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can i put a 2 wheel drive transmission in a 4 wheel drive truck

by Dr. Birdie Cartwright Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

Can you convert a 2WD to a 4WD by adding 4-Wheel drive to a truck? Yes, 4WD can be added to a truck that was originally produced with a 2WD drivetrain, especially if the vehicle was also offered in a 4-wheel drive version.

A 2WD transmission can be customized to function as a 4WD transmission with a few modifications. We will look into that a bit later as well as the costs involved to convert a 2WD to a 4WD. We also briefly touch on the process of converting a 2WD to a 4WD and what components you'll need to successfully pull it off.

Full Answer

Can a 2WD transmission fit in a 4WD truck?

We look at each transmission type in detail and explain if a 2WD transmission can fit in a 4WD truck. The main difference between a 2WD transmission vs a 4WD transmission is the output shaft. The Output shaft of a 4WD is shorter than a 2WD version.

Does a 2 wheel drive transmission have a transfer case?

Two-wheel transmissions have no transfer case. However, some vehicles like the two-wheel drive Ford Bronco II, have a dummy transfer case to ease conversion to four-wheel drive by only requiring a new output shaft.

Can you convert a 2 wheel drive to 4 wheel drive?

Large manufacturers like Ford, Chevy, Toyota, and Volkswagen, for example, are renowned for doing this. So if you drive a Ford, Chevy, VW, or a Toyota, you are in a slightly better position to convert your existing 2WD to a 4WD with the least amount of hassles.

What is the difference between two-wheel and four-wheel drive automatic transmissions?

Two- and four-wheel drive automatic and manual transmissions are almost identical in just about every way. They feature the same housing, gear ratios and often – but not always – have the same spline count on the output shaft. Primary differences are the two-wheel transmission output shaft is longer...

Are 2WD and 4WD transmissions the same?

The main differences between these two units lie in the fact that the 2WD output shaft is longer than the 4WD version and 4WDs are connected to a transfer case. Some carmakers manufacture their 2WD transmissions in such a way that they can be transformed into 4WD models.Jul 19, 2019

Can I use a 4x2 transmission in a 4x4?

Both parts can be swapped. The extension housing is dead easy, the output shaft requires a complete disassembly of the transmission to swap.May 4, 2010

Will a 2WD 4l60e work in a 4WD?

These are externally interchangeable. The 4wd version reduces NVH induced by the transfer case hanging way behind the trans mount. When I did my 4L80 swap, I started with a 2wd trans that I converted and rebuilt.Jan 7, 2018

What is needed to convert 2WD to 4WD?

You will require the below but not limited to the following:A transfer case.Upgrade your transmission tail-shaft / output shaft.Front and rear drive-shafts unless it's a rear-wheel driven 2WD then only a front driveshaft.A complete Front axle assembly.Transfer case gear shifter.More items...

Can you convert a 4x4 4l60e 4WD to 2WD?

You will need the 2wd output shaft and tail housing. You will have to essentially rebuild the transmission to install this. Your rear driveshaft will now be too short, so plan on getting a new one or going to the junkyard.Feb 20, 2020

What is the difference between a 4L60 and a 4L60E transmission?

The rear output housing is configured with a six-bolt pattern in late model 4L60E transmissions. The 4L60 transmission is configured with a four-bolt pattern. The bolt pattern is not a guaranteed distinction, however, as early 4L60E transmissions, manufactured from 1992 through 1997, also have a four-bolt pattern.

Is the 4L60E a 4WD transmission?

4L60E 4x4 Stage 2 - Heavy Duty, Tow, Haul, Four Wheel Drive, 500 HP.

What engines bolt up to 4L60E?

In most cases, you can use the 4L60E trans with its 298mm style converter behind a normal, six-bolt LS crank flange engine (4.8L, 5.2L, 5.7L, 6.0L, and 6.2L). Truck engines such as the 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L used a dished flexplate to place the starter ring gear in the correct position.Nov 16, 2017

What is a 2 wheel drive truck?

Your 2-Wheel Drive is most likely a rear-wheel-drive truck so you will require a new front differential and axle to deliver the power to the front wheels. You’ll need a driveshaft to send power to the axles from the new transfer case.

What happens when you convert a 2WD to 4WD?

By converting the vehicle 2WD to 4WD the weight will increase .and hence the stress on chassis and all parts of the car. So you also have to modify the load bearing capacity of the other parts of the vehicle to bear the stress.

