47-55, 4x4 on stock frame

[Coach529]

Anybody done it?

I have found some pictures, but am looking for a build thread with more info.

Hoping to build a stock frame 3600 at some point.

[OrrieG]

Do you mean using the stock AD frame or stock donor frame like shown in the pic? I used the stock TF frame and spings with donor parts bolted up.

[Coach529]

Originally Posted by OrrieG

Do you mean using the stock AD frame or stock donor frame like shown in the pic? I used the stock TF frame and spings with donor parts bolted up.

The pictures are of a stock AD frame and leaf springs.

[lynx5653]

I haven't seen any build threads on this, but I think the ADs look great as 4x4.
I would assume but could be wrong it would similar to what others have done on task force trucks by bolting axles to original frame.
Good luck with the build

[Coach529]

Found this on Facebook!!

"Original frame. Looks like a factory ride.....rear springs are sitting on top of read axle. Front was shortened down 3 1/2" on left side. All stock suspension. Oh axles are dana 44 front & gm 12 bolt posi in rear.

The engine is a 350, muncie 465 4 speed transmission and a rockwell 221 transfercase. The first front end was a dana 44 out if 68 1/2 ton with the enclosed knuckles which really looked like a stock setup but when I was doing the secound restoration I couldn't find anyone that made the small locking hubs, Selecto was the only one avaiable & besides being bulky they were $400+. So I went with dana 44 out of a 1975 1/2 ton which is open knuckle & ball joints. Also with disk brakes instead of drum which worked out way better with the upgraded power brakes"

[dyno]

I'm just finishing my 58 4x4 build. If the 47-55 frame is the same width as 55-59, you can pull the rear axle, springs and hangers off 73-87 chev truck and bolt it right to the stock frame. I didnt want to go through the hassle of fiddling with the old springs and rebuilding the old style greased bushings. I had to use a shorter leaf spring on the front than the 73-87 had. I think they were off a 72 pickup which were a few inches shorter. Built my own hangers and shackles for the front springs. Worked out really well.

[Trekster]

Great project. I am interested in how this turns out. The 47-53 frames are narrow in the front. New hangers may need to built for the front springs. Good luck.

[53farm]

Still a reader, but haven't posted in awhile.

Coach529--

I had a 3600 that I had dreams of converting to 4x4, but have since sold it...and got a 3100 thats rougher than the 3600 was. Haha, oh well, I realized the 3100 is what I wanted from the start. A friend bought the 3600 though, so hopefully 2 have been saved.

One hang up with a 4x4 AD seemed to me, to be axle width. If it were me, I'd really want to keep the 4x4 axles the same width as the stock 2x4 axles. I'm personally not into the tire sticking out past the fender thing, on old or new trucks. Most later model full sized Chevy truck axles seemed to be too wide. Axles can be narrowed of course, but thats beyond my current skill level, and would cost some dough for sure to have done. I've always owned Jeep Cherokees and if I recall correctly, those axles are close to same width as stock AD axles. Not as beefy as a 3600 axle, but would handle at least a 33" tire (strength wise) no problem...with a 6 cylinder anyway. I'm sure you have, but think about which side the front differential will be on. Most Jeep stuff is drivers side, while I believe most of the Chevy stuff is passenger side. Its pricy, but I'm pretty sure there is an adapter for a Jeep transfer case to the Chevy granny 4 speed. Advance Adapters probably. I'm still learning, but those were a few thoughts I had.

Not 100% sure what the ultimate direction of my 3100 will be, but I'm still interested in a 4x4 AD for sure. You should definitely do the 4x4! And run tall skinny tires. Would be awesome! I've read through your blue 3600 build numerous times. Love it! Good luck!

[Coach529]

I am casually looking for the "Right" truck to start with. Not in a huge hurry, just waiting for the right one to come along. I would prefer a 3600........or even better a 3800. Love those long boxes!!

Hoping to find a survivor like "Henry". I already have a donor truck for the diff's, motor, tranny and transfer case.