1971 3/4T 4x4 or is it?
 

I'm new to the site and am looking for some assistance in a potential purchase.

I'm looking at buying a 1971 flat bed, 3/4 4x4. It has seen better times but I want it as a beach truck for my commercial fishing business in Alaska. It has a run out 350 with water in the oil, 4 sp and a Spicer decal on the glove box. I was going to buy it but I mentioned to friend who is an old chevy guy that the prior owner said he rebuilt a front wheel cylinder. I checked back with the owner and sure enough, it has front drums not discs which I understand is not the factory option for 1971.

I'm thinking that the body may be the '71 but perhaps the chassis is older? The vin on the inside drivers door jam is KE148Z118205. Is there a vin number location to check on the chassis to see exactly what year/model it is? I have to have at least a 3/4 ton chassis as we routinely haul 4,500lb anchors on the back of our trucks!!! Any other clues to look for to ensure its a 3/4 ton?

If the chassis is a 1971, how much to go with a disc brake front axle or is there a conversion kit to put discs on? If so, who do I check with for parts to swap?

The truck cosmetically not bad for a 35 yr old rig. It has a flat bed on it which is what I need and decent 32" wide tires. He wants 1000.00/offer. I've got a rebuilt sBC 400 on my engine stand or could rebuild the 350 and hope the tranny is fine.

Thanks,

Lance

Re: 1971 3/4T 4x4 or is it?
 

Back again,
I just looked through some threads on this site and found a VIN code listing. Turns out this rig must be a 1968 1/2 and not a '71 3/4 ton!!! It has the 2500 emblems on the cab but those must be incorrect!!! I'll keep looking.......

Lance

Re: 1971 3/4T 4x4 or is it?
 

Want to see pics! :wop:
Aaron

Re: 1971 3/4T 4x4 or is it?
 

All the 3/4 tons will be 8-lug...

Re: 1971 3/4T 4x4 or is it?
 

:agree:

Re: 1971 3/4T 4x4 or is it?
 

It could of just had the cab swaped and that would make the rest of the truck a 71 but the vin would say 68. As for the frame it might of had a frame swap also.

Re: 1971 3/4T 4x4 or is it?
 

Lance...F**ds make better beach trucks...they just LOVE that saltwater...I'm serious...they LOVE it!

Re: 1971 3/4T 4x4 or is it?
 

'71-2 had "Custom 20" on the fenders, the "20" signifies 3/4 ton. '67-8 had a Chev bowtie emblem with the corresponding number (20) underneath it. Plus, the front clips of these trucks looked completely different. Just look around the site and you'll see the differences. Also, as 69TowRig said, 3/4's and up are going to have 8 lugs, whereas 1/2 tons had 6 lugs.

I *believe* that '71's and up all had front discs. I know my dad's old low optioned '71 3/4 4x4 had discs, and I don't ever remember seeing anything about them as an option in the glove compartment. The whole truck could just be a '68.