I have done the frame modifications. The reason I did it was I am Saving a Unicorn. Its not a Duramax but still cool in my eye. Its a 2005 2500HD 8.1 496 Big block gas with ZF6 6speed manual factory built truck . I found a real nice Southern two wheel drive chassis in a Junkyard here in the Rustbelt Northeast. So my truck was already 4X4 but this clean chassis was not . Hardest part of the job is lining up the hole where the front bushing that's inside the frame on passenger's side . Its for the aluminum bracket that mounts right side axle tube portion of the front diff. Also that bushing was hard to find as GM does not sell it separately. That is until I discovered its the same as the one pressed into the housing of the front diff. I took one out of another diff I had. Keep up the good work. And hopefully someday when this gasser unicorn is done it will be allowed into one of your Duramax events. Thank You Hans from Massachusetts.....
I have an 02 Sierra 2500hd with the 8.1L but with 5 speed Allison transmission but mine came in in 2wd unfortunately but I really want to do this or awd conversion
hey josh ED NESBIT here its so frustrating as you know my house burned to the ground on nonember 7th and now i finally have the money for my first diesel truck and i cant find one lbz here in socal it sucks lol!!!!! i lost my restored lifted 1973 chevy 3/4 ton in the fire i need a truck im still going to grind untill i find one just wanted to thank you for the checklist on buying my first diesel it really matters to a guy like me i have not much of an idea on the diesels have a great day !!!!!!!
I’m getting a 2006 2500 express 6.6 and want it 4wd for sure. I can handle this project. Just rebuilt the suspension and also replaced the front differential bushings on my 2010 AWD Express 1500. Shouldn’t be too difficult to do this conversion but will take me a long time to get it done.
@@mattypontheroad slowed down by a blown transmission from a new radiator leaking trans fluid into the cooling system. Just rebuilt the transmission last summer from a line coming off the trans cooler I just installed. Still haven’t finished paying for the 2006 van.
I'm a disabled vet and thinking about doing this conversion was wondering if I got all the parts of you'd help me get this done correctly. I know that's asking a lot, but I've been watching your videos and learning a lot.
Wow..this question came up on a Facebook group I belong to. I'm seeing why it's easier to just buy a used 4x4 instead of converting it. I've seen older trucks converted and read articles on 4 wheeler magazine. The tech is impressive.
I would like to attempt the conversation. Looks like a great project and the pride of accomplishing the conversation wow I would keep it forever. Great video. Looks awesome💥💥🔥🔥
I've done several of the conversion from two wheel drive the four-wheel drive starting back in the mid-90s on Toyota trucks. and then also to was doing the old square box Chevys. and then started doing somebody OBS Fords from 97 forward. and also did three Chevy trucks from 2000 to 2004. really not too complicated like you said if you source the parts and get them from a junkyard and that it's easy peasy just strip everything off the front mock it up weld it in it's actually quite fun to do at times and sometimes it's not.
Don’t let it scare you, you can do all the swaps and stuff and send the Tcm out at a different time just don’t use 4Lo, biggest piece of advice is drop the entire transmission to change out the tail shaft and adapter plate. And put a trans brace on after all is said and done. You will thank me!
Determining whether converting a 2wd to a 4wd depends on economic conditions. In tough times, it adds value to the truck dollar for dollar plus the benefit. In good times, if somebody can roll out and buy a four-wheel-drive already installed, then why bother. In times of High inflation, it’s worth fixing up “ole Betsy”. Like many of your fan base, I am a weekend enthusiast so I am more prone to spend money on “thats cool” than it’s function or utility. That’s the way we roll. Anything you do to the truck is better than a $900 truck payment. 👍
Thanks for the video. Very informative. I think you are exactly right as to weather or not it is worth it. If a person is a good mechanic and welder, and loves hunting for parts at wrecking yards, and has a place to do the work, it is likely worth the effort is the truck is worthy. If a person doesn't have the space, time or ability, probably better to sell it and buy one that is already 4WD. I am looking to buy a really nice truck that is 2WD. watched the video to see how feasible it is to do. Thanks again
100% just bought a parts truck going to be pulling the motor and putting it in the wife’s truck and then I have a V-6 single cab short box with a five speed, 2 Wheel wd and I’m going to be converting it to a V-8 four-wheel-drive
I think it would be a neat job but as you said I'd fall into that category I'd just go a purchase a 4wd myself. But I won't buy a suv or a pickup that is 2wd anyway.
