72 1/2 4X4 questions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

FrankHoy · 08-09-2002, 12:13 PM

I am in the process of restoring a 72 Cheyenne Fleetside. I have two trucks that I am hoping to create one good 4X4 with.

Truck 1: 72 GMC 1/2 ton 4X4 350/auto PS/PB long bed, leaf rear springs

Truck 2: 72 Chevy Cheyenne 1/2 ton 2x4 402/auto PS/PB long bed, coil rear springs

My desire was to take the Chevy body, box, 402 and put into/on the GMC frame. I have found that the frame on the GMC has more rust than I care to try to fix.

So my questions:

Can I, somewhat easily(without cutting the 2X4 frame or similar modifications), take the transfer case, axles, springs, mounting brakets etc. from the GMC and use the 2x4 frame or are there major differences betwen the frames and I really need to find another 4X4 frame?

If I really need to stay with a 4x4 frame, are there differences in years or perhaps better asked, what years will work? I "know" that the power steering gear box is supposedly different on the 72, than some of the earlier years, but not sure what is different about it (internal workings or bolt on application). If it is the "bolt on application", that makes me believe there may be differences in the earlier frames.

I know that they did not make a 4X4 with the 402 engine, are there problems or considerations, in relations to the engine installation?

With the exhaust on the 4X4, currently it is single, is it easy to convert to dual? If so, what is the typical path of the passenger side exhaust? I know the transfer case is in the path of how the 2X4 dual exhaust runs.

Anything else that I would need to consider in using the 2X4 frame?

Any help or suggestions greatly appreciated.[SIZE=1][SIZE=1][SIZE=1]

BigBlockBurris · 08-09-2002, 04:39 PM

On your gear bow question, it is not a year problem ( 72's are the same as 69's) but it is a 4x4 vs 4x2 problem. Look at the way the pitman arms on each of your boxes and you will see the difference. The difference is in the pitman arms. 4x4 power steering boxes are quite exspensive because the are fairly rare. Hope this helps. BBB

FrankHoy · 08-10-2002, 11:30 AM

BigBlock,

I know that the steering is different between the 2wd & 4X4.

I have noticed, primarily by reviewing parts catalogs, that 72 PS gear boxes are listed seperately from 67-71 but are the same as upto 76(I think).

This leads me to think that this may be an indication that there are possibly frame differences. If I end up having to buy another frame(because I can't use my 2wd frame), I don't want to buy one (say a 68-69) just to find that it needs to be cut and spliced or won't ever work.

I guess to clarify, I was trying to ask if a 72 4X4 gearbox & more specifically 127" wb frame, are different from other years of 4X4s. And what years of frames are useable with my body/bed, without major mods. Will a '73 up work?

Clear as mud now?

6869704X4 · 08-10-2002, 03:53 PM

Can you compare the frames yourself? I used to think that the front of the frames were different but I learned here that they arent. Must have been an optical illusion or something. The difference is in the back. Guys here probably know better than me but some frames splay out and others go straight back. Im wondering what the reason is. Coil vs leaf or something I guess.

**Joesjunk** · 08-10-2002, 07:01 PM

I know a guy here in KC Missouri that has some good bare 4x4 long wheel base frames for sale if you want to start with a good 4x4 frame. PM me and I can give you his number.
Joe

DaHateTank · 08-18-2002, 11:01 PM

You might wanna check out the new 4Wheel & Off Road magazine.

They're converting a '66 2WD to 4WD, and it looks (to me) like pretty simple stuff (if you can weld, and fabricate, at all)

see what you think. You should have all the pieces you need, as far as crossmembers, etc. The front spring hangers, shackle brackets, etc looked pretty elementary, IMO...

