Adding 4wd to a 99 c2500

[Tbbroder]

Living in the mud hole I do 4x4 is starting to look like a really good idea to me. My truck has a 5.7 v8 and 4l80 transmission. I'm well aware that this won't be easy but my local junkyards are full of these trucks and I can get the parts dirt cheap. What would be the best way to add 4x4 and keep everything as factory as possible?

 

[thz71]

The best and easiest way no doubt is SAS

 

[polar]

But aren't the frames different? Wouldn't you run into problems with the driveshaft up front

 

[Tbbroder]

What's SAS?

 

[polar]

Solid axle swap. You take the ifs off the front and swap to a solid axle from an older truck. It has been done multiple times on here. Multiple is actually an understatement

 

[Tbbroder]

Ok so I'm guessing that by ifs you mean independent front suspension, how does swapping to SAS affect the ride and why is it easier to swap to SAS than to keep the stock suspension?

 

[df2x4]

But aren't the frames different? Wouldn't you run into problems with the driveshaft up front

This right here. I've never researched the details but the frame on a 4x4 is much different than a 4x2. Something tells me you'd be better off just buying a 4x4 if you really want one.

 

[polar]

Ok so I'm guessing that by ifs you mean independent front suspension, how does swapping to SAS affect the ride and why is it easier to swap to SAS than to keep the stock suspension?

Well sas gains you more travel than the stock ifs will allow. Once you lift your truck a certain point you will not be able to align it to the recommended specs. Going sas you can lift as high as you want while maintaining alignment

 

[polar]

I know for the sure the frames are different because on a 2wd the crossmember under the engine goes from frame rail to frame rail while on a 4wd it stops shortly after the motor mounts so the driveshaft can pass through

 

[badazzbulldog]

read this build it was done with a 2wd frame http://www.gmt400.com/forum/showthread.php?6736-92-Sierra-SAS-frame-off