I decided to not build the C50 Wrecker, as it just wouldn't work too well.

Wrecker:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/attachment.php?attachmentid=231765&stc=1&d=1166803941

I want a Tow pig, which the C50 would be perfect for, but I like to cruise at 75mph or so... which it wouldn't do.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=220301

However, I did have a clean CA cab:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/attachment.php?attachmentid=229898&stc=1&d=1165847833

(and the slave labor on the body work!)

I found a set of duelly one tons (cheap!) and Gary fround a 72 C30 frame...

I also have a 91 K5 to rob brackets from to convert said 72 C30 frame to K status...

Project: Shuffling is born... once I get my Jeep built, a buddy's 73 Landcruser, my brother's 70 K5 and Gary's 72 K10, I get to work on this... seems like it's just falling in my lap. I am not sure if I will put a bed on it, or build a flat bed.

I am also selling off my 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 TD to fund this:crazy:. Granted, I used the Dodge as a DD and drove 65K miles in it since I bought it new. Lately, it's been killing me to daily drive it...

I am pondering engines now. I bought an 8.3 Cummins TD with an NV5600. After the jeep project, which is ALL custom (Read BBC, TH400, Custom T-case, 1 tons), I am not sure I want to do any re-engineering.

I may end up going BBC, TH400 and 205 to make it simpler...

Thoughts?

K5 brackets to a C30 frame to make it 4wd?

BBC and drivetrain (simpler install) vs Cummins 8.3L TD and drivetrain? (I own both)

Is the wrecker still untouched?Are you going to sell it?

Is the wrecker still untouched?Are you going to sell it?

Can't really say it's untouched with 37 years of previous owners, but I've done nothing with it. I am waffling over selling it. Everything's there but I don't know how much love it will take.

Gonna be a great project. When I got to the office this morning I looked in my photos directory and found pics of my friends C30 converted to 4wd that you asked about.

As you know, my buddy Tony took a 1970 C30 and converted it to 4wd using a 70-72 GMC 3/4 ton 4wd donor for parts. He is swapping in a Dana 60 front axle that he has waiting in his shop in the near future.

Here is his truck

http://yukon.b0xen.us/tony/tony06.jpg

Tony took the front spring hangers and placed them on the C30 frame as seen here

http://yukon.b0xen.us/tony/tonyk30swapfrontaxlefronthanger1.jpg

Here's a good side shot

http://yukon.b0xen.us/tony/tony10.jpg

and then he located where the rear hanger needed to be and drilled the frame

http://yukon.b0xen.us/tony/tonyk30swapfrontaxlerearhanger2.jpg

http://yukon.b0xen.us/tony/tonyk30swapfrontaxlerearhanger1.jpg

Here are a couple closeups

http://yukon.b0xen.us/tony/tonyk30swapfrontaxlerearhanger3.jpg

http://yukon.b0xen.us/tony/tonyk30swapfrontaxlerearhanger4.jpg

Here is the Dana 44 in place

http://yukon.b0xen.us/tony/tonyk30swapfrontaxle.jpg

Here are also a couple pics of the NP205 in place. It looks like he may have made his own brackets for the side support

http://yukon.b0xen.us/tony/tonyk30swaptransfercase1.jpg

http://yukon.b0xen.us/tony/tonyk30swaptransfercase2.jpg

Tony is using a Dana 60 rear axle

http://yukon.b0xen.us/tony/tony13.jpg

And you gotta love the rubber!

http://yukon.b0xen.us/tony/tony11.jpg

Let me know if you need any more detailed pics.

Yeah,that`s what I meant,did you tear into it at all,yet?Let me know if you want to sell.If the price isright,that`s what I need to shuttle trucks from my house to my shop(20+ miles).I have a 1t wrecker,but I don`t want to haul alot of fullsize 4wds with it.

Here are also a couple pics of the NP205 in place. It looks like he may have made his own brackets for the side support


Tony is using a Dana 60 rear axle



And you gotta love the rubber!



Let me know if you need any more detailed pics.



Thanks, I think that's about perfect for what I need to do.

Yeah,that`s what I meant,did you tear into it at all,yet?Let me know if you want to sell.If the price isright,that`s what I need to shuttle trucks from my house to my shop(20+ miles).I have a 1t wrecker,but I don`t want to haul alot of fullsize 4wds with it.