I would love to have been working all the last year and a half. I'm caring for my teen daughter full time and unable to boom out and earn that ironworker money. So my 2004.5 dually C3500 is on hold for the 4x4 confusing conversation. I'm unsure if I'll go solid Axel or OEM from another GM at this time. If I could just get a fabrication shop to allow me to come in late every school day morning I could move forward.
Thank you for the video, it has been very helpful! Any help or advice from anyone is appreciated. I'm seriously considering doing this swap. I like my existing truck 2004 2500LD, it ticks all the boxes except 4wd and I know all the issues or problems with it, so no surprises. I also think it would take some time to find another similar replacement. and trucks aren't cheap right now. With that said, it really doesn't seem too complicated except for the front frame brackets, i have welded but I'm not a welder. The plan... I already found a NP261 in a junkyard, got the transfer case, front driveshaft, and wiring harness. I need to get my 4L80e rebuilt/exchanged anyway so I plan to just ask the transmission guy for a 4wd model, built to take 35" tires. I'll also ask him to check out my $100 transfer case and mount it on the back of the transmission, It seems like a minor increase in costs. I can reinstall it and take my rear 2 piece driveshaft to get modified. Rear done... I think. The front, I'm not sure the best way to get the brackets on the frame. After that, I'll either pull a 9.25" front diff with the right gear ratio from a junkyard or maybe buy one rebuilt with an ARB air locker, depends on funds at the time. I can install the half shaft and new hubs myself, I'll probably get those new because those are wear parts, maybe if funds are short, I'll visit the junkyard. I have an engine tuner that dynos and tunes my corvette, he has tunned my stock truck and escalade to be a little more aggressive and to turn the electric fan on when I added them. I think he can turn the stock 4wd components on and not charge me. The real issue is I'm not sure how to mount those brackets. I looks like a lift kit with those brackets is the easiest way but don't most differential drop brackets attach to the existing brackets? So what lift doesn't need the existing bracket? I also don't really want a lift kit. The truck I pulled the NP261 from had at least a 6" RCX lift and had been rolled. I wouldn't mind a 2" lift to make the 2500LD the same height as the 2500HD but I already fit 33" tires stock on both with no rubbing, keys look to be halfway up. It seems pointless to me to lift the truck and then lower the diff down to correct driveline angles. With the low hanging torsion bars, it seems like you get 0 additional clearance. So does anyone sell a bracket to make installing the diff easy? What is the smallest kit with a diff bracket that would work. Thank you in advance and once again thank you for this video.
In my case, it’s getting more and more difficult to get 00-06 trucks in good shape (at least where I live). I’m thinking on buying a very nice 2wd that nobody has bought in months and convert it … the problem is that I’m not in continental US and finding a donor truck is not so easy… I was wondering if the brackets for the dog bone will be the same for the 1500 (a few of those available) I was thinking how feasible would be to put the drivetrain parts from a 1500 (transfer and front diff)
Dude, you clarified what I have been planning. I've seen nothing but naysayers on forums say sell it and buy a 4x4. I was looking at lift kits and noticed that takes care of most of your front diff mount points. I'm doing a half ton and plan to get a manual shift transfer case. The diff actuator looks like a simple two wire job.
Ya the diff sensor is a simple 2 wire job when I changed transfercase there are 2 different 0lugs in those transfercase my plug wasent the same as transfercase so I had to wire up the 1 I got with my transfercase it's super easy
you can get the conversion harness for the early 90’s truck to go from a thermal actuator to the electronic actuator. easy 3 wire job. key’s ignition hot, ground and a wire for when you want it in 4wd.
