Bought a square body, have a few questions... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**68350** · 10-02-2011, 01:32 AM

So I bought a 79 GMC shortox fleetside 4wd today. Has a 454, 4 speed, 205. I have a few questions, someone along the way switched the 10 bolt out for a 12 bolt in the rear, is the 12 bolt narrower than the 10 bolt would have been? I ask because the front end is wider than the rearend. Also, what gears would have been standard on the truck, it was originally a 350 auto truck. I'll have a bunch more questions I'm sure when I start diggin into it. I'll throw up some pics tomorrow sometime, it ain't the prettiest thing, but it runs amazingly and it was 700 bucks.

68Timber · 10-02-2011, 01:45 AM

The 12-bolt should be standard for that year and is probably geared to 3.08.

gchemist · 10-02-2011, 02:43 AM

12 bolts were available to 81 or 82. I swapped my 83 10 bolt for a 12 bolt. The 12 bolt is out of a 77 geared with 3.08s. 12 bolts are stronger than the 10 bolt. All the square bodies have a 1" wider travel path on the front tires than the rear!! You can correct the travel path. All you need is a 5X5 Caddillac or Lincoln rearend. The car rearends also have disc brakes!!

dman1982 · 10-02-2011, 10:03 AM

i was told that the front end was wider so that way if your in a situation where you need to have four wheel drive that the tires wouldnt be in the same exact spot of the hole...not sure how much that inch makes a difference but with some bigger tires its hardly noticable.

juiceman650 · 10-02-2011, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gchemist

12 bolts were available to 81 or 82. I swapped my 83 10 bolt for a 12 bolt. The 12 bolt is out of a 77 geared with 3.08s. 12 bolts are stronger than the 10 bolt. All the square bodies have a 1" wider travel path on the front tires than the rear!! You can correct the travel path. All you need is a 5X5 Caddillac or Lincoln rearend. The car rearends also have disc brakes!!

So you're saying that my RWD square still has a wider travel path in the front than the rear? That's pretty neat,,I've never noticed.
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**68350** · 10-02-2011, 03:25 PM

Well I got her cleaned up, pictures to follow. Needs brake work(adjustment or replacement or ?) as it pulls to the right when you push on them, other than that I'm going to try to figure out what the motor is out of and get a new hood, headlight bezel and marker light.

sethv · 10-02-2011, 04:28 PM

Brakes probably need adjusted. Mine also pulls to the right when I brake, I think the drums need adjusted, but I'm not too worried about it.

Post pics asap

rwhit57 · 10-02-2011, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sethv

Brakes probably need adjusted. Mine also pulls to the right when I brake, I think the drums need adjusted, but I'm not too worried about it.

Post pics asap

I don't think the rear drums would have much to do with the pulling to one side. Normally, that is caused by worn out brake lines on the front.

gofastbobby · 10-02-2011, 08:31 PM

Does the truck have a rpo code sticker im the glovebox still. That can answer a lot of questions. If is there still, snap a picture of it and post it.
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WarBeard · 10-02-2011, 08:46 PM

They all pull to the right under hard braking. Its the way the steering is designed (4X4 only)...

sethv · 10-02-2011, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motomech

They all pull to the right under hard braking. Its the way the steering is designed (4X4 only)...

Good information, I thought my truck was screwed up too

Your41Plague12 · 10-02-2011, 09:48 PM

The truck, whether 4x4 or not, should not pull to the right when the brakes are used. Something is definitely wrong.

rwhit57 · 10-02-2011, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motomech

They all pull to the right under hard braking. Its the way the steering is designed (4X4 only)...

I have never heard of such a thing. What sense would that make?

WarBeard · 10-02-2011, 10:22 PM

If the suspension is stock.When you brake hard the axle moves a little bit closer to the steering box making the wheels turn slightly to the right.

If you are lifted it makes the wheels move to the left. Has to do with push pull steering and the way stock and lifted springs are arched.

It's called brake steer.
Fast forward to 3 min 15 sec. BRAND NEW BLAZER.

MW 1989: Chevrolet K5 Blazer Road Test -...

Your41Plague12 · 10-02-2011, 10:25 PM

It was still messed up. My truck, even lifted, brakes just fine and stays in a straight line. Something is wrong in the braking system, for sure, if it pulls one way when braking.

Prerunner1982 · 10-02-2011, 11:04 PM

I am not sure why the front axle would move to the right when braking.. never heard of such a thing.

WarBeard · 10-02-2011, 11:10 PM

The axle doesnt move to the right..It moves forward due to the arch of the stock spring.

The steering box is located forward of the axle so if you move the axle forward the wheels will turn to the right. The steering shaft off the pitman arm does not expand or contract.

**68350** · 10-02-2011, 11:56 PM

Heres some pics and I still need to do something with the brakes. And it needs a tune-up bad so next weekend is already full of things to do.

Prerunner1982 · 10-02-2011, 11:59 PM

Sorry.. went back and reread that. Must have scanned over it too quickly. Got it now, hard braking causing the front suspension to squat.... cycles the suspension.

sethv · 10-03-2011, 09:23 PM

That truck is awesome

It has the criteria to make a perfect truck... 4x4, big block, stick!

