1957 GMC 4x4 frame swap???

[kapawso]

I have a 57 GMC 100 that I am converting to 4x4. My stock frame is tweaked so I want to swap the body and put it on a later model 4x4 frame. What years and models are the best for this swap? It will be a daily driver, not a crawler. I have heard of people using the full size Blazer(mid 70's?) for this but the wheel base seems much shorter. I'm figuring on putting a flat bed on so it will make it easier. Anyone on here have something like this? Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

[GRIMSS]

check out post #177 on this link and ask that guy what he used.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=313194

[57ToyBox]

Originally Posted by GRIMSS

check out post #177 on this link and ask that guy what he used.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=313194

I PMed Dirtygrunt of post #177 Here was his reply on his 4X4 conversion.
By The Way.. thanks for the link GRIMSS

Hey sorry haven't been on here in awhile but as for my truck I used a 76 fullsize 4x4 chevy frame. All I had to do was weld on some frame mounts. I don't know about the s10 frame but some guys use them on two wheel drive models. Hope this helps let me know if you got any other questions.

[kapawso]

Thanks GRIMSS. I messaged him and another guy. I appreciate your help

[57ToyBox]

Originally Posted by kapawso

Thanks GRIMSS. I messaged him and another guy. I appreciate your help

Kapawso
Did you get a reply yet from those PMs??

[GRIMSS]

No problem. Nasty day here so wasting a lot of time on the computer.

[kapawso]

It's nice here. I'm going to get my ass outside and back to work. Didn't mean to rub it in.

[GRIMSS]

Sure don't rub it in. It's only rain, sleet, and snow.

[kapawso]

Can anyone point me to a thread on this topic? I have been searching but have not found anything with details.

[kapawso]

Yes sir! Thanks Diesel. These people on here are great. I really appreciate all the help. I hope to start my own thread when I get my donor truck. I'm hitting craigslist hard! Thanks again

[justcuz]

How bad is the frame? These old frames have straight side rails and are easy to bolt up the axles to. A lot more work to swap the body on a newer frame since all the new ones dip under the cab and will require some work to get everything to line up. Raised cab mounts and such. We did a 58 and it was pretty easy. 72 Blazer axles and transmission and transfer case. Stock springs 3 or 4 in block in the back from a Ford in the wrecking yard. Steering was the biggest deal and after some thinking we used a Dodge 4x4 bracket on the frame that lays a Saginaw PS box on its side for push/pull steering. We used this instead of the Blazer box. As I remember the Dodge sat closer to the frame so there was no tire rub on right hand turns. Another plus is these old springs are thinner leafs and much more flexy than the newer stuff, plus the bushings are easily replacable and have grease fittings.

[renegade6]

Mine is a mod of a stock frame. The steering was taken from a Jeep pickup or wagoneer.

[elpound]

Originally Posted by justcuz

How bad is the frame? These old frames have straight side rails and are easy to bolt up the axles to. A lot more work to swap the body on a newer frame since all the new ones dip under the cab and will require some work to get everything to line up. Raised cab mounts and such. We did a 58 and it was pretty easy. 72 Blazer axles and transmission and transfer case. Stock springs 3 or 4 in block in the back from a Ford in the wrecking yard. Steering was the biggest deal and after some thinking we used a Dodge 4x4 bracket on the frame that lays a Saginaw PS box on its side for push/pull steering. We used this instead of the Blazer box. As I remember the Dodge sat closer to the frame so there was no tire rub on right hand turns. Another plus is these old springs are thinner leafs and much more flexy than the newer stuff, plus the bushings are easily replacable and have grease fittings.

Would you have any pictures of that dodge steering box setup? Getting ready to do a 4x4 conversion and a 57 2 ton.

[kapawso]

my frame is bent enough to warrant something new. I'd be in as much work fixing what I have as it would to fab the body mounts. Plus I would have all the stuff from the donor, steering components, motor, a/c etc hat I want(need) for the build. This route wasn't my 1st idea but it is the one its taken so I'm going with it.