It's sitting in my back yard, waiting for it's day in the sun. From what I can tell, it's stock.

Pics of the 1T wrecker? Might be interested in some sort of swap :) I like the idea of a wrecker as a more mobile cherry picker!

I am sorry about the PM's that went back and forth. Water under the Bridge?

Yeah,bud.Water under the bridge.

Yeah,bud.Water under the bridge.

Any interest in trading the 2t for the 1t?

Ok, so have the C50 frame in the garage, stripped it of the spring mounts.

Going with a 52" leaf in the front (4" of lift) and 63" springs out back, with a shackle flip.

Dually 60 front, Cab and Chassis 14B rear. 3.54 gears, locked in the rear.

Caddy 500 to a Th400 to a 3:1 NP205.

Should tow well.

The C50 is now up for grabs.

Yes, I can create words:

Motor: Caddy 500.

Going to get Edelbrock heads...

cool project..wish i had moeny id get the tow truck from you..its more my speed,,we will get there when we get there...lol...just think of all the junk i could drag home then...lol

Your car insurance man would LOVE to have you tell him you have a wrecker. He just may retire.

Removed the rear shackle hangers and front body mounts from the C50 frame and loaded it up onto the beater truck. It's going off for sandblasting. That's a 71 K5 frame strapped to it... I am doing two trucks at once.

In the bed of the beater, we have 2 D60 fronts and a 14B rear. The funny thing: It's (the beater)not even on the overload springs.

I play Jed, Gary's Jethro... we're the Beverly Hillbillies!

(We're loading Gary's frame on tomorrow to bring all three and the axles for sandblasting)

These things are BEEF! They're the front brackets of the system for mounting a 52" spring. This will give me 4" over stock K height and I didn't have to rob a truck of it's mounts to do it. Of course, it's going on the C50 frame...

This is a great thread to watch!

Did you build those mounts are buy them from a vendor, if so you did you get them from, I am collecting parts to convert my 1971 C-20 to 4x4.

Did you build those mounts are buy them from a vendor, if so you did you get them from, I am collecting parts to convert my 1971 C-20 to 4x4.

I got them from DIY4X:


http://diy4x.com/suspension.htm it's the FGB52 kit.

I am doing a shackle flip in the rear as well.

Thanks, thats just what i need, nice looking stuff and the prices aren't to bad.

Right now, I am working on the K5 rolling chassis, then this gets it's day in the sun... or weeks in the shop.

Any more updates?

Any more updates?
Getting ready to drag the frame in and start slinging suspension.

Right now, the K5 is taking most of the shop time.

The C is now a K.

Also did a shackle flip in the rear. It's one beefy set up.

You can see in some of the pics, that the holes didn't quite line up. Had to oblong a few of them to allow for the thicker frame. This is truly one piece of heavy equipment. Should be stout and handle some abuse!

More pics:

Spent the afternoon straitening the driver's side frame horn, not much fun.

I am very thankful for my air powered carbide bits that opened up the holes.

No worries about either moving though, as they're bolted through in 2 planes, bottom of the frame and outer frame rail.

You can see Gary drilling the holes in the bottom frame rail for the DIY4X shackle flip. Normally, if this were a 1/2 or 3/4 ton frame, they bolt right on.
Not for this beefy frame, no way, no shape...

Rebuilt a 2wd steering box per directions I found on pirate:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=570869

All the DIY4X Brackets are on. I used a Beyond52 Spring set up in the front, that allows 4" of lift with a nice flat and common rear spring and a hella beefy rear shackle flip that unlike others, ties in on two planes, supporting the bottom of the frame and grabbing it well.


Fitted it to ensure the new brackets from DIY4X would clear, which they did perfectly.

Next step is to bolt in the 52" long 3/4 ton rear springs in the front and find a set of 1 ton 10 leaf 63" long springs for the rear. Then the D60 Dually front goes in, with the Cab and Chassis 14B rear.

Bed will be something like this:
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=273977&stc=1&d=1164266819

The front gets a 16K lb Superwinch, rear will get a 20 Ton Highway Winch from a 5Ton Cargo truck.

