How much to go through chassis?

[Estrogen Hostage]

I've been dreaming of a 4x4 truck for a while, but I have sticker shock.

I have a 94 2wd dually with manual trans. I found an identical truck for parts that is 4wd. I am toying with the idea of pulling the cab off and going through the steering, suspension, u joints, brakes, etc (basically a frame off). and then putting my cab on. My cab is in very good condition.

I've been looking for a truck for a very long time and really can't find it. I always end up with a newer truck that is 15k plus and just don't want to spend that much. Does anyone have thoughts on this?

Can I rebuild the transmission and transfer cases? I am not afraid of axles and u joints. What will this cost? I'm not sure if 4wd is worth it, but I've had to pull myself out with the tractor half a dozen tiems this year already.

One big advantage is that I'm not without a truck except when I go through the cab swap, which I can probably do in a weekend.

 

[Pstroke96]

if you already have the donor truck you could just make your truck a 4 wheeler by swapping over all the front drivetrain, that would be an easier route unless you want to restore your truck. the transmission could be rebuilt but i wouldnt crack it open unless you have experience or know what your doing. if its working just fine i would just let her eat unless, have a reason to rebuild it, but the tail housing has to be changed to the 4x4.

 

[Estrogen Hostage]

I'm not really looking to restore the truck. I just want a reliable vehicle, and I want 4wd too.

I am looking at parts trucks this weekend. I'm having too hard a time finding parts not to buy a parts truck.

 

[Pstroke96]

find yourself a donor truck pull everything out of it replace the wear parts, u joints clutch bushings fluids etc, spend a few days pulling parts and put it all in your truck that would be the most cost effective way of doing it in my opinion

 

[bad12jr]

I'd swap cabs and beds. Would give you plenty of time to go through everything. Your make sure everything is clean and sealed good. Paint the frame and set your motor and body on and go. You could even sell some parts to recoup some.

 

[Estrogen Hostage]

I'd swap cabs and beds. Would give you plenty of time to go through everything. Your make sure everything is clean and sealed good. Paint the frame and set your motor and body on and go. You could even sell some parts to recoup some.

This is the plan but I don't want to put it all back together with old suspension bushings, front end parts, ball joints, axle seals, etc. I also am hesitant to use the transmission and transfer case which I'll need from the donor truck.

The one I found was an asphalt truck. I didn't buy it, he wants $3k and isn't too negotiable.

 

[bad12jr]

I'd rebuild what you mentioned. Change bushings and all on the 4wd truck. Then just pull and set your motor and body on once the 4wd chassis is gone through.