Auto Parts: 1979 Chevy 1/2 ton 4x4 with 350 and no a/c, chevy 4x4, pitman arm

Question
Can you use a steering gear box out of a 2 wheel drive truck when you need to put it in a 4 wheel drive?

Answer
    No, at least not in a Chevy.  The part of the box that hangs down and holds the pitman arm (pitman shaft housing) is longer.  There are probably other differences, too.  I had to replace the box in my Chevy 4X4, and a rebuilt box costs a lot more than the 2WD one (don't know why).