[sweekster]

Hey guys,

I figured i'd throw this out there as I could not really find a thread. If anyone knows of a thread or two or some really good info feel free to let me know.....

So what would it take to convert my 98 Durango from 4 wheel drive to 2 wheel drive and rear disk brakes? I have never used to 4 wheel drive since i've owned the truck and would just like to ditch it.

 

[Jackedak03]

Remove the front differential (Held in by 4 Bolts on each motor mount. Remove both CV Shafts- One big nut in the center of each rotor- they come right off with an air gun. Remove front drive shaft from transfer case-I don't know if fluid will leak or not. You can either remove the transfer case and get a new driveshaft or just replace with a new tranny, or leave the transfer case in.

You might have to buy new 2wd spindles and rotors as well, but I don't think you will.

 

[Rob454]

R. Remove both CV Shafts- One big nut in the center of each rotor- they come right off with an air gun..

You might have to buy new 2wd spindles and rotors as well, but I don't think you will.

If you remove the big nut the hubs come off also and youwont be able to bolt the tires on the truck.. You cant make a 4x4 into a 2wd like that.
The best thing to do is just remove the front driveshaft.
You cant remove the front axle shafts. If you want a 2wd go sell or trade yours for a 2wd
Rob

 

[Trouble Maker]

Transmission is different than 2wd, you can't simply remove the t-case and bolt a different driveshaft in place.

Front axle acts as a frame cross member under the motor so this would have to be addressed.

Not sure if the 2wd front spindles could be used with the 4wd control arms so major front suspension work would probably be needed.

In the long run it would be easier/cheaper to sell/trade and get a 2wd to start with.

 

[Jackedak03]

I don't think the hub is held in by the CV shaft- I removed mine today for my ball joint replacement and the rotor was still held on by the studs. As for the transfer case- I was thinking that would be an issue, but I think you can leave it on with just the rear driveshaft attached. Fabbing up something to use as a crossmember isn't as hard as it sounds and I'm sure any welder could figure something out for you.

 

[Citrus Dragon]

Can of gas and a hand full of matches.....LOL
It will be hard but u will also need to address the rear lift over too. No way to make the front match the rear if u use 2wd front set up.

 

[Trouble Maker]

I don't think the hub is held in by the CV shaft.

:huh:Not 100% sure on the 4wd Dodge unit hubs but on the 4wd Jeep unit hubs the axle stub ends have to be installed or you will only make it about 10' before the bearings part company with the hub. The hubs are probably the same basic design and will probably suffer the same fate.

 

[myrtlebeachbst]

I have to say that would be one of the stupidest things I have ever heard of

 

[HemiDak]

Transmission is different than 2wd, you can't simply remove the t-case and bolt a different driveshaft in place.

You can replace the missing area with a 2wd output housing, which will make a 2wd driveshaft work.

Front axle acts as a frame cross member under the motor so this would have to be addressed.

The front axle does not act as a crossmember. There is a crossmember for this in the front of the frame.

In the long run it would be easier/cheaper to sell/trade and get a 2wd to start with.

I agree 100%.

:huh:Not 100% sure on the 4wd Dodge unit hubs but on the 4wd Jeep unit hubs the axle stub ends have to be installed or you will only make it about 10' before the bearings part company with the hub. The hubs are probably the same basic design and will probably suffer the same fate.

You are absolutely correct.

My advice is if you want a true 2wd, then go and buy one. You can't make a 4wd truck into a true 2wd unless you swap the frames.

 

[Rebel13]

Front axle acts as a frame cross member under the motor so this would have to be addressed.
QUOTE]

That's what Duck Tape is for!

 

[blu4door]

Front axle acts as a frame cross member under the motor so this would have to be addressed.
QUOTE]

That's what Duck Tape is for!

quack quack


Duct tape and bungie cord are the answer to every one of lifes problems.:clap2:

 

[Jackedak03]

I say go to the junkyard and get a bunch of 2wd front end stuff and have at it.

Yellow- I'm sure plenty of people told you it'd be easier to buy a HEMI Ram than swap one into your truck!

 

[Y2KOTA]

Now if you had a 2000 QC 4x4, I would say lets swap a few parts :banana2:

I know theres more then just a few parts, but its the thought that counts!

 

[HemiDak]

Yellow- I'm sure plenty of people told you it'd be easier to buy a HEMI Ram than swap one into your truck!

Actually not a single person has told me that.

 

[Jackedak03]

You should buy a HEMI Ram, it'd be easier:

There ya go!lol

 

[sweekster]

Thanks for the input guys. I spent about 30 minutes under the truck this morning just looking at everything and it would be more work than I want to deal with. Might just look into trading. I'd love to have another Hemi to match the Jeep but that's not in the wallet right now.

 

[Citrus Dragon]

If u are looking for a fixer upper i know someone where that has an old 4banger

 

[sweekster]

If u are looking for a fixer upper i know someone where that has an old 4banger

Thanks but my bike (92 Yamaha FZR600) takes care of the "fixer upper" category. I'd be looking for something equivalent to what I have now.

 

[Citrus Dragon]

Gotcha, well i would sell u my truck but I couldn't do that in good faith. I don't even know everything thats wrong with it

 

[schaffer]

trade you my 2wd pickup?