Matt's 56 3600 4X4 Build

[mvitale27]

Hey guys,

Some of you may have seen my post in the general forum introducing myself as a new TF owner. Its a 1956 3600 model. Came with no motor/trans.

Plans are 383 Stroker/5 speed with 4X4 conversion. I will be using front/rear ends from a 70's K20.

Also will add power steering, power brakes, A/C, 1 piece windows and possible power door locks and/or windows.

Here is a picture of when I got her last week. Since then I have removed the front clip and cleaned out the interior. I will post more pics in a few days (waiting for my new iphone since I finally broke my 11 year old phone)

[c20pickup]

sweet! was just dreaming of a 4x4 swap myself!

[mvitale27]

Thanks. The thing that will separate my truck for other 4X4's I have seen is the ride height and wheels/tires.

I am not building a crawler or climber. The 4X4 is mainly just for snowy winters in New England. Most guys have raised the rear of their truck about 4 inches to level the ride height. I will be lowering the front of my truck a few inches to level it out. I will also only be using about a 29 inch tire vs the ones I have seen with 35s or bigger.

This way it will still have the functionality of a 4X4 without having that lifted look which I personally am not a huge fan of or that lowered hot rod look which I do like, but serves no purpose in a 4X4.

[mvitale27]

I am getting a little ahead of myself here but I have been pondering motor/tranny/tc mounts and crossmembers.

Originally I was going to use the old style front motor mounts and either a tranny crossmember or a tc mount. Now I realize that leaves no "heavy mount" since I wouldnt be using one on top of the bell housing.

Has anyone fabricated their own side motor mounts to use on the stock front crossmember? If so, what did you use for a tranny mount or tc mount?

I was thinking of fabbing my own side motor mounts, then welding in a tranny crossmember and also fabbing a tc mount similar to OrrieG's.

Any thoughts are welcomed and appreciated.

[mvitale27]

Update: I removed the front clip and finished stripping the firewall. Also the interior is mostly gutted except for the steering column and a few dash knobs. Removed the gas tank from the cab and the heater box and controls as well. Here are a couple pics. More to come...

[c20pickup]

sounds like you've got the same opinion on the "not to big, not to small" type of 4x4. kudos to you!

[OrrieG]

Originally Posted by mvitale27

Thanks. The thing that will separate my truck for other 4X4's I have seen is the ride height and wheels/tires.

I am not building a crawler or climber. The 4X4 is mainly just for snowy winters in New England. Most guys have raised the rear of their truck about 4 inches to level the ride height. I will be lowering the front of my truck a few inches to level it out. I will also only be using about a 29 inch tire vs the ones I have seen with 35s or bigger.

This way it will still have the functionality of a 4X4 without having that lifted look which I personally am not a huge fan of or that lowered hot rod look which I do like, but serves no purpose in a 4X4.

Just for reference my 74 K10 front axle in mounted on the bottom of the original 59 spring pack. It took a 4" lift block under the back stock springs to get the frame level. Removing springs will affect the ride and handling, and with 4wd may allow the front axle to move more than you like. Shocks and brakes ended up being the same as required for the original 74 K10 lifted 4".

[mvitale27]

Originally Posted by OrrieG

Just for reference my 74 K10 front axle in mounted on the bottom of the original 59 spring pack. It took a 4" lift block under the back stock springs to get the frame level. Removing springs will affect the ride and handling, and with 4wd may allow the front axle to move more than you like. Shocks and brakes ended up being the same as required for the original 74 K10 lifted 4".

Thanks for the info Orrie. Leveling out the ride height could prove to be a challenge as I dont want to be too high or too low. And removing springs will definitely mess with the ride and handling. I am trying to think of a unique solution.