Last time, I did the front brackets for the front springs. Today, Gary and I did the rear shackle hanger for the front springs. The beauty of using rear springs in the front, with the DIY4X brackets: I didn't have to mess with the "bump out" in the 2wd 1.5 ton frame to mount the shackle hanger. It's really quite slick. Not to mention that the longer springs will handle more weight and give a softer ride.

I also got my rear springs in from Donovan spring. They're much more progressive according to Donovan...we'll see!

You can see where we placed the rear shackle hanger on the front springs. The DIY4X kit comes with a template for holes and such that need to be drilled. Pretty slick as it was easy to clamp it in between the body mount and the stock 2wd transmission cross-member. I wanted to leave this in for frame rigidity.

You can also see in the last picture that I am using a custom engine cross-member by DIY4X. Really quite simple that allows me to drop out the Caddy oil pan while leaving everything in.

these moved the spring pin back 2" to move the wheelbase back. With a custom bed, more wheel base is better for me, considering this may see 5th wheel loads.

If I want to go stock, I can flip the springs around and fit an 8' bed on this 1.5 ton frame.

BTW, Donovan Spring is making a set of overloads to go with this pack... we'll also be using Timbren springs as overloads/bumpstops.

Looking very nice grendel!

that 2wd frame is a bit different in places. Looks like a straight forward enough conversion though. I've thought for some time, the best place for some to start a 4wd build up is to start with a 2wd! Seems they aren't beat down as bad.

Looking very nice grendel!

that 2wd frame is a bit different in places. Looks like a straight forward enough conversion though. I've thought for some time, the best place for some to start a 4wd build up is to start with a 2wd! Seems they aren't beat down as bad.

I thought it would be tougher than it is.

Using the rivets from the body mount and hugging the body mount with your bracket makes this a no brainer.

Looks like its gonna be pretty tough..

Very nice work. Thanks
-Lance

Enjoy seeing the progress!

Cool! This is gonna be a sweet truck. I have a future plan in the works, It's a square body 1ton 4x4 dually with a flat/ dump bed. I'm gonna ditch the square body and put a 67-72 on it with a mild lift, kinda like Yukons buddy's rig.
Albie

Cool! This is gonna be a sweet truck. I have a future plan in the works, It's a square body 1ton 4x4 dually with a flat/ dump bed. I'm gonna ditch the square body and put a 67-72 on it with a mild lift, kinda like Yukons buddy's rig.
Albie

Seems like more work.

You have to move the body mounts around on the frame.

I'm really interested in seeing how that 500 is going to run.:metal:

I made the rear spring plates and got much longer u-bolts.

Both differential assemblies are now securely bolted down.

I also grabbed the sway-bar from the 91 K5 I scrapped and started fitting that up.

Motor and transmission should be done next week.

Got the cab onto the frame yesterday so Gary can do the body work.
Going to do outer rockers and see what else needs to be done.

Some serious dings, so I need to buy a small port-a-power.

Dragged the 203 out to start splitting off the low range box.

Gary has my 205 off at the machine shop to open up the input to 90MM so I can run the biggest input bearings and 32 spline outputs in the Chevy205 case.

Got the shaft mounted roller rockers and roller lifters ordered today for the motor.

Also separated the range box from the 203 in anticipation of rebuild for the doubler kit.

Which also got ordered today.

Gary came over to attend to some of the rust issues on the cab.

We have two outer rockers, looks like I an inner kick panel and 1 passenger side dog leg.

He made fast work of getting the rockers off.

We laid one of the re-pop's on to see what it would fit like.

Talked with Randy over at Blackbirds. He talked me into a set of disk brakes for the rear. He's the only game in town for a cab and chassis 14B that's complete and will clear a 16" Budd rim.

I plan on using stock Chevy rims for now, unless I can find some nice aluminum dually's.

Wow this thing is going to be able to do anything and go anywhere to get it.

Got about 120lbs of brakes in today. Randy over at Blackbird's has some of the best customer service. I had problems finding the front rotors for my dually 60 cheaply, so he threw a pair of rotors into the box. The rear kit's looking very impressive. I have some painting and powder coating to do, also need to track down some wheel studs... seems like none of my local parts places want to be open on Christmas Eve.

