4x2 to 4x4 Conversion

[31RamIt]

2021 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x2.
I paid it off and plan to keep it until it croaks. If I can source the parts for 4x4 (after I figure out what they are), is it possible to turn the feature on using AlfaOBD?
Feels like it might be a waste of time and money, but I like challenges.

 

[HSKR R/T]

2021 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x2.
I paid it off and plan to keep it until it croaks. If I can source the parts for 4x4 (after I figure out what they are), is it possible to turn the feature on using AlfaOBD?
Feels like it might be a waste of time and money, but I like challenges.

Better of trading it for a 4x4. You would probably be $10k, minimum, just for the parts. At that point you could swap into a 4x4, and maybe even get some extra option you don't have in your truck now. It's one thing to like a challenge, but at some point you just have to realize it's not worth it.

 

[31RamIt]

Better of trading it for a 4x4. You would probably be $10k, minimum, just for the parts. At that point you could swap into a 4x4, and maybe even get some extra option you don't have in your truck now. It's one thing to like a challenge, but at some point you just have to realize it's not worth it.

well that’s a bummer. Just paid it off so I’m not really looking to get a new one. Guess I’ll just be happy.

 

[SD Rebel]

Agreed, better selling and buying a 4x4, probably save you money in the long run and better long term resale should you change your mind in the future. A converted 4x4 will probably turn off a lot of potential buyers.

 

[boogielander]

well like others said, better off getting a new truck with 4x4.

However, if you're up to the challenge, I'll give you a big one:
Do the 2500 Solid Axle swap front and rear (Dana 60s) with front and rear locker and sway bar disconnect. Basically the challenge I have for you is to put a power wagon 4x4 system in a 1500 lol

 

[HSKR R/T]

well that’s a bummer. Just paid it off so I’m not really looking to get a new one. Guess I’ll just be happy.

I was talking trade for a used one. That way you weren't back into payments.

 

[Scap]

2021 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x2.
I paid it off and plan to keep it until it croaks. If I can source the parts for 4x4 (after I figure out what they are), is it possible to turn the feature on using AlfaOBD?
Feels like it might be a waste of time and money, but I like challenges.

Obvious parts needed:
Front Axle
Wheel Hubs
Front Driveshaft
Transfer Case
Rear Driveshaft

Interior knobs/buttons

Might need :
Replacement transmission with a transfer case output
Front suspension (are 4*4 springs set at a different rate?)

Front and rear gear ratios must match.

If this was an older project truck, I'd cheer you on, especially the idea of a SAS from a 2500 for a 1500 Power Wagon. In this case, you've been given sage advice to look to trade for a 4*4.

 

[Biga]

Like others said, probably better just to trade for a 4x4 truck. Or if your dead set on keep what you have, you could gain a decent amount of traction but simply adding a rear locker to your current truck.

 

[HSKR R/T]

Obvious parts needed:
Front Axle
Wheel Hubs
Front Driveshaft
Transfer Case
Rear Driveshaft

Interior knobs/buttons

Might need :
Replacement transmission with a transfer case output
Front suspension (are 4*4 springs set at a different rate?)

Front and rear gear ratios must match.

If this was an older project truck, I'd cheer you on, especially the idea of a SAS from a 2500 for a 1500 Power Wagon. In this case, you've been given sage advice to look to trade for a 4*4.

Add to that list, on top of definitely need transmission

Engine oil pan
Possibly engine mounts, cross members, pretty sure the lower control arms are different on 4wd, steering knuckle/hubs

 

[CalvinC]

I used to have an old 2wd 98 Silverado. I re-visited the job & costs of converting to 4WD more times than I should admit. The numbers never ever made sense, even with junkyard parts and DIY. That was well before the complexity of a modern vehicle.

If I could've found another 5.7 V8 5 speed manual I'd have swapped trucks, but never could.

So, I simply learned to drive a 2wd truck through 7 Colorado winters. Not so bad!
Good tires still look me everywhere I wanted to go off road.

