4X4 Conversion

[Quasar]

I recently acquired  1969 D-18 and am in the process of stripping the interior out. And it did occur to me that while I am at it, adding 4X4 capability would be very convenient for the nature of the RVing we do. My question is does anyone know if it is just a matter of bolting up the donor axle etc. Of course issues like cross members, drive shaft lengths, transfer cases etc. would have to be addressed. A collateral benefit would be picking up Discs up front but again proportioning valves etc. would have to be dealt with. The whole idea may be fantasy, but would be a hoot if it did not involve welding etc. I guess I am banking on the Winnebagos using standard Dodge truck frames in the early days and the commonality between standrad frames and 4X4 frames.......Ideas and advice would be welcome

Thanks

Ken

[Cakeman2253]

My 73-Brave, w 318 is 4x4 you can see the pics. I might be able to get underneath this weekend and get additional pics. Basically,


I am using the 727 Trans and it goes into a divorced transfer case, so I have 3 drive shafts.
1 is a short maybe 2 feet long into the transfer case (welded brackets to the frame for mounting transfer case) and 1 to the front axle and 1 to the rear.
Portioning valve was changed for brakes, drum.
I am using a ford front axle with locking hubs.
The shifting lever for the transfer case is right in front of the step going into the cab, but off to the side so you don’t trip. The linkage for the shifter will need to be fabricated. It’s a long throw. 
Mounting the front axel will be kind of straight forward, but the steering will take a little geometry.
I am also running air shocks on the front to help with clearance.
Tires are 33x12.5x16.5 all the way around; I mainly travel on the beach.
No duallies.
Rear springs have blocks to keep a level look.

[ClydesdaleKevin]

I thought someone here had already done a 4x4 conversion!  Very cool!

Kev

[Cakeman2253]

I added a few more pics, some under the coach and front end. I can take more when warmer and dry. Also included a few from inside including where the stick is. Hope these help.

[Quasar]

Hello Cakeman....we have been traveling and arrived home to your very welcome post and pictures...am gonna show my ignorance here, but as a newbie I am at a about figuring out how to bring up the pictures. Went to the help section and did not see a specific reference to the subject..... Most interesting to me was that you are not running duals.....maybe I can get away with that with my little d-18

Ken

[Quasar]

Well...help arrived ! handier_man called me and led me out of the intellectual wilderness. He was kind enough to show me how to access the different member albums....So Cakeman...thanks for the pictures they do/did help. Am going to have to think the 4X4 issue over very carefully before commiting. But at least now I have an idea of what it will involve.

[Cakeman2253]

Sorry been traveling lately and not checking. Let me know if you need more pics. Once it's warmer and drier, i can crawl under and get better ones. Glad you got answers. No problems with/out duallies, but then again they are big tires. I also mainly use on the beach, soft sand. Got to drop pressure by about 20-25 pounds.