I called Randy to let him know I got everything and to ask a question about his 2 piece caliper bracket. He includes a spacer to move the bracket back, so the caliper will clear a 16" Budd wheel. We had a discussion about bent caliper brackets and the fact that I sheared one off...

He offered up some Dorman wheel stud part numbers:
610-193--- these are 4" long, which I will probably run.
610-359
610-194


Got to say, this brake kit's complete. Generally, I run around putting together the parts myself. This would've been a royal pain, as you have to fab spacers, brackets and find rotors that work with mechanical e-brake calipers big enough to do the job... I just don't have the time or resources right now. It was the right decision, so thanks Randy! I needed rear disks, with the mud and continued usage this truck will see, towing and doing recovery if required.

I did get the front end assembled today. I am doing a compare and contrast: Cross over only steering or full on high steer.

Working out the front sway bar with either is going to be tough. Might end up with a Currie Rock Bar on it.

I also need to order some more gear from Diy4x.com. The rear shock mounts on the frame were cut off before me. Also with the 96 C+C 14B, they use a different shock mount. Considering that I have no frame shock mounts, I might as well use a
http://diy4x.com/images/Rear%20upper%20shkmnt.jpg

BTW, Donovan Spring is making a set of overloads to go with this pack... we'll also be using Timbren springs as overloads/bumpstops.

You're worried about overloading?? HOLY CRAP MAN!! You'll be able to pull/haul anything you can think of.

You're worried about overloading?? HOLY CRAP MAN!! You'll be able to pull/haul anything you can think of.

Heh, yes. I am building this to tow a three car gooseneck.

Also, I am not kidding that there will be a 20 Ton winch in the bed.

thats gonna be 1 awsome truck. i can't wait to see more

Can you guess, with that rear spring pack you've got on there, how much weight it will take before you even get to the overload springs?

I'm waiting for a big ole grin!!!!

Can you guess, with that rear spring pack you've got on there, how much weight it will take before you even get to the overload springs?

I'm waiting for a big ole grin!!!!

About 4950lbs each, according to the spring manufacturer, should be fairly progressive spring rates, as well.

The frame is a 1.5-2.5T (C50) frame and the rear end is rated for 16.5Klbs, with duals.

The bed, frame, winch and all that will be about 4K lbs by themselves...

Vehicle weight will be about 8-9k lbs.

wow, what a beast... i'll be watching this one.

Yup very interesting to watch, and truck that will be able to earn its keep when finished. Looking forward to the progress updates!

Got more done.

Installed the disk brakes from Blackbird's. I am very impressed with this, have some ideas about it that will be written up on Pirate4x4.

Gary came over... lately whenever he comes over there's less of the cab then there was before :metal:

Awesome job!!

Gary came over... lately whenever he comes over there's less of the cab then there was before :metal:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/attachment.php?attachmentid=324996&stc=1&d=1199118256
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/attachment.php?attachmentid=324997&stc=1&d=1199118256

I thought this was a California cab?? :D

Grendel, I have a couple of questions about the DIY4X kit, will it work with the stock 48" front springs off of an '81 1/2 ton, or just the rear 52" springs? Also are the 1/2 ton springs as wide as the 3/4 ton springs, I would apprecieate any info on this as I would like to do this to my truck also.:metal:

Grendel, I have a couple of questions about the DIY4X kit, will it work with the stock 48" front springs off of an '81 1/2 ton, or just the rear 52" springs? Also are the 1/2 ton springs as wide as the 3/4 ton springs, I would apprecieate any info on this as I would like to do this to my truck also.:metal:

Considering that you're locating the front shackle hanger (rear of the spring)wherever you want or will fit on the frame, I don't think there's a reason it wouldn't work. HOWEVER, if you're going through all that work, why use a shorter spring? Longer springs ride better, handle more weight and generally last longer.

It also might move the front end forward a bit...

I used 3/4 ton rear springs in the front, so I imagine they're the same width.

BTW, Kert Cohoon the Master Fabricator at DIY4X is on this board. He posted in this thread. I am sure he could chime in with more information.

What member is Kurt?

What member is Kurt?

It's Kert and he's Cybrfire, however, I don't think he's on regularly and certainly not selling here (unless I can sway him otherwise... I think he has a lot to add to our cause!).

