Posted by Garrett-CT on Sunday, May 11, 2003 at 9:17PM :
In Reply to: 4x4 conversion on a '75 D200 posted by SixtySixPlymouth on Sunday, May 11, 2003 at 5:28PM :
To do this conversion properly you will need a parts truck. Few years ago I combined a completely rotted short bed W100 ('76) with a decent D100 ('78). For the most part it was a bolt together operation. However I used the 4x4 frame. I don't know if the frame rails are the same, but the front cross members are definitly different. These cross members are rivited together, and changing them would be no easy task. The front spring shackle mounts are also rivited to the frame. The radiator support mounts differently but can be easily modified. The center hump in the cab floor is taller and wider in the 4x4. It can be unbolted (if it's not rotted) from the 4x4, however the hump in the 4x2 must be cut out. The output shaft in the transmission is also different(if a 727 with the NP203 transfercase is used). Other parts that cannot be reused are the Y-pipe (with V8) and the rear driveshaft. Other obvious parts you will need will be the transfercase with shifter and boot, front driveshaft, front differential (disc to disc), front springs, rear spring blocks and u-bolts, speedometer cable, front brake lines and hoses. There are other items I can't think of right now.
My advice is unless you have a parts 4x4 with a good frame, it's more trouble than it's worth.
Good Luck!
Garrett
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