Hey TruckMaster, great video! I was wondering if y’all have any info on swapping the output shaft and what all will go into that? I know the shaft for 4wd has the spanner, but is that all there is to it? Thanks again for a really informative video!
Great Video!! I would like a 2005-2006 Chevy LT 1 w/Manual transmission. So it would obviously HAVE to be a conversion. WHY is it SO difficult to find 4WDs w/MANUAL transmissions!?!?
I'm going to be converting a Dan's diesel 4x4 allison transmission into my 4x2 allison. I got the 4x4 trans at a good price, so I just have to convert the tail shaft assembles. Do you have a video for that, or advise?
I’m looking to buy a lmm duramax with about 228k miles on it and has had a tune on it since about 190k it’s in pretty good shape and I had a 6.0 but got rid of it and looking to get back into the diesel game the guy wants 15k for it but I was thinking of offering him no more than twelve five any recommendations or advice?
Good content……I want to do this to my truck. it’s a 02 1 ton Dually. Would it be possible to post a little information on electrical hook ups, TCM programming, etc…. Thanks “Earl” 👍
Hey I got some questions to ask about a lb7 leaking coolant down the transmission,,, is there any way you could steer me in the right direction truck master??
Hey truck master, I recently installed an HSP intake on a LLY. And now I have a dead pedal it’s almost unsafe at this point. I have tried to re-tune it three times, I’ve purchased a new MAF sensor no change. At this point I’m about ready to check the HSP intake into the trash and go buy a stock one. Any suggestions?
If you were my brother, heck yea, let's do it. I try to buy 4x4 to avoid such activities. But, here's a question. How about going from SRW to DRW? Live my LMM, but want more load ability.
I have a 2wd truck lifted I mean it’s not bad for what I use it for, here where I live it’s not that bad on weather so we really don’t use 4wd that much. Just depends where you live and what you need it for I would like to have 4wd you never know when you’ll need it. Like you said I wouldn’t convert it to 4wd I would just sell it and buy a 4wd.
Same here. Bought a 06 lbz with almost all the bells and whistles except leather seats. It’s a 2 wheel and for what I need it for works perfect for me. But I always get those comments from people “get a real man’s truck 4wd”. When I was in the market for a truck the 4wd where supper expensive. Found my truck with low miles and for a good price.
![2nd Gen Dodge Ram - 2WD to 4WD Conversion | #RamRecharger [EP4]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/odGEL1WW9ss/mqdefault.jpg)
I have done the frame modifications. The reason I did it was I am Saving a Unicorn. Its not a Duramax but still cool in my eye. Its a 2005 2500HD 8.1 496 Big block gas with ZF6 6speed manual factory built truck . I found a real nice Southern two wheel drive chassis in a Junkyard here in the Rustbelt Northeast. So my truck was already 4X4 but this clean chassis was not . Hardest part of the job is lining up the hole where the front bushing that's inside the frame on passenger's side . Its for the aluminum bracket that mounts right side axle tube portion of the front diff. Also that bushing was hard to find as GM does not sell it separately. That is until I discovered its the same as the one pressed into the housing of the front diff. I took one out of another diff I had. Keep up the good work. And hopefully someday when this gasser unicorn is done it will be allowed into one of your Duramax events. Thank You Hans from Massachusetts.....
I have an 02 Sierra 2500hd with the 8.1L but with 5 speed Allison transmission but mine came in in 2wd unfortunately but I really want to do this or awd conversion
@@alfonsoValle21 me two I have a 01 8.1 Allison 2wd that is amazing except for being 2wd 😂
hey josh ED NESBIT here its so frustrating as you know my house burned to the ground on nonember 7th and now i finally have the money for my first diesel truck and i cant find one lbz here in socal it sucks lol!!!!! i lost my restored lifted 1973 chevy 3/4 ton in the fire i need a truck im still going to grind untill i find one just wanted to thank you for the checklist on buying my first diesel it really matters to a guy like me i have not much of an idea on the diesels have a great day !!!!!!!