Yeah he is because he was just on here a couple minutes ago. lol. Your stuff is beef Kert you make some awesome stuff. I bet you could get more sales here than you think you could. I think you should become a vendor here. :gi:

Any updates? I'll be ordering my FGB52 kit at the end of the month. Thanks for the inspiration.

Been pretty busy with Navy reserve and sick because of it.

Having problems with my welding helmet, too.

Sorry to hear that. Hope you feel better soon.

Teaser:

http://i14.ebayimg.com/06/i/000/dc/b1/b1f5_1.JPG

Finally got the motor parts in... as well as some bling aluminum




http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f149/HEEPJEEP/Turbo%20FTW/IMG_0120.jpg

The one on the right... :)... at least for ideas.

I'll probably be getting the motor, trans and t-case into the chassis over the next couple of weeks, and finishing up the body work.

Plumbing will be Gary... he enjoys it, does it well and I HATE working with stainless tube!

a milk operated turbo...sweet...

must make great shakes! lol

10 hours into the body work and we've started adding back to the sheet metal:

Also, the Caddy motor is home... have to fab new motor plates to work with DIY4x engine cross member. The tabs that came with it are off an inch. I could slot those but they also stuff the oil filter and crank pulley into the front cross member. So I want to raise it 2" from where it was intended to be and make the bolts line up.

I thought about a cut and weld job on the tabs I have, but it wouldn't raise the motor.

I do plan to pick up a cowl induction hood and build cowl induction into this... with an intercooler for the turbo. Also, the mechanical fuel pump will be replaced by an electric one.

A bit nervous about this:

Made some motor plates to install this Caddy motor... 1/2" A50 plate. Do you think they will hold up?

Hmn, long bed is 56" from back of the cab to centerline of the axle... this set up is 63"

Can anyone confirm that original measurement?

Motor mounts look pretty stout - I don't think you'll have a problem.

You might want to have someone check that rocker/cam/pushrod/springs set up, something def. seems off.

Sweet build though.

Did you say the chassis is a C40? not a C30? What type of truck was the C40? I would assume it is differant from the 50/60 truck?

I don't know much about the bigger trucks, but would like to do a prject like this someday. :lol:

man i cant wait to see the finished project, alothough it is fun watching as its going toghther thou, keep up the gr8 work .

Motor mounts look pretty stout - I don't think you'll have a problem.

You might want to have someone check that rocker/cam/pushrod/springs set up, something def. seems off.

Sweet build though.

Did you say the chassis is a C40? not a C30? What type of truck was the C40? I would assume it is differant from the 50/60 truck?

I don't know much about the bigger trucks, but would like to do a prject like this someday. :lol:

The rockers need to be shimmed.

Yes, when I first got this, it was sold (the frame) as a C30. Then I ran the VIN on it and it's a C40/C50 chassis.

This will be a smaller truck... it will look like a K30.

Motor almost looks like it was made for this truck. Not done moving it around in the frame, I think I can squeak another inch forward.

Going to run hydro boost on this, should clear the taller valve covers.

If I have to, I will run a body lift. The new engine crossmember is pretty damn slick. I can drop the oil pan without unbolting anything

I forgot:
Gary got the dog leg welded in and the outer rocker loosely fitted on the passenger side yesterday. Waiting for hinges from Teeitup, so we can get the door on and weld the outer rocker. Total time for the body work so far, 14 hours. Driver's side to go.

Also ordered the gas tank from Raybuck ( http://raybuck.com/c-54780-1967-1972-gm-pickup.html ). Seems they stock a bunch of parts for us, too... It's a 91 K5 tank, 31 gallons and pretty flat. I figured out where my cross members need to be, tomorrow I go get the tow plate that will be welded to the rear frame and contain a 2" receiver hitch, a pintle and LED lighting. You can see the stock K5 gas tank skid that will cover the poly tank. I will also add some sides to it.

I also may switch the tow bed out for a 8' bed. Still waffling over that.

What do y'all think?

8 foot bed with a roll pan as I will have the tow plate and step-side fenders for the dually portion ?


tow bed, as posted?

What's the wheelbase for the C40/50 Chassis? Did you have to modify the chassis @ all? I thought the short C30's were 133" and the long ones were 157" or so - is the C40 chassis the same wheelbases? Will you be able to run an 8' bed? Without too much trouble?