Conversions 4x4 into 2wd

[Detroit GM]

I have a 71 blazer my daughters and I want to convert into a 2wd from 4x4 how easy is it and what is the simplest way of doing this? we have limited mechanical knowledge but want to have a father daughters project so how much fabricating is there involved? Thanks in advance for ANY and ALL help...

[Detroit GM]

Also can we keep the 6 lug brake system and axels? just wanted to kp the new rims/tires we traded a few months ago...

[57plaid]

The frames are not the same in the front between the 4x4 and 4x2. You could remove the transfer case and change the transmission to a 2wd unit, get a new rear driveshaft, and remove all the workings from the front axle, but you would have to keep the housing. Since the front hubs are full floating, this would allow this to work. It would still look like it does, just not function.
Or, if your transfer case is part time, you could just unhook the front driveshaft and keep everything except the axle innards, and have a truck with 2wd/low and 2wd/high. This wont work with a full time transfer case, unless you install the adapter kit to lock up the differential in it.

[WES]

To do this conversion you will need the complete front 1/2 ton crossmember from a 67-72 truck complete with upper and lower "A" arms, tie rods, tie rod ends, drag link, steering gear and pitman arm. The whole works. Even the engine stands. It is best to do this with the donar truck sitting next to the blazer chassis so you can take measurements to locate the front crossmember on the Blazer frame. You will have to drill the holes to bolt it in, and trim the top of the frame rails for the engine stands. You can make templates fron the donar frame. If you are going to lower the front of the Blazer and have front disk brakes you can order the 6 lug rotors when you buy the disk brake conversion kit. Once the fron end is replaced, then you will need to install the engine and transmission. It is a lot easier at this point to go with a T-350 transmission. Then all you have to do is to purchase a 2WD transmission crossmember to bolt everything in once you remove 4x4 crossmember. Install the engine and transmission together then bolt the trans crossmember to it. That will automaticly locat it in the frame. I would leave it rear leaf spring, but lower the rear according to how the front sits. Have the driveline made up and you should be good to go. WES

[Mr48chev]

I'm late to the party on this one but it shouldn't bee too hard to find a 71 C-10 long bed with a tired or dead small block and a turbo 350 trans in Arizona for a decent price to use in the converson.
If you were energetic you could turn around and put the 4X pieces under the truck and sell it off as a project truck.
You would still have to come up with six lug rotors to match the back but that should be doable.

Two wheel drive Blazers are as rare as rooster's teeth here in the PNW but I've always thought I wanted one.