2012 1500 4x4 conversion (yes, again)

[MilitaryGreen1500]

Hello! I’m brand new here, as I recently purchased a 2012 Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi from my father. It’s a beauty of a truck in my opinion, and the family ties are too strong to sell it anytime soon. The problem is, off-roading capabilities. It’s a 2wd and I often need 4wd as I’ve already gotten it stuck plenty of times. And I know the first of y’all will comment “it’s not worth it” and “sell it to buy a 4x4”, but I’m dead set on keeping this truck for years and years to come! My question is, what will it truly take to complete this conversion? I was thinking to buy a wrecked 4x4 of the same year, and swapping the driveline along with bed and cab. what do y’all think?

 

[Jeepwalker]

Welcome aboard! Sounds like you have a nice truck. Hey...what's wrong with 2WDs??

I'll say right off I don't have specific answers to your question. I would search out this site and also do Google & Youtube searches too. I guess the place to start is determining how different the frames are (if at all) between the two. Probably someone here can chime in. Or you could go on the Mopar website and see if they are the same part number. Besides the mechanicals you'd have the wiring too, I suspect. Anything is do-able. I mean, even if the frames are different, if you had a good frame you could always swap, or stub-in the 4x4 front frame to yours (if need be). What's your truck's cab/bed type? Tranny?

Another option ...even though you said you didn't want to go that route, is ...Have you considered using the money you would use to buy a "parts 4x4" to purchase something along the lines of a mid-90's Toyota 4x4, or a 4Runner ...which you could camp in in the CO mtns? Use that as your dedicated off-roader and keep your father's truck mint? Be a lot easier and give you a bunch of free time to explore the trails. They're also kind of fun in the dirt/rocks/trails. But hey ...if you're up to it, I say go for converting yours. I'll be following this post. I'm sure others will have more specific answers. Cheers!

 

[huntergreen]

Off the top of my head you’ll need a front axle, transfer case, a way to activate the 4WD, drive shaft and electronics. You’d be better off getting a quad and use the truck to get the quad to the trails.

Also you’d need to lift the truck, as well as making sure the gears match the front differential. It would be a heck of a project.

 

[jws123]

It would take alot to do this you basically would need a whole parts truck if your dead set on keeping this truck just keep it nice and buy a older 3rd gen for off roading ect they are cheap nowadays .

 

[MilitaryGreen1500]

Welcome aboard! Sounds like you have a nice truck. Hey...what's wrong with 2WDs??

I'll say right off I don't have specific answers to your question. I would search out this site and also do Google & Youtube searches too. I guess the place to start is determining how different the frames are (if at all) between the two. Probably someone here can chime in. Or you could go on the Mopar website and see if they are the same part number. Besides the mechanicals you'd have the wiring too, I suspect. Anything is do-able. I mean, even if the frames are different, if you had a good frame you could always swap, or stub-in the 4x4 front frame to yours (if need be). What's your truck's cab/bed type? Tranny?

Another option ...even though you said you didn't want to go that route, is ...Have you considered using the money you would use to buy a "parts 4x4" to purchase something along the lines of a mid-90's Toyota 4x4, or a 4Runner ...which you could camp in in the CO mtns? Use that as your dedicated off-roader and keep your father's truck mint? Be a lot easier and give you a bunch of free time to explore the trails. They're also kind of fun in the dirt/rocks/trails. But hey ...if you're up to it, I say go for converting yours. I'll be following this post. I'm sure others will have more specific answers. Cheers!

Hello! I’ve been looking around a bunch but it doesn’t seem many people have gone through with this swap before. Much more financially intelligent than me . I’ll definitely take up your advice and start figuring what different on the frames! I have a crew cab with a 5’ 7” bed. Honesty considered getting an older 4x4 but man I just always end up going down a dirt road, up a little hill, and smack in the middle of some thick mud haha. Really want to make this truck into a one of a kind rig!

 

[MilitaryGreen1500]

Fyi, I’m not worried about the cost. Sentimental value of the truck out-ways what most people deem irrational. And I have lots of hook ups in the automotive industry, body shops, engine swap guys, tranny swap guys, etc so I’m hoping with a lot of help I can get her done! I’ve just started the process so what I need right now is a solid plan, and I’m hoping y’all can help me out!

 

[MilitaryGreen1500]

Off the top of my head you’ll need a front axle, transfer case, a way to activate the 4WD, drive shaft and electronics. You’d be better off getting a quad and use the truck to get the quad to the trails.

Also you’d need to lift the truck, as well as making sure the gears match the front differential. It would be a heck of a project.

Already got a Raptor 700, quad is checked off the list! Was planning on lifting the truck and upgrading the suspension anyways, it’s already leveled on 30s

 

[huntergreen]

Already got a Raptor 700, quad is checked off the list! Was planning on lifting the truck and upgrading the suspension anyways, it’s already leveled on 30s

If your pockets are deep enough, let the build begin ! Hope you start a thread with pics and reviews of how this progresses.

 

[MilitaryGreen1500]

If your pockets are deep enough, let the build begin ! Hope you start a thread with pics and reviews of how this progresses.

That’s the plan! Already started building up the funds, just need to get my plan straight. If I can find a good donor and make sure I know everything I need to do, build should start in a month or two!

 

[huntergreen]

That’s the plan! Already started building up the funds, just need to get my plan straight. If I can find a good donor and make sure I know everything I need to do, build should start in a month or two!

Looking forward to following your build.