2wd to 4x4 conversion

[thetoytaco]

Alright guys I'm a little new to this site but thought I'd run this by you all since I'm more of a Toyota guy then a chevy. Anyway. My friend has a stepside 94 silverado that he's really attached to but the only problem is that it's a 2wd and he needs a 4x4. He had asked me what would be the best way to convert it over or if it was even possible.
Now I'm no professional mechanic at all but I am good with my hands, a wrench, and a welder. Told him that it would probably be more trouble than it's worth to convert it over and just buy another truck. But that if he really has the urge to probably the best route to go would be to just buy an old junker4x4 94 silverado and just transfer over his trucks body to it. Rather than to Frankenstein his poor truck together with a bunch of other truck parts.
You guys have any input or ideas. Anything would be greatly appritiated.

 

[numby]

Leaf sprung trucks ('73-87) are pretty easy. I've seen it done. It basically consists of cutting a few spring brackets off a donor 4X4 truck and welding them onto the 2X frame. After that its pretty much a bolt on scenario as the frames are preHy similar.

With the IfS trucks most folks are going for a solid axle swap so there's plenty of kits and info about it. If you can't find any kits out there the only option may be a home fab job. It might be easier to look for a donor 4x4 and do a front clip - especially if there are big differences in all the front crossmembers, etc..If your buddy's requirements aren't totally hardcore I'd suggest a good lift, tires, a winch, and a real good rear locker. Maybe add a transfercase or underdrive for some lower gearing. That should get him to 90% of wherever he wants to go.

 

['74 UA FJ]

1994 z71s are a dime a dozen. Just buy one.