Thanks Ed! Best of luck with everything
I’m getting a 2006 2500 express 6.6 and want it 4wd for sure. I can handle this project. Just rebuilt the suspension and also replaced the front differential bushings on my 2010 AWD Express 1500. Shouldn’t be too difficult to do this conversion but will take me a long time to get it done.
How's that project going?! I have the same van with similar goals.
@@mattypontheroad slowed down by a blown transmission from a new radiator leaking trans fluid into the cooling system. Just rebuilt the transmission last summer from a line coming off the trans cooler I just installed. Still haven’t finished paying for the 2006 van.
I would just do a straight axle swap and do a full air ride with 4 link and have it go 2in under stock to 6in over stock
I'm a disabled vet and thinking about doing this conversion was wondering if I got all the parts of you'd help me get this done correctly. I know that's asking a lot, but I've been watching your videos and learning a lot.
Bought an engine and trans/tranfer......it came with the frame of 4wd so I ended up with all the stuff to convert...no brainer hell yes I'm converting
Wow..this question came up on a Facebook group I belong to. I'm seeing why it's easier to just buy a used 4x4 instead of converting it. I've seen older trucks converted and read articles on 4 wheeler magazine. The tech is impressive.
I would like to attempt the conversation. Looks like a great project and the pride of accomplishing the conversation wow I would keep it forever. Great video. Looks awesome💥💥🔥🔥
I've done several of the conversion from two wheel drive the four-wheel drive starting back in the mid-90s on Toyota trucks. and then also to was doing the old square box Chevys. and then started doing somebody OBS Fords from 97 forward. and also did three Chevy trucks from 2000 to 2004. really not too complicated like you said if you source the parts and get them from a junkyard and that it's easy peasy just strip everything off the front mock it up weld it in it's actually quite fun to do at times and sometimes it's not.
I would love to do this. The electronics is what scares me. In CA 4x4 duramaxs are at a high premium.
Don’t let it scare you, you can do all the swaps and stuff and send the Tcm out at a different time just don’t use 4Lo, biggest piece of advice is drop the entire transmission to change out the tail shaft and adapter plate. And put a trans brace on after all is said and done. You will thank me!
Determining whether converting a 2wd to a 4wd depends on economic conditions. In tough times, it adds value to the truck dollar for dollar plus the benefit. In good times, if somebody can roll out and buy a four-wheel-drive already installed, then why bother. In times of High inflation, it’s worth fixing up “ole Betsy”. Like many of your fan base, I am a weekend enthusiast so I am more prone to spend money on “thats cool” than it’s function or utility. That’s the way we roll. Anything you do to the truck is better than a $900 truck payment. 👍
Thanks for the video. Very informative. I think you are exactly right as to weather or not it is worth it. If a person is a good mechanic and welder, and loves hunting for parts at wrecking yards, and has a place to do the work, it is likely worth the effort is the truck is worthy. If a person doesn't have the space, time or ability, probably better to sell it and buy one that is already 4WD. I am looking to buy a really nice truck that is 2WD. watched the video to see how feasible it is to do. Thanks again
Whether*
100% just bought a parts truck going to be pulling the motor and putting it in the wife’s truck and then I have a V-6 single cab short box with a five speed, 2 Wheel wd and I’m going to be converting it to a V-8 four-wheel-drive
I think it would be a neat job but as you said I'd fall into that category I'd just go a purchase a 4wd myself. But I won't buy a suv or a pickup that is 2wd anyway.
I would love to have been working all the last year and a half. I'm caring for my teen daughter full time and unable to boom out and earn that ironworker money. So my 2004.5 dually C3500 is on hold for the 4x4 confusing conversation. I'm unsure if I'll go solid Axel or OEM from another GM at this time. If I could just get a fabrication shop to allow me to come in late every school day morning I could move forward.
What would something like this cost to do ballpark?