-Marty

08-09-2002, 12:13 PM	#1
FrankHoy Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Des Moines, IA Posts: 154	72 1/2 ton 4X4 questions I am in the process of restoring a 72 Cheyenne Fleetside. I have two trucks that I am hoping to create one good 4X4 with. Truck 1: 72 GMC 1/2 ton 4X4 350/auto PS/PB long bed, leaf rear springs Truck 2: 72 Chevy Cheyenne 1/2 ton 2x4 402/auto PS/PB long bed, coil rear springs My desire was to take the Chevy body, box, 402 and put into/on the GMC frame. I have found that the frame on the GMC has more rust than I care to try to fix. So my questions: Can I, somewhat easily(without cutting the 2X4 frame or similar modifications), take the transfer case, axles, springs, mounting brakets etc. from the GMC and use the 2x4 frame or are there major differences betwen the frames and I really need to find another 4X4 frame? If I really need to stay with a 4x4 frame, are there differences in years or perhaps better asked, what years will work? I "know" that the power steering gear box is supposedly different on the 72, than some of the earlier years, but not sure what is different about it (internal workings or bolt on application). If it is the "bolt on application", that makes me believe there may be differences in the earlier frames. I know that they did not make a 4X4 with the 402 engine, are there problems or considerations, in relations to the engine installation? With the exhaust on the 4X4, currently it is single, is it easy to convert to dual? If so, what is the typical path of the passenger side exhaust? I know the transfer case is in the path of how the 2X4 dual exhaust runs. Anything else that I would need to consider in using the 2X4 frame? Any help or suggestions greatly appreciated.[SIZE=1][SIZE=1][SIZE=1] Last edited by FrankHoy; 08-10-2002 at 11:13 AM.

08-10-2002, 03:53 PM	#4
6869704X4 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: SE NM Posts: 769	Can you compare the frames yourself? I used to think that the front of the frames were different but I learned here that they arent. Must have been an optical illusion or something. The difference is in the back. Guys here probably know better than me but some frames splay out and others go straight back. Im wondering what the reason is. Coil vs leaf or something I guess. __________________ The more I learn about women, the more I love my truck.

08-10-2002, 07:01 PM	#5
Joesjunk Senior Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Independence MO. Posts: 7,689	I know a guy here in KC Missouri that has some good bare 4x4 long wheel base frames for sale if you want to start with a good 4x4 frame. PM me and I can give you his number. Joe __________________ 72 3/4t Custom Deluxe 402/auto 66k Original paint 71 3/4t 4x4 Custom Deluxe 10k original miles Original paint 71 3/4t Cheyenne 402 70k original paint 72 3/4t 4x4 Custom deluxe 72 3/4t 4x4 Custom deluxe 91k original paint 72 Cheyenne/30 Dually 69 Camaro SS396 4-speed 13 GMC 2500HD Duramax I bought new 05 Jeep Wrangler "Willys Edition" 12k miles (I bought new) 85 3/4 ton 4x4 Scottsdale 33k miles original paint 86 1 ton 4x4 SRW Silverado 454 restored 80 1 ton 4x4 SRW Silverado 9,434 original miles!! original paint 95 GMC 1 ton dually 4x4 my dad bought new 95 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4, regular cab 454, 31k original miles 2002 2500HD 4x4 regular cab 6.0L 67k miles 2002 2500HD 4x4 regular cab 8.1L 28k miles 2003 GMC 2500HD 4x4 regular cab Diesel 93k miles 67-72 Parts for sale

08-09-2002, 04:39 PM	#2
BigBlockBurris Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Concord,NC,USA Posts: 743	On your gear bow question, it is not a year problem ( 72's are the same as 69's) but it is a 4x4 vs 4x2 problem. Look at the way the pitman arms on each of your boxes and you will see the difference. The difference is in the pitman arms. 4x4 power steering boxes are quite exspensive because the are fairly rare. Hope this helps. BBB

08-10-2002, 11:30 AM	#3
FrankHoy Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Des Moines, IA Posts: 154	BigBlock, I know that the steering is different between the 2wd & 4X4. I have noticed, primarily by reviewing parts catalogs, that 72 PS gear boxes are listed seperately from 67-71 but are the same as upto 76(I think). This leads me to think that this may be an indication that there are possibly frame differences. If I end up having to buy another frame(because I can't use my 2wd frame), I don't want to buy one (say a 68-69) just to find that it needs to be cut and spliced or won't ever work. I guess to clarify, I was trying to ask if a 72 4X4 gearbox & more specifically 127" wb frame, are different from other years of 4X4s. And what years of frames are useable with my body/bed, without major mods. Will a '73 up work? Clear as mud now?

08-18-2002, 11:01 PM	#6
DaHateTank Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Iowa Posts: 119	You might wanna check out the new 4Wheel & Off Road magazine. They're converting a '66 2WD to 4WD, and it looks (to me) like pretty simple stuff (if you can weld, and fabricate, at all) see what you think. You should have all the pieces you need, as far as crossmembers, etc. The front spring hangers, shackle brackets, etc looked pretty elementary, IMO... -Marty



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