Could you convert this to 4x4

[kjmickelson]

Richie Bros

Hey thanks. I have got a watch on some of those and some NPRs as well. I hope I can find out what they go for...

 

[kjmickelson]

Hey Jon,

Let's assume I wouldn't do any stretching of any frame. I would just keep whichever wheelbase I had, either the 165 Mitsu, or 176 Isuzu.

And if my plan was to work out, maybe I'd need the NQR at 17,500 GVW.

What I am really interested in is a guesstimate on the price of the conversion.
That 13K is the only number I have so far...

I really just wanted to compile a suggested parts list new or used from a few different guys to see if there was a consensus on what parts to use and of course price?

Let me know what you think...

Thanks
Kevin

 

[DzlToy]

ok, so you are saying to buy a crew cab Fuso or NQR, leave the wheelbase as it sits and just make the two wheel drive crew cab into a four wheel drive by adding a solid axle and a transfer case?

If so, I think that is the best way to go for ease of construction, budget, etc. If I was going to do a full on custom build, I would get a cab and build everything else from the ground up. I have estimated about 25-30k in parts, no labour. So, if you had the cash and got a decent deal on the fab, you could have a fully custom truck (Crew cab, 4WD, 400 hp Cummins, lockers, basic flat bed, etc) for about the cost of a new FG or NQR.

I started a parts list in the previous post, lemme know what else you need. I can get with Matt on labour and his idea of materials cost and send you a bid if you are serious about us takling this. We will both be at the OvEx in a few weeks if you would like to meet there and chat. Adding a solid axle and transfer case into a 2wd truck is relatively straightforward (no cab swap and no frame stretch). I would guess a few grand in labour and then whatever you wanted to do for a front axle (2k - 7k) and transfer case ($500 - 4k).

Jon

 

[kjmickelson]

Hey there. Well, I like your ranges of price there. If I was to just pick out 3k labour, 2k axle and 1k transfer case its only 6k. One of three older dirtier NPRs with 80, 100, and 110 (miles) respectively went for $5500-4000 at the latest Richie Bros auction.

That would put my truck at only $11,500.

Hmm...

Do you mind just listing a few parts/price ranges? ie this axle/springs/leafts/transfer etc would be $3000, $5000, maybe one more @$7000?

If that isn't too much trouble. From reading your posts I think you probably have this info at the tips of your fingers, or 15 mins after making some calls?


If it is I'd appreciate that list. I could then chip away at finding used or 'on sale' or whatever sources? You are a long way away. However, RB auctions are all over the states. The last one, with the NPRs, was in Ohio. The next couple are in Phoenix and then Sacramento.... ya never know??

Let me know what you think. I will go back and check out your previous posts to get a ball park idea of the parts and then start searching out internet pricing to get started...

Thank you.
Kevin In Canada.

Oh, hey, where is the overland expo right now?

 

[DzlToy]

As far as pricing I was just guessing on the labour. Still have not caught up with Matt, we were both out of town for the weekend, but if you delete the frame stretch and the cab swap, I cant imagine that it would be too difficult of a project and we have both done solid axle conversions before on Toyota trucks.

The cheaper end of the axle spectrum is going to be buying something used like this that is basically stock (mid 80s Dana 60 for $900)

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=966242&highlight=dana+60

or a Super 60 like this:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=966047&highlight=dana+60

And this is what fully custom axles cost:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=959896&highlight=dana+60

Leaf springs are relatively inexpensive, even nice springs like Deaver arent too much. You might even find something like this (D60 front with springs attached)

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=752030&highlight=deaver

if you dont mind used parts, bargain hunting and being budget minded with money and time, you can find good deals. The down side is that it will take longer to complete the project due to shopping time.

An NP205 is a very beefy stock transfer case. Several versions available along with plenty of stock and aftermarket parts. Something like this would keep you from trying to adapt to the 2WD transmission:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=961567&highlight=np205

this would be the higher end of a transfer case, around 2 grand used and can be 2500-3000 (or more) new: (there are two speed and four speed versions, divorced and married, different gear ratios, etc., all those affect price)

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=949264&highlight=atlas

that should give you some ideas. I posted links from Pirate because its a huge offroad board with lots of members so there are lots of parts, threads and posts. I am not advocating that you purchase any of those items.

EDIT: OvEx for this year is the same place it was last year, south of Tucson, AZ, cant remember town, but Armando or something like that comes to mind. Just google it...

 

[kjmickelson]

Right on! Thanks Jon. I was just coming in to the house (that I am building) for a break so I will look through this later. I have been to Pirate before, some mention of Mitsus and Isuzus in the posts, yet ironically, they often refer things back over to here for more info!

Yes, I didn't catch where the Expo was, so enjoy your trip. Are you a fabricator or is your Expo interest just interest as well?

Anyway, thanks for the info. I'll get back to you.
Kevin