96 dodge 4x4 conversion

[hensonjd]

Well I got a 1996 dodge 3500 dodge dually, cab and a hal,f 2wd, 5 speed with 33000 miles on it from my grandfather. So selling it and buying a 4wd is out of the question, but how much trouble and how much would the cost on a 4wd conversion be. Im sure someone has done it or looked into it. Let me have some insight on this conversion.

[DozerDavis]

I have a 96 ex cab and want to do the same thing. I have asked but really only got 2 or 3 people say sell it and buy 4x4 what ever. I want to know what it takes to swap the front susp is it that hard to put the 4x4 front susp in? and if it is that hard I was thinking well if thats the case why not just swap in a d 60 leaf sprung solid axle. That seems like it would be weld 4 mounts and be done? am I missing some thing? Then just get 4x4 trans transfer case and drive shafts?

[drunk on diesel]

don't tear up a low mile truck like that

[hensonjd]

Yea I would hte to do it and it allways have a terrible ride,but 4wd would sure be nice.

[12VFan]

look for a donor 3500 4x4 I think you can use all the parts from the V10's

[95dually3500]

I was thinking the same,find a wrecked truck and tear everything out of it and swap it into yours,it would be better to have both trucks sitting side by side to do it but if thats not an option take lots of pics,video's,and measurements

[Mrgallop]

Definitely find a donor truck. Only way to go. Will save tons of time running to different junk yards. Thats what I did on my auto to 5-spd conversion.

[deerefanatic]

I'm pretty sure on a 5 speed truck, the tranny is different... I think the mainshaft is longer to accommodate the tailshaft housing and driveshaft slip-yoke....

I know on my 3500 cab & chassis it'd be easy as it's got a solid axle up front allready with all the 4x4 suspension and such..... but I think you're looking at a fair amount of work if your truck has the independent front suspension a-arms and such....