72 GMC 4x4 rebuild

[1985-GMC]

That looks really nice!

[Mr-Jack]

Originally Posted by Crumley

I also installed a new adjustable offset drag link. The stock one was on a steep angle due to the instillation of the 6" lift. Trying to eliminate bump steer.

Here are some pictures:

Where'd you get your drag link from...do you have any specs on this? i'm lifting my truck and need something like this...thanks

Jack

[Crumley]

Mr-Jack:

The offset drag link came from 4 Wheel Parts Wholesalers. They have quite a number of stores around the US. I called one closest to me and found out they had one is stock. I drove over to the store and picked it up. It works great. If you need offset specs, let me know I will will measure the one I have.

[Mr-Jack]

if you can measure that would be awesome...looks like a 3" drop drag link just from eye balling it. but better safe than sorry, also do you know what rod ends those are? i'm lifting mine 6-7 inches and will most definately need something like this. Is that adjustable too?

[Crumley]

Mr-Jack:

The drag link has an offset of 3-1/2" center to center. The tubing is 1-1/4" OD with thread ends. It has heavy duty rod ends. It is adjustable. The rod ends have zerk fittins for greasing.

With the 6" lift, raised steering arm and offset drag link, it drive and steers quiet nicely atleast for an old streight axle pickup. Very little to no bump steer. The only complaint I can come up with is the Grant 13-1/2" steering wheel is to small. I will be upgrading to a larger 15-16 inch steering wheel in the future.

[jimmypop]

Originally Posted by Crumley

More pictures of it in the shop with the cowel cover on.

Regular work has been slow (been working 24 hour work weeks) so money is short.

I am having to save up the cash to get the windshield and back window installed. I feel this process is best saved for someone that doest it everyday.

Your Truck looks great!

what year hood are you using?

[Crumley]

Jimmypop:

It is a 67-68 chevrolet hood. If the 67-68 hood is used on a 69-72 model the hood bump stops will need to be relocated.

[Crumley]

Mr-Jack:

These pictures of the offset draglink are for you. I hope the picture with all of the writing on it make since. The pitman arm is stock If you have questions drop me a line or two, to help clarify.

[Mr-Jack]

looks good. i've located the drag link at 4wheelparts.com did that raised steering arm come with a lift kit? and looks like you're running the stock 1/2 ton 10 bolts front and rear right? Thanks again for taking the time to measure that drag link Crumley!

Jack

[msgross]

Mr Jack,

There is a raised steering arm for sale on the parts board if you need one... do a search and you'll find it...

[Mr-Jack]

Originally Posted by msgross

Mr Jack,

There is a raised steering arm for sale on the parts board if you need one... do a search and you'll find it...

sweet...i just responded to it!

Jack

[Crumley]

Well after lots of rotory fileing, cutting and adjusting I got the new aftermarket tail gate trial fit. Not impressed, very flimsey metal. I am afraid to breath on it because it might make a dent. The metal is just a little thicker then aluminum foil.

For now, I will run the after market talegate until I can repair the factory one. For the picture hounds out there here ya go:

[Crumley]

Mr-Jack:

The truck has the factory front and rear 1/2 ton axles. The front is a 10 bolt axle and the rear is a 12 bolt axle.

[Mr-Jack]

cool...you have any plans for a front bumper, or you gonna leave it open? I think it looks pretty good without it actually. i've seen a few lifted classic chevy trucks running on front bumpers and they look pretty nice. It's making my decision to leave mine or take it off that much harder

[Crumley]

Update on the truck build: Sorry I haven't been posting much. I have been pulling my hair out working on an 1980 corvette.

Mr Jack: I will eventually install the front bumper. The origional one has a few dents in it. They will need to be heated up and knocked out. I will sand the chrome plateing off and paint it silver like the back bumper. Or I will save money and buy a new aftermarket chromed one....

Well I finally got the tailgate painted and installed on the truck. I also installed the wide tail gate molding. I am currently debating installing the upper molding.

The old truck now has approx 1000 miles on it since the build. Luckly I have only had a few minor problems. It is probably getting about 11-12MPG, but who cares it is a awsome truck.

[1985-GMC]

The truck looks prefect man good work!

[Garys57]

I just came across your build thread and read it start to finish. You did a great job and the truck is the best!

To be truthful, I was never a huge fan of long wheelbase pickups.........but
I gotta say I would love to have it parked in my driveway. Congrats on all
the great work you did and to have a finished product like you got is nothing
but the best !

Hope you enjoy it to the max and drive it as much as you can !
Good luck !

[Crumley]

Thank you Garys 57.

I had alot of fun working on it. I am currently looking for another project car/truck to work on. The corvette is an absoulute pain in the a$$ to work on and everthing is expensive to buy. I have lost interest in it.

If I where to do the 72 GMC again I wouldn't put the 6" lift under it. It looks awsome with the lift, but it is a pain climbing into it, especially on a hill.

[j.kirn]

Very nice truck indeed great work

[lycominghunter]

sweet!!

[JPCY72]

how does it ride compared to stock with the lift?

[Crumley]

The lift springs are stiffer then the stock ones, so it is is a little more harsh while traveling over bumps. With the 6" lift it actually drives decient not as good as it does at the factory height. It tends to wonder in turns. Requiring more steering wheel input.

[RShaips]

Love your truck build! I am in the process of a 72 Jimmy 4wd body off build. I really like that hood on there. Was the only thing you needed to change was the bump stops? I may want to do that with mine. Awesome build, really like it. I had a 6" lift on mine and really had a tough time getting it to drive right. I think I will put a 4" lift on when it goes back together. Thanks for the post, nice job.

[Crumley]

RShaipes:

Thank you for the truck compliment. The hood is off a 67-68 chevy/GMC pickup. Try and find one that doesn't have the trim holes in it.

There is a little more to do then relocating the hood pads. All of the rivits holding the top chrome trim on will need to be drilled out. This chrome piece will need to be removed. The origional pad brackets will need to have some extensions welded on to move the pad to the new location. Some angle brackets will need to be bent to attach the grill to the latch assembly

Attached are a few pictures, hope this helps. Feel free to ask any questions you might need.

Please overlook all of the dust on the latch assembly. The truck has been sitting awhile in my shop.

[RShaips]

That doesn't look too tough to do. Thanks for the close up pics. Can you take a close up of the grill and how it meets the hood. The gap between the hood and grill is what i am wanting to see. You also did not put the trim on the fenders either? I like the look, the last truck i did was a 67 SB 2WD and I love the front end on it, but I really like yours!