2wd swap

[calibeater]

well i have been toying with the idea for a long time and i think i may start on this project. i have always wanted to build a pre runner out of my pathy and when i get another DD in a couple weeks, i want to start. first off on the list is the swap to 2wd instead of my 4 wheel drive. i like my 4 wheel but two wheel will be so much easier to make. other than the obvious removing drivetrain (front axle and xfer case) what problems will i encounter? do i have to steal some parts from a 2wd nissan truck (back part of tranny) that was meant for 2wd since my xfer case will not be there? will all my electronics work fine with the removal of the xfer case? and depending on what tail section (of tranny) i use, will i need a longer driveshaft? as always all help and opinions is welcomed and appreciated.

[KovemaN]

I would keep the transfer case. You will save a bunch of work and a fair amount of money and you will still have 2-low. If you decide to drop the t-case you would be best off pulling a tranny and driveshaft from a 2wd truck. Otherwise you will have to replace the extension housing, output shaft, and driveshaft. Probably the transmission mount too. 2wd trucks had the two piece drive shaft so you would have to add a center bearing as well. One of you obstacles will also be the fact that your truck is a 1988. Many parts changed after '89 and I am sure you will run into some of them.

[GrimGreg]

They do (or did) make long travel kits for 2wd Hardbodys, but the 2wd Hardbody has a completely different front suspension and steering. You should be able to bolt the parts onto your frame, but I'm not certain of that.

 

Stock 2wd Pathfinders use the same suspension and steering as the 4wd, just with a different crossmember where the one holding the front diff is.