Body swap 1500 to 2500 with 4wd?

AdventureWagon · Sep 30, 2019

Hey everybody, there's probably info on this type of thing but I couldn't find exactly what I was looking for, I was interested in some opinions on my situation.

I have a super clean Yukon XL 1500 2wd I have inherited with 145,000 miles. I really love the truck but would really like to have 4wd for some light off-road confidence (not trails necessarily but some back country camping type stuff). So if I was able to find an inexpensive Suburban/Tahoe/Yukon 2500 4wd with a wrecked body or something lets say, is it feasible to swap over the body and engine or other good parts from the 2wd? or am I better off just trying to save up more and buy exactly what I want instead. I'd like to build something myself but if it'll cost just as much.... Like I said the body is super clean and I'm guessing I'm gonna end up paying big bucks for 4wd in similar condition. Also the truck has some sentimental value as it was my grandfathers.

Side-note, would like to do a diesel swap down the road eventually, thus the 2500.

Thanks in advance.

Big Mama · Sep 30, 2019

That’s quite a dilemma. What year?Do you need a 2500 for some reason? Why not make your truck 4wd? If you want to go diesel that would be the right time to do it. this one is out of my league but you might find a wrecked diesel truck with everything you need. Neat project.

AdventureWagon · Sep 30, 2019

Yukon is a 2002 5.3. In looking around about diesel swaps a Suburban/Yukon 2500 frame is recommended. My thought was I could do this in stages so if the end goal was a Duramax Yukon, I'd start now by getting everything on a 2500 frame with 4wd. Then farther down the road once the engine or trans bites the dust (and more funds exist lol) begin doing the diesel swap.

As far as just making the 1500 Yukon 4wd I was under the impression I'd be better off swapping frame to a 4wd roller or something anyway than trying to get all the parts for stock 4wd put on this truck, again, going back to the 2500 frame with the thought of future mods.

I suppose my main question is..
-Would the body bolt right up going from 1500 to 2500 frame?

I saw some mention that indicated it might not? Can't imagine why but wasn't able to find more. Sorry for going in 5 directions with this

just trying to set myself up best for final product if it's possible.

Big Mama · Sep 30, 2019

Gotcha, I’m coming up empty too let’s tag in some more experienced guys. @swathdiver @HiHoeSilver @iamdub @SnowDrifter @NathanJax and others that may be able to shed more light on what it would take.

NathanJax · Sep 30, 2019

Get what you want. They are cheap enough that if you got a 2wd, you would spend more on parts then getting 4wd in the first place

swathdiver · Sep 30, 2019

A diesel engine does not require a 2500 frame. An LB7 or LBZ would make a hotrod in a 1500.

The body mounts are in different locations between the two frame types. I think the bodies are different but this can be confirmed by looking at an upfitter's manual.

Converting to 4WD would also require additional wiring, additional and possibly different modules (computers) and programming.

1500 running gear would not last long behind a diesel, even the 9.5 semi-floater would need beefing up eventually.

Best bet is to get a 2500 donor and do the body swap along with 4x4 wiring, switches and modules moved into 1500 cab. Then you can work on the diesel.

Talk to Duraburb.

AdventureWagon · Oct 1, 2019

swathdiver said:
A diesel engine does not require a 2500 frame. An LB7 or LBZ would make a hotrod in a 1500.

The body mounts are in different locations between the two frame types. I think the bodies are different but this can be confirmed by looking at an upfitter's manual.

Converting to 4WD would also require additional wiring, additional and possibly different modules (computers) and programming.

1500 running gear would not last long behind a diesel, even the 9.5 semi-floater would need beefing up eventually.

Best bet is to get a 2500 donor and do the body swap along with 4x4 wiring, switches and modules moved into 1500 cab. Then you can work on the diesel.

Talk to Duraburb.

Thanks for the info! Good to know the 2500 frame isn't required...Getting the donor is what I was leaning toward. I guess that answers my questions for now, not gonna be able to do this soon, just trying to have all the info ready. I know there's a lot as far as diesel builds but wanted to find out about bodies as I hadn't seen that mentioned much yet.

MrBalll · Oct 4, 2019

You may look up Duraburb.
Could try to call them and ask for any tips if they're willing to share.

DIsney · Oct 28, 2019

be prepared for a lot of wire harness swapping too unless you get a manual shift transfer case. My Yukon is a 4wd on a 2wd frame and the lack of a T-Case causes me grief with the warning lights and trouble codes.

MartyMcFLy · Nov 11, 2019

AdventureWagon said:
Hey everybody, there's probably info on this type of thing but I couldn't find exactly what I was looking for, I was interested in some opinions on my situation.

I have a super clean Yukon XL 1500 2wd I have inherited with 145,000 miles. I really love the truck but would really like to have 4wd for some light off-road confidence (not trails necessarily but some back country camping type stuff). So if I was able to find an inexpensive Suburban/Tahoe/Yukon 2500 4wd with a wrecked body or something lets say, is it feasible to swap over the body and engine or other good parts from the 2wd? or am I better off just trying to save up more and buy exactly what I want instead. I'd like to build something myself but if it'll cost just as much.... Like I said the body is super clean and I'm guessing I'm gonna end up paying big bucks for 4wd in similar condition. Also the truck has some sentimental value as it was my grandfathers.

Side-note, would like to do a diesel swap down the road eventually, thus the 2500.

Thanks in advance.

I would just sell it and buy one that is 4x4. Way cheaper and it will save you a lot of headaches. You can find tons of deals on FB marketplace.

Body swap 1500 to 2500 with 4wd?

AdventureWagon

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Big Mama

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AdventureWagon

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Big Mama

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NathanJax

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swathdiver

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AdventureWagon

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MrBalll

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DIsney

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