A few questions about a 4x4 conversion

[msgross]

Originally Posted by Sinisterspeed

using a 10 bolt in the first place is something I would never do anyway. ....HEY if you want a 35 dollar axle in your truck go ahead forgive me trying to offer any advise.

you know what they say about opinions... everyone's got one.


I have no reason to spend $1500 for a dana60/14 combo. As far as a dana 44 1/2ton and 3/4 ton then your only difference is the spindle, bearings and hubs. axles and steering components are all the same and basically the same as the 10 bolt...


good luck zeusflash with your truck build and the body swap whichever way you decide to roll with it. It will all work anyway...

[Dieselwrencher]

Glad to hear you got it purchased. Good luck with the build!

[special-K]

The reason you can`t get much for a 10-bolt is because there are a zillion out there.They are just as reliable as a Dana44.It was just a matter of producing the axle under the GM roof rather than a jobber.The same thing happened earlier with the use of the 12-bolt rear instead of the D44...cost cutting w/o losing quality.
GM 4.10 4wds have 4.09 front Dana44s.They are virtually the same ratio with,obviously,no problems.There will always be variation in speed from side to side and front to back from turning and differeing traction/rolling resistance wheel to wheel.The system can take it.All 4 tires don`t always wear the same and many never rotate.One manufacturer`s 33(for example)is a different diameter from another and people mix brands all the time.

[zeusflash]

Brought the 72 GMC home today, Put a new mastercylinder on it yesterday and kinda got brakes,left rear wheel cylinder is leaking bad. Fired up and made the 10 mile trip no problem even with iffy brakes. Run,shifts and steers great. Spent good part of the day getting yellowjackets out of truck!!!! Only problem on trip home was one yellowjacket sting. Cleaned out bed,striped out carpet and removed and threw away a bunch of stupid stuff installed by PO. Heres the promised pics. Time to post a WTB thread(top priority stock springs!!!!! has 1 ton rears that are too long on it now).

[milled]

Originally Posted by zeusflash

Brought the 72 GMC home today, Put a new mastercylinder on it yesterday and kinda got brakes,left rear wheel cylinder is leaking bad. Fired up and made the 10 mile trip no problem even with iffy brakes. Run,shifts and steers great. Spent good part of the day getting yellowjackets out of truck!!!! Only problem on trip home was one yellowjacket sting. Cleaned out bed,striped out carpet and removed and threw away a bunch of stupid stuff installed by PO. Heres the promised pics. Time to post a WTB thread(top priority stock springs!!!!! has 1 ton rears that are too long on it now).

Nice buy!

[drivethechevy]

sounds like a good buy, that bed looks pretty dang nice, not to mention the rest of the truck

[desertrat]

Originally Posted by zeusflash

....... removed and threw away a bunch of stupid stuff installed by PO. .

That is always the first step for me as well.

[breeh]

I know that I am bringing up a slightly old post. However, I am curious if you did swap the rearends? It was my understanding that the 2wd leaf perches were slightly wider than the 4x4 perches making it necessary to relocate the perches. I am looking at doing something similiar but have been dragging my feet due to the fabrication work.

[zeusflash]

This project has kind of stalled but my plan is to use the Dana 60 that is currently under the 4x4 chassis. The main reason for this decision is the availability of many gear ratios(HO52 is limited 4.10 and 5.13). I'm not sure about the differences in the spring perches but I'm sure someone will chime in and let you know.

[California gold 68]

Good luck on the build. Starting mine as of this weekend. 1968 c20 sheet metal going on 1977 GMC K2500 frame. My front axle, Dana 44-4.09 gears and my rear axle-GM 14-bolt has 4.10 gears.

[barthmonster]

So Robert,

to convert my '67 Longstep to a 4x4 most easily would be to purchase a complete '67 4x4 longbed truck, correct ? Sounded like converting the original frame was much more work.
I'll need to make sure the wheelbase was the same I guess...

I've heard my 4-speed 2wd truck already has the 'hump' is that correct ??

Thanks a bunch, this board is so helpful

Brad

[msgross]

Originally Posted by barthmonster

So Robert,

to convert my '67 Longstep to a 4x4 most easily would be to purchase a complete '67 4x4 longbed truck, correct ? Sounded like converting the original frame was much more work.
I'll need to make sure the wheelbase was the same I guess...

I've heard my 4-speed 2wd truck already has the 'hump' is that correct ??

Thanks a bunch, this board is so helpful

Brad

I would look for a 71 or 72 long bed 4x4... you will have disc brakes, power steering and an NP205 transfer case with that combo.. and there are a lot more of them to find...

[barthmonster]

thank you. I've located a '67 but it's approximately $1000 plus transporting it about 4 1/2 hours home... Add that to the cost of better brakes up front and you're probably right...

[msgross]

the 67 would have a closed knuckle axle which is basically unable to run disc.. yes you would be spending another few hundred for axles then and for $1,000 it sounds high, unless it's the entire truck!

[barthmonster]

It is for an entire '67 K-10 4x4...

305 Chevy
4-speed trans
SM-465 X-fer case ??
12-bolt rear
Dana 44
Rust...

Sounded like a good deal, since this truck will be for a teenager I figured a 305 would be fine for a cuple of years anyway...

Having to replace the front axle makes it not as good a deal...

[jimbug]

A friend of mine did a 4x4 conversion on a 69 longbed and it was a ton of work! LOTS of frame twist...

Barthmonster, I agree with the Master Seargent, finding a later model adds on all the power goodies! It will also be safer for a younger, lees experienced driver IMHO!
But, there is the appreciation factor of starting off with a POS as your first vehicle! If they get a BMW at 16, then they don't have anything to look forward too

[barthmonster]

What about the frame twist ? do you mean he converted his 2wd frame to 4wd ?? I know that is sometimes done, but I heard the 4x4 frame being used with a 2wd cab was easier...
I was hoping it was a bolt-on affair, even if it is a 'lot of work'... My welding isn't so hot.

These longbed-steppers just look cooler to me up off the ground...

[jimbug]

Yes Barth he took a 2x and slung a solid axle and Tcase under it. I believe he just bolted on all the spring perches and such.... It worked ,but was also ALOT of work. It can be done, but IMHO it is usually cheaper to start with a 4x4 and modify from there. If you take your time and score some parts for free or really cheap it it will be somewhat inexpensive btu a ton of labor and fab work to pull off successfully!

Good luck with the project!

[barthmonster]

I've located a frame and two axles (missing engine cross-memeber but my 2wd one should work) for $300 plus a set of driveshafts, a trans (4-speed) and transfer case for another $200.

Sounds like a good price. Hopefully you guys agree. It's in Wisconsin, about 4 hours away...

[padresag]

4x4 eng crossmembers are an entity to themselves. 2wd eng perches mount on top of the frt crossmember for the frt suspension
ron

[jimbug]

sounds like your on your way!