If you have a 2WD truck, you may think about switching to 4WD. Perhaps you want to save money over buying a new 4WD truck or think it will be a fun project. Although adding new driven truck wheels may sound like a good idea, this project can be a really serious undertaking. Here’s what you need to know before you start.
Is It Worth It?
Before you even start thinking about this project, it is important to get some facts straight. First, this is a very complicated undertaking. You will need to make major modifications to the mechanical workings of your vehicle.
Second, as you may have guessed from the above, this is a very expensive project. There are very few circumstances in which it makes more financial sense to upgrade a 2WD truck to 4WD truck than to simply sell the original and buy a new one.
However, it can be worth it in some cases. Perhaps you enjoy the challenge of a really in-depth project. You may want to have more control over your drivetrain and suspension. Alternatively, you may be upgrading a truck that can’t simply be replaced such as a classic.
What Is Involved?
There are quite a few components to change. Some of them you can buy aftermarket. Others may make more sense to get from a donor 4WD truck. These are some of the items you will need:
• A transfer case and gear shifter
• Complete front axle assemble
• Driveshaft
• Upgraded transmission
• Possible new wiring harness (some trucks have blanked-off 4WD connections)
• Differentials
All of these items will need to be installed. This is not a job for the faint of heart. Consider getting a professional mechanic to help. You will likely need a hydraulic lift to do this project as it is almost impossible to do with just jack stands alone.
The transfer case is the most significant part of the project. This is the component that allows your drivetrain to deliver power to the front and rear axle. The new front axle assembly is also important because undriven wheels have different assemblies than driven wheels.
Other Considerations
Beyond cost and complexity, you will also need to consider the changes in driving characteristics. Most notably, a 4WD vehicle typically needs more power than a 2WD vehicle due to the extra weight.
Again, this can add cost and complexity to the project. So, the conversion often only makes sense if you are planning to build a project from the ground up anyway. Consider also refreshing other parts of the vehicle at the same time such as installing new wheel and tire packages.
Get Started
Although this type of project is very cost and time prohibitive, it can also be a lot of fun. If you have the tools, the patience and the money, it may be worthwhile doing. You will certainly learn a lot about how modern vehicles operate.
Don’t forget to enlist the help of a mechanic that knows what he or she is doing. This is a very complex undertaking that could seriously harm your truck if you do it incorrectly. If you are successful, however, this is something to be seriously proud of.
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