 

[HSKR R/T]

I used to have an old 2wd 98 Silverado. I re-visited the job & costs of converting to 4WD more times than I should admit. The numbers never ever made sense, even with junkyard parts and DIY. That was well before the complexity of a modern vehicle.

If I could've found another 5.7 V8 5 speed manual I'd have swapped trucks, but never could.

So, I simply learned to drive a 2wd truck through 7 Colorado winters. Not so bad!
Good tires still look me everywhere I wanted to go off road.

One of my dad's philosophies is if he can't get there in 2wd, he doesn't need to be there. And you can get into enough trouble with just 2wd.

And he's never owned a 4x4 truck. Closest he has come was an AWD Chevy Equinox for my mom to drive.

 

[djevox]

Add to that list, on top of definitely need transmission

Engine oil pan
Possibly engine mounts, cross members, pretty sure the lower control arms are different on 4wd, steering knuckle/hubs

I’d have to search part numbers, but there’s a possibility the frames are different also. IIRC, there are 12 different frame part numbers available for the ‘19-23 ram 1500. I don’t know which ones are superseded numbers of the same frame though.

 

[Biga]

I used to have an old 2wd 98 Silverado. I re-visited the job & costs of converting to 4WD more times than I should admit. The numbers never ever made sense, even with junkyard parts and DIY. That was well before the complexity of a modern vehicle.

If I could've found another 5.7 V8 5 speed manual I'd have swapped trucks, but never could.

So, I simply learned to drive a 2wd truck through 7 Colorado winters. Not so bad!
Good tires still look me everywhere I wanted to go off road.

Yea, I had a couple 2wd trucks in Ohio, never got stuck. It's the best way to learn out to drive, a rwd vehicle in winter. That said it is nice to have the luxury of 4wd.

 

[Darksteel165]

Yea, I had a couple 2wd trucks in Ohio, never got stuck. It's the best way to learn out to drive, a rwd vehicle in winter. That said it is nice to have the luxury of 4wd.

Ill take rwd in the snow with snow tires vs awd\4wd with all seasons any day.
I guess that depends if you want to drive in mud or something odd offroad though.

 

[ayoslickxd]

well like others said, better off getting a new truck with 4x4.

However, if you're up to the challenge, I'll give you a big one:
Do the 2500 Solid Axle swap front and rear (Dana 60s) with front and rear locker and sway bar disconnect. Basically the challenge I have for you is to put a power wagon 4x4 system in a 1500 lol

thats what i wanna do in my rebel.

 

[Mountain Whiskey]

Obvious parts needed:
Front Axle
Wheel Hubs
Front Driveshaft
Transfer Case
Rear Driveshaft

Interior knobs/buttons

Might need :
Replacement transmission with a transfer case output
Front suspension (are 4*4 springs set at a different rate?)

Front and rear gear ratios must match.

If this was an older project truck, I'd cheer you on, especially the idea of a SAS from a 2500 for a 1500 Power Wagon. In this case, you've been given sage advice to look to trade for a 4*4.

Add to that list, on top of definitely need transmission

Engine oil pan
Possibly engine mounts, cross members, pretty sure the lower control arms are different on 4wd, steering knuckle/hubs

I’d have to search part numbers, but there’s a possibility the frames are different also. IIRC, there are 12 different frame part numbers available for the ‘19-23 ram 1500. I don’t know which ones are superseded numbers of the same frame though.

So basically buy all the parts needed to build a 4x4 truck from scratch except the seat, driver's side door handle and glove box.

You're practically. 000467% done already!

 

[Dewey]

Sounds like a nightmare. Trade er’ in for a 4x4 and never look back.

 

[31RamIt]

I’m just gonna live with my 4x2.

 

[CalvinC]

I used to have an old 2wd 98 Silverado. I re-visited the job & costs of converting to 4WD more times than I should admit. The numbers never ever made sense, even with junkyard parts and DIY. That was well before the complexity of a modern vehicle.

Jinx!!

 

[Ramroo]

I’m just gonna live with my 4x2.

Put some snow tires on it and Darksteel will probably trade ya.