Thank you for the video, it has been very helpful! Any help or advice from anyone is appreciated. I'm seriously considering doing this swap. I like my existing truck 2004 2500LD, it ticks all the boxes except 4wd and I know all the issues or problems with it, so no surprises. I also think it would take some time to find another similar replacement. and trucks aren't cheap right now. With that said, it really doesn't seem too complicated except for the front frame brackets, i have welded but I'm not a welder. The plan... I already found a NP261 in a junkyard, got the transfer case, front driveshaft, and wiring harness. I need to get my 4L80e rebuilt/exchanged anyway so I plan to just ask the transmission guy for a 4wd model, built to take 35" tires. I'll also ask him to check out my $100 transfer case and mount it on the back of the transmission, It seems like a minor increase in costs. I can reinstall it and take my rear 2 piece driveshaft to get modified. Rear done... I think. The front, I'm not sure the best way to get the brackets on the frame. After that, I'll either pull a 9.25" front diff with the right gear ratio from a junkyard or maybe buy one rebuilt with an ARB air locker, depends on funds at the time. I can install the half shaft and new hubs myself, I'll probably get those new because those are wear parts, maybe if funds are short, I'll visit the junkyard. I have an engine tuner that dynos and tunes my corvette, he has tunned my stock truck and escalade to be a little more aggressive and to turn the electric fan on when I added them. I think he can turn the stock 4wd components on and not charge me.
The real issue is I'm not sure how to mount those brackets. I looks like a lift kit with those brackets is the easiest way but don't most differential drop brackets attach to the existing brackets? So what lift doesn't need the existing bracket? I also don't really want a lift kit. The truck I pulled the NP261 from had at least a 6" RCX lift and had been rolled. I wouldn't mind a 2" lift to make the 2500LD the same height as the 2500HD but I already fit 33" tires stock on both with no rubbing, keys look to be halfway up. It seems pointless to me to lift the truck and then lower the diff down to correct driveline angles. With the low hanging torsion bars, it seems like you get 0 additional clearance. So does anyone sell a bracket to make installing the diff easy? What is the smallest kit with a diff bracket that would work. Thank you in advance and once again thank you for this video.
cool video, hey are the 1500 cabs the same as the 2500 cabs, would an allison transmission fit in the transmission tunnel without fabrication?
In my case, it’s getting more and more difficult to get 00-06 trucks in good shape (at least where I live). I’m thinking on buying a very nice 2wd that nobody has bought in months and convert it … the problem is that I’m not in continental US and finding a donor truck is not so easy… I was wondering if the brackets for the dog bone will be the same for the 1500 (a few of those available) I was thinking how feasible would be to put the drivetrain parts from a 1500 (transfer and front diff)
Dude, you clarified what I have been planning. I've seen nothing but naysayers on forums say sell it and buy a 4x4. I was looking at lift kits and noticed that takes care of most of your front diff mount points. I'm doing a half ton and plan to get a manual shift transfer case. The diff actuator looks like a simple two wire job.
Ya the diff sensor is a simple 2 wire job when I changed transfercase there are 2 different 0lugs in those transfercase my plug wasent the same as transfercase so I had to wire up the 1 I got with my transfercase it's super easy
you can get the conversion harness for the early 90’s truck to go from a thermal actuator to the electronic actuator. easy 3 wire job. key’s ignition hot, ground and a wire for when you want it in 4wd.
I would love to see you guys do a solid axle swap front end and a badass triangulated 4link
I would love to do this 😊 and father and son project
What is you’re favorite pickup truck man
Solid axle swap would be easier and can be done in a weekend. Would like to see yall do that instead.
Nice truck. Where did you get your TCM programmed/tuned for 4 low? I’m currently in the process of a build similar to this myself.
Did you ever figure out where to get the TCM flashed? I’m assuming the dealership?
Hey TruckMaster, great video! I was wondering if y’all have any info on swapping the output shaft and what all will go into that? I know the shaft for 4wd has the spanner, but is that all there is to it? Thanks again for a really informative video!
I love my truck I got everything just need the transfer but I want a manual
Great Video!! I would like a 2005-2006 Chevy LT 1 w/Manual transmission. So it would obviously HAVE to be a conversion. WHY is it SO difficult to find 4WDs w/MANUAL transmissions!?!?
my truck is a 4x4 conversion. moved to colorado for a year and decided 2wd was not able to move around.