Do you need a shifter for a 4x4?

Lastly, you’ll need to be able to engage 4WD so you’ll need a shifter, either manually, automatically, or else electronically. It’s much easier to just buy a 4 x 4 to start with.

Does 4WD drivetrain increase fuel consumption?

The additional weight from the added transfer case, diffs, and other components will increase your fuel consumption and decrease engine performance . The 4WD drivetrain has more rotational parts that all add weight thus reducing engine power somewhat. This means you will need to beef-up the engine power to accommodate the extra weight. Aftermarket exhaust, filters, and intake mods are going to be the first upgrades. Later you might want to look at some piston modifications.

Can you add 4WD to a 2WD truck?

Yes, 4WD can be added to a truck that was originally produced with a 2WD drivetrain, especially if the vehicle was also offered in a 4-wheel drive version. The wiring harness, mounting holes and certain brackets might already be in place of the 2WD model, however, there are many other factors such as drivetrain, transfer case, suspension, ...

2 Answers

I know you can on older models not 100% sure your computer will be fine with it, may though.

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What is a two wheel transmission?

A two-wheel transmission is identified by its long tailshaft with the rear section consisting of an overdrive unit. The four-wheel drive transmission also has a rear overdrive unit section, but it mates with a transfer case that distributes the power to the front and rear axles. Two-wheel transmissions have no transfer case.

What is the difference between a two wheel and a four wheel transmission?

Primary differences are the two-wheel transmission output shaft is longer than the four-wheel version and four-wheel transmissions mate to a transfer case. Some automakers build their two-wheel transmissions so they can be converted to four-wheel models.

How many splines are in a SM465 transmission?

Through 1978, the SM465 two- and four-wheel transmissions featured identical internal parts except for the output shaft. The four-wheel version had a 10-spline output shaft and transfer case. The two-wheel model had a 35-spline output shaft with the conventional two-wheel-style tailhousing. From 1979 to 1991, the four-wheel SM465 featured ...

What is the difference between a SM465 and a TH350?

The GM SM465 and TH350, and Aisin AX-15 transmissions typify some of the differences between two- and four-wheelers. GM produced the SM465 manual transmission from 1968 to 1991 for its half- through 3-ton Chevrolet and GMC trucks and sport utility vehicles. Through 1978, the SM465 two- and four-wheel transmissions featured identical internal parts except for the output shaft. The four-wheel version had a 10-spline output shaft and transfer case. The two-wheel model had a 35-spline output shaft with the conventional two-wheel-style tailhousing. From 1979 to 1991, the four-wheel SM465 featured a shorter 32-spline output shaft. The two-wheel SM465’s 35-spline remained and its internals mirrored the four-wheel version. The TH350 automatic came in both two- and four-wheel applications with the two-wheel versions possessing tailhousings lengths of 6, 9 and 12 inches while the four-wheeler output mated with the transfer case. The AX-15 two- and four-wheel transmissions featured the same internal parts, but the two-wheel version had a 14-spline shaft and the four-wheel has a 23-spline shaft.

Can a two wheel drive truck be converted to four wheel drive?

Many car two-wheel transmission s can be converted to truck four-wheel drive, but they are not necessarily ideal for the demands of four-wheeling. General Motors’ automobile transmissions, including the performance Muncie M21 and M22, and Saginaw and Borg Warner T-10, can convert to four-wheel as long as they are not asked to do any heavy knockabout off-roading. The lack of low gears makes transversing rough terrain difficult. Two-wheel truck transmissions, such as the Muncie SM420, SM465 and the NV4500 and NV3500, easily mate with a four-wheel drive transfer case and can handle the demands of rough off-roading.

Does a two wheeler have a transfer case?

Two-w heel transmissions have no transfer case. However, some vehicles like the two-wheel drive Ford Bronco II, have a dummy transfer case to ease conversion to four-wheel drive by only requiring a new output shaft.

Is a two wheel drive transmission the same as a four wheel drive transmission?

Two- and four-wheel drive automatic and manual transmissions are almost identical in just about every way. They feature the same housing, gear ratios and often – but not always – have the same spline count on the output shaft. Primary differences are the two-wheel transmission output shaft is longer than the four-wheel version and four-wheel transmissions mate to a transfer case. Some automakers build their two-wheel transmissions so they can be converted to four-wheel models.

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