I'm thinking about taking my 62 D-100 2wd and making it a 4wd. Any tips or warnings?

That is alot of more effort for your slant six to accomplish. I would at least upgrade your motor to a two barrel and upgrade your cam and exhaust.

Yes......FIND A DONOR TRUCK! This way, all the parts will be right there for you to transfer over to the '62. You might have to do some conversion to the trans. (Tailshaft extension/transfer case) You'll have to cut an additional hole in the floor for the T-case shifter. You will probably need to swap out the rears, and do a fair amount of fabrication in order to mount the front axle.

You might want to investigate swapping your '62 body onto a later model frame/chassis.

Roger

My GF has a 66 D100. It now has a F body front suspension. Later frames are not an easy swap.

If you like your current engine/trans consider using a NP205 divorced transfer case. It uses an intermediate drive shaft between the trans and TC. The case mounts to the frame useing its own mounts.
I would suggest using a later front diff with disc brakes and a matching rear. I would not even think about this swap without doing a steering box swap at the same time. Consider a GMC power steering box/pump. The front springs are not suitable for high torque transmission that can result from using low range....even with a slant.

All in all these are neat little trucks (62-72) but are not the best candidate for a 4 wheel drive conversion. The results I have seen around here look crude and often lack power steering.

_________________
Yeah....Im the one who destroyed this rare, vintage automobile.....

Either do an engine swap or a serious buildup on the slant.

Hint:three-eight-teen

_________________
82 D150-225/727
02 Dakota-3.9/5 speed
87 GMC C7000-8.2 Detroit Diesel/5+2

Hey hows it going. I have one of these trucks, they are fun, simple and tough. Mine is 4wd, and I have had every nut and bolt apart on it, cab off etc, new springs.. on and on $$$$ Anyhow, If u are looking to covert to 4x4 finding a donor truck is the easiest. The trucks are same 61-71 for the most part. I assume your truck is stick, most are esp. with a slant. Mine is a 62 frame as well, with a 71 cab. keep yuor 62 cab if its not too rusty. Bolt over the center Floor hum from the 4x4... If your adventurous, take off the cab completely. All 4x4 parts are a bolt on. the front axles swap right over.. I'd add a leaf or 2... to the front, make sure to use NEW u-bolts.. Same with rear axle.. if u find an early, pre 65 4x4 donor truck it will be 8 lug axles, and heavy duty (dana 60 rear, 44 front) and they will most likely have 4.10 gears. You can move anything with 4.10's
The slant is fine for power.. u may have to swap over transmission as well... mine is Np420 granny 4 speed, your is prob 3 speed.. make sure to put in granny 4 speed. The truck will have a divorced transfercase with a middle driveshaft.. swap it all over.. check thatmiddle shaft.. they are Often worn out. This is going to be a lot of work... As u can see, but if u enjoy a project it could be fun. Also if the donor isnt too worn u might check into bolting your cab onto that trucks frame, thats what I did, pretty easy. Anyhow.. These trucks are neat, parts are getting tough to find. I wish I was closer, I'd lvoe to help... If u need anything else answered, feel free to PM me.. I know these things inside and out, and I also know a guy that has 11 parts trucks!!!

BTW as Sandy mentioned.. The Only thing I wish my truck has is Power steering. It was a very rare option on these trucks. There is a couple of different coversions people do to install it.. I ahvent personally done it yet.. u have to be careful when messsing with sterring Geometry.. This Post has been plenty long, hope it helps.. BTW if u find a whole truck for a donor, dont pay more than about $800 complete .

Good Luck!!! Dan

_________________
The worst mistake a boss can make, is not say "well done"