[Teddy Pledger]

I have a 2005 crew cab 4x4 and am toying with the idea of converting it to a 2x4. Has anyone ever done this? What kind of problems would be expected? Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[plrod]

just curious why you would consider this? want to trade? I need a 4X4

 

[chevy2500]

leave it in 2wd. Doesn't cost anything.

 

[benjammin]

To make it 2wd, remove the front diff. assembly, front axleshafts, and transfer case. I'm not sure if you can just switch the transfer case adapter to the 2wd style, or if a different transmission output shaft is needed. Then, get the 2wd driveshaft for your wheelbase, and either a different crossmember or relocation of yours will be needed. Leave the front torsion bars in place, you can release some tension to adjust for the missing weight in front.
I would either get 2wd front wheel bearings, or cut the stubs off your axleshafts, and reinstall through the hubs, torquing to spec. The squeezing action maintains bearing preload in the hub.

 

[m.gil]

dont know much about it , but arent the frames different on a 2 w/d verses a 4w/d?

 

[Teddy Pledger]

To make it 2wd, remove the front diff. assembly, front axleshafts, and transfer case. I'm not sure if you can just switch the transfer case adapter to the 2wd style, or if a different transmission output shaft is needed. Then, get the 2wd driveshaft for your wheelbase, and either a different crossmember or relocation of yours will be needed. Leave the front torsion bars in place, you can release some tension to adjust for the missing weight in front.
I would either get 2wd front wheel bearings, or cut the stubs off your axleshafts, and reinstall through the hubs, torquing to spec. The squeezing action maintains bearing preload in the hub.

Thanks, Sir. I appreciate the instructions. The reason I am thinking about this is that I have not used the 4x4 and the extra 700 pounds of weight have to be accelerated, braked, etc. I know this is costing a lot in fuel and wear and tear on my truck.

 

[SS396]

I think you guys need together on this

http://dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=130852

 

[Teddy Pledger]

I rechecked the weights and there is a 300# difference between the 2x4 and 4x4, not 700#. I don't think shedding 300# will be worth the effort. Thanks to all of you for your input.

 

[BigBadAllis]

Thanks, Sir. I appreciate the instructions. The reason I am thinking about this is that I have not used the 4x4 and the extra 700 pounds of weight have to be accelerated, braked, etc. I know this is costing a lot in fuel and wear and tear on my truck.

With an 05 Duramax you will not experience any savings in fuel or braking. On almost any other application, you will save big time, but not in this case. The brakes are lasting most people 80K plus even with a lot of towing.

You will regret doing this the first time you need the extra wheel pull to get you out of a jam.

 

[WanaDmxsub]

I rechecked the weights and there is a 300# difference between the 2x4 and 4x4, not 700#. I don't think shedding 300# will be worth the effort. Thanks to all of you for your input.

Well I'll throw my hat in there also. If your on the west coast I have all the 2wd parts you need. Convert your truck to 2wd and mine to 4wd.

 

[benjammin]

dont know much about it , but arent the frames different on a 2 w/d verses a 4w/d?

Yes, but not by a whole lot. Many of the parts are used on both versions.
I'm not saying that making that truck 2wd is worth it, but the question was asked, and after thinking a few minutes it seems pretty easy.

And like SS396 said, you could trade with someone who wants 4wd.