[c20pickup]

Originally Posted by mvitale27

Thanks for the info Orrie. Leveling out the ride height could prove to be a challenge as I dont want to be too high or too low. And removing springs will definitely mess with the ride and handling. I am trying to think of a unique solution.

ever put any thought into air bags?? just a suggestion, around here some of the loacal guys who tow big campers and loads of hay put air bags in the rear to level it out. maybe you could do a milder air bag so you have the ride height your looking for and also level it out

[mvitale27]

Here are a few pics of the truck I took a couple weeks ago. 1 is showing the firewall. 2 and 3 show the crappy riveted floor pan repair that will be ripped out. And 4 is showing where I have been storing some parts that have been removed... in the bed for now.

[Fleet '66]

Welcome to the forum. Looks like you've found a good candidate for your 4x4 build and have a plan in mind. There's lots of talent and knowledge on this forum that's always willing to help out so don't be afraid to ask for assistance. Good luck. Keep the pics coming.

[Mater/10]

This is Awesome Im Watchin this one Keep it up bud !

[c20pickup]

Sweet! You wont regret the auto-od, the 208 will also be a good option, 205's are stronger but a 208 will be just fine for your build. Keep up the wrok man. Glad i subbed this build. Will be sweet

[mvitale27]

Here are some pics of the 700r4 and np208. I took the transfer case off the tranny today since I will be bringing the tranny into school to start the rebuild this week.

[mvitale27]

Started the 700r4 rebuild in class last week. Looks good so far but I have only removed the valve body, electrical, etc. I will know more this week as I dive further in and see if any mechanical components have been compromised. I will put up pics once disassembly is complete.

[mvitale27]

Tranny is totally torn down. Ordered my parts today. Got a master overhaul kit, reverse input drum, front pump bushing, extension housing to t-case seal,corvette intermediate servo, and elevated springs for both throttle pressure and main line pressure. Still will need a torque converter, new TV cable, dipstick, and crossmember/mount. I will worry about those when I am getting ready to install. Here are some pics from the tear-down/inspection.

[Purcell69]

Looks like you are making good progress. I am guessing you will be losing the stock steering gear for a GM power steering conversion?

-Joe

[mvitale27]

Originally Posted by Purcell69

Looks like you are making good progress. I am guessing you will be losing the stock steering gear for a GM power steering conversion?

-Joe

Yes, I am going to be getting rid of the stock steering box. I think I am going to use the CPP kit but I want to do some more research on other power steering options.

[mvitale27]

Feel like I am finally making some good progress! Got the new to me front gm 10 bolt mounted under the frame yesterday. It was a big of a struggle to maneuver it because the passenger side hub was frozen. Anyways, got it installed and the front is a solid 4" higher than the rear. I will be mounting the rear gm 14 bolt tomorrow with the Rancho 4" lift blocks. More pics to come!

[OrrieG]

That brings back memories...nice progress.

[mvitale27]

Got the rear installed over the weekend. Only delay I ran into this time was a massive beehive in my frame rail! Here are some pics of the install...

[_Ogre]

after i got my cab sand blasted i took it straight to my painter to have it primered with 2k epoxy
saves the trouble of reblasting to get rid of surface rust and easy to spot sand/grind where you need to weld in panels

[mvitale27]

Originally Posted by _Ogre

after i got my cab sand blasted i took it straight to my painter to have it primered with 2k epoxy
saves the trouble of reblasting to get rid of surface rust and easy to spot sand/grind where you need to weld in panels

That was my original plan but things came up and I got delayed. I have a spray gun so I am thinking of just spraying some epoxy primer on it myself in the next few weeks. Nothing has rusted.... yet!

[Purcell69]

Nice work Matt! I used those same motor and tranny mounts in my 57 before I did the Camaro clip and ultimately the Dodge chassis. They are nice and sturdy.

-Joe

[mvitale27]

Originally Posted by Purcell69

Nice work Matt! I used those same motor and tranny mounts in my 57 before I did the Camaro clip and ultimately the Dodge chassis. They are nice and sturdy.

-Joe

Thanks! I am a little worried about the NP208 hanging off the back of the trans. The TC I have does have this weird bracket that runs from the TC to the bellhousing for some extra support though.