I am the proud owner of a 79 GMC Sierra Grande 1 ton, 2wd, with a straight 6. My grandfather bought it new as a farm truck so it is pretty stripped down. I would like to convert it to a 4X4. With all the parts swapping (axle, suspension, x-fer case) considered, is this project possible? I have heard that the frames from the 4x4's and 2wd's are different as well as needing to cut the cab floor out to raise the center hump up. Is this project even worth while or is it a lost cause? I would like to hang on to this truck for it's sentimental value but it is not in great shape and the 2wd combined with the straight 6 makes it a real dog off road. Any help on this topic would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Brad
Ohio  

Its a lot of work but with a 3" body lift it fits with little mod.You may have to cut the floor,Im not sure of the 79'.I helped put a 83' cab which had a precut trany access at the fact.onto a 79' frame.The cab was a 2wd orig.The running gear was 79' 3/4 ton 4x4.Are you looking for a running gear or have one for starting the project or taking suggestion's.  

I do not have running gears yet. If I am not mistaken, 1 ton '79 4X4's came with a dana 60 up front? I would like to go with that. Coincidently, I installed a 3" body lift a few years ago in order to fit larger tires. I think I will probably need to swap a V8 under the hood as well. The 292 straight 6 is a bit weak. Any suggestions would help though.  

I very much dought youll find a chevy running gear in a heap with a Dana 60 front end.I searched this past spring for the axle alone,to come to a dead end.
I called a Co.in CA and they would convert 1 from a ford for $1500. No thanks.If you need a running gear,I have no idea what ur location is,but look at the frames carefully as rust hides things.My buddy just gave up on his 3/4 4x4 chevy after getting the running gear all rebuilt.He cant seem to find a cab.so he bought a ford and hes getting the engine ready to drive.Says hes just gonna get rid of the chevy and go Ford.What a wast of a lot of time.  

I live in central Ohio. The frame on the 2wd is in pretty good shape. It has not been driven in winter for a very long time and is stored inside. I found a later model 3/4 4X4, I think its an 83 that a neighbor flipped a few years ago so most of the truck is junk. I was going to take the leafs, axle, and whatever else I could salvage and try to switch the front ends. I am sure it will take some mods and welding. I do not plan on making a full restore yet so I am using everything else from my current truck, I just want the axle and suspension components. Do you think this would work or will it turn out to be a huge expensive waste of time?  

Friend,I understand the sentimental thoughts of keeping the old 2x frame,but the reality is just that.Complete reengineering of the frontend.The arch on a Chev 2x is way different.Go for the 4x4 running gear,and spend 2 or 3 days doing assembly,instead of hoping you didnt make any errors in the math the other route.Its a task to convert the frame and I would hate to suggest a guy to go that far with little forknowledge.Heck,ya be better off trying to build a total frame of DOM tubing from scratch than try to convert the thing.