I'm going to be converting a Dan's diesel 4x4 allison transmission into my 4x2 allison. I got the 4x4 trans at a good price, so I just have to convert the tail shaft assembles. Do you have a video for that, or advise?
I have a 2007 Chevy Silverado 1500 2wd I wanna change it to a 4x4 how do I do it and what do I need parts wise
I’m looking to buy a lmm duramax with about 228k miles on it and has had a tune on it since about 190k it’s in pretty good shape and I had a 6.0 but got rid of it and looking to get back into the diesel game the guy wants 15k for it but I was thinking of offering him no more than twelve five any recommendations or advice?
Good content……I want to do this to my truck. it’s a 02 1 ton Dually. Would it be possible to post a little information on electrical hook ups, TCM programming, etc…. Thanks “Earl” 👍
Love the channel !
Oh sure, piece of cake 😂
Good info
Will I need a different harness if my trucks already a 4x4 just found a cheap 2 wd and wanna throw it in the truck
I have a 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD Extended Cab 2WD Duramax LB7. I’d love to do a 4x4 conversion.
Did you do it?
I wish I could do all that with my chevy diesel but mine is harder to find parts for sadly
I have old 1995 chevy k2500 6.5L turbo diesel
Think this would work for a ‘16 3500
Can I get a video of how to change output shaft
I would personally go with a solid axle not IFS I personally think IFS sucks they are weak
time #2 of asking for that aluminum boot spacer on that front drive shaft.
BDS suspensions carry them
Hey I got some questions to ask about a lb7 leaking coolant down the transmission,,, is there any way you could steer me in the right direction truck master??
Play never said nothing about the Shifter
Hey truck master, I recently installed an HSP intake on a LLY. And now I have a dead pedal it’s almost unsafe at this point. I have tried to re-tune it three times, I’ve purchased a new MAF sensor no change. At this point I’m about ready to check the HSP intake into the trash and go buy a stock one. Any suggestions?
You might have the intake pipe installed backwards and the maf sensor is reading wrong also check you maf wiring harness it could be damaged
If you were my brother, heck yea, let's do it. I try to buy 4x4 to avoid such activities. But, here's a question. How about going from SRW to DRW? Live my LMM, but want more load ability.
You can covert it to dually.need dually rims and the hub spacers that are on the front of dually
What about switching out the hubs to knockouts is it possible
How much could he build a harness for ? I’m in the middle of this conversion
Can you turn a 4wd into 2 will drive
Can I turn my dodge journey 4wd into a 2wd
I want to know how to convert a gas 2001v8 5.9 4x4 to a 2wd I have a 2wd transmission already do I just need to get a flogger driveshaft
Ops longer drive shaft
I have a 2wd truck lifted I mean it’s not bad for what I use it for, here where I live it’s not that bad on weather so we really don’t use 4wd that much. Just depends where you live and what you need it for I would like to have 4wd you never know when you’ll need it. Like you said I wouldn’t convert it to 4wd I would just sell it and buy a 4wd.
Same here. Bought a 06 lbz with almost all the bells and whistles except leather seats. It’s a 2 wheel and for what I need it for works perfect for me. But I always get those comments from people “get a real man’s truck 4wd”. When I was in the market for a truck the 4wd where supper expensive. Found my truck with low miles and for a good price.
Do not pull the ext housing off the trans with out the trans being vertical!!!!!!!!!!!!! You will end up rebuilding everything
Can you please let me know where you got the spacer for the front drive shaft drive
BDS suspensions carry them
Best way is to start with a 2wd an a divorced np205 an king pin dana 60 ifs is doodoo
I’ve done it…. My advice… DONT DO IT!!!
Drive like it's a 2wd, 4wd if you need it.
It’s not a duramax if it’s 2wd tf
🤣
Yeah the motor doesn't identify as a Duramax unless 4 tires spin
Long shot question but I’m lookin into a 05 lly crew cab short 2wd would it be worth it to swap it 4x4