around converting the 2wd to 4wds, there are guys that have done it. You'll either need to do an SAS or figure out a way to run the 4wd knuckles and hubs, which means using the 4wd A arms (or custom) and a way to install the front dif. All of which needs to be engineered- the suspension geometry matters for safe handling. You'll also need to play with spring weights, which means different torsion bars.

So if you really want to do this, I would research the solid axle swap. It will be much easier to dial the spring rates w/ leafs and you won't have to worry about the geometry. With an RV I don't think you'll be giving up much in ride quality anyways. The only drawback I can see is that the mini solid axles are spring over, maybe too much height for an RV. You might also be limited on how low you can drop it due to steering linkages.

Good luck, post up pictures if you do it, I would love to have this build on 'mud.

 

[Cube Dweller]

BKG makes a good point, it might actually be easier to swap the bodies over and fab any mounts you may need. I don't know, but I would guess the Dolphin is a dually- is this a 1 ton axle? If so you'll want to move the axle over as well.