10-02-2011, 01:32 AM	#1
68350 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Williston, ND Posts: 2,999	Bought a square body, have a few questions... So I bought a 79 GMC shortox fleetside 4wd today. Has a 454, 4 speed, 205. I have a few questions, someone along the way switched the 10 bolt out for a 12 bolt in the rear, is the 12 bolt narrower than the 10 bolt would have been? I ask because the front end is wider than the rearend. Also, what gears would have been standard on the truck, it was originally a 350 auto truck. I'll have a bunch more questions I'm sure when I start diggin into it. I'll throw up some pics tomorrow sometime, it ain't the prettiest thing, but it runs amazingly and it was 700 bucks. __________________ 68 Chevy CST/10, 50th Anniversary, 327/th400, 373 posi, buckets 68 GMC Shortbox Stepside, 402/th400, Tilt, Tach, Bucket Seats, 3.08 Positraction 69 Chevy Camaro SS, 383, 4 speed, positraction 70 Chevy El Camino SS396, Triple Black, 454/th400, Tach 70 Chevy Shortbox Stepside 4x4, 350/th350, Tilt, Tach, Cab Lights, Bumper Guards, Tow Hooks 70 Chevy 3/4 Longbox, 350/auto, 70k, SURVIVOR 71 Chevy Blazer, CST, 350/auto 71 GMC Sierra K2500, 454, 4 speed, 4.10 posi, 37s 71 Custom/30, Open Road, 350/th400, tilt 72 Chevy Shortbox Fleetside, 496 Stroker/th400, Tilt, Tach, Bucket Seats, 3.42 Posi 72 GMC Sierra Grande 2500. 427/th400, tilt, a/c, tool and stowage, buckets/console, 3.54 posi

10-02-2011, 01:45 AM	#2
68Timber I know the pieces fit Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: MONTGOMERY, AL Posts: 5,523	Re: Bought a square body, have a few questions... The 12-bolt should be standard for that year and is probably geared to 3.08. __________________ John 79 2wd Blazer (Bruiser) 85 M1009 Blazer (Sarge) build 74 Honda Z50 build

10-02-2011, 02:43 AM	#3
gchemist BAD BOW-Silverado XST Join Date: May 2000 Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX Posts: 6,431	Re: Bought a square body, have a few questions... 12 bolts were available to 81 or 82. I swapped my 83 10 bolt for a 12 bolt. The 12 bolt is out of a 77 geared with 3.08s. 12 bolts are stronger than the 10 bolt. All the square bodies have a 1" wider travel path on the front tires than the rear!! You can correct the travel path. All you need is a 5X5 Caddillac or Lincoln rearend. The car rearends also have disc brakes!! __________________ Gerardo a.k.a. Mad Chemist Silverado XST videos

10-02-2011, 10:03 AM	#4
dman1982 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: jacksonville nc Posts: 1,229	Re: Bought a square body, have a few questions... i was told that the front end was wider so that way if your in a situation where you need to have four wheel drive that the tires wouldnt be in the same exact spot of the hole...not sure how much that inch makes a difference but with some bigger tires its hardly noticable. __________________ Sgt Dennis Heineman USMC Aviation Ordnance I.Y.A.O.Y.A.S 2001-Present 84 K10 2000 trans am ws6 2011 nissan altima 2009 Troy Built with a 42 Inch Deck My LS Swap http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post6559371

10-02-2011, 03:25 PM	#6
68350 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Williston, ND Posts: 2,999	Re: Bought a square body, have a few questions... Well I got her cleaned up, pictures to follow. Needs brake work(adjustment or replacement or ?) as it pulls to the right when you push on them, other than that I'm going to try to figure out what the motor is out of and get a new hood, headlight bezel and marker light. __________________ 68 Chevy CST/10, 50th Anniversary, 327/th400, 373 posi, buckets 68 GMC Shortbox Stepside, 402/th400, Tilt, Tach, Bucket Seats, 3.08 Positraction 69 Chevy Camaro SS, 383, 4 speed, positraction 70 Chevy El Camino SS396, Triple Black, 454/th400, Tach 70 Chevy Shortbox Stepside 4x4, 350/th350, Tilt, Tach, Cab Lights, Bumper Guards, Tow Hooks 70 Chevy 3/4 Longbox, 350/auto, 70k, SURVIVOR 71 Chevy Blazer, CST, 350/auto 71 GMC Sierra K2500, 454, 4 speed, 4.10 posi, 37s 71 Custom/30, Open Road, 350/th400, tilt 72 Chevy Shortbox Fleetside, 496 Stroker/th400, Tilt, Tach, Bucket Seats, 3.42 Posi 72 GMC Sierra Grande 2500. 427/th400, tilt, a/c, tool and stowage, buckets/console, 3.54 posi

10-02-2011, 04:28 PM	#7
sethv Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Bradford, PA Posts: 395	Re: Bought a square body, have a few questions... Brakes probably need adjusted. Mine also pulls to the right when I brake, I think the drums need adjusted, but I'm not too worried about it. Post pics asap __________________ 1981 K10 Scottsdale 305 ci \| TH350 \| NP208 \| 60k miles

10-02-2011, 08:31 PM	#9
gofastbobby Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Kalamazoo, MI Posts: 120	Re: Bought a square body, have a few questions... Does the truck have a rpo code sticker im the glovebox still. That can answer a lot of questions. If is there still, snap a picture of it and post it. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ '76 C10 "BIG10" SWB 454/400 Mostly Stock.

10-02-2011, 08:46 PM	#10
WarBeard Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Show low,az Posts: 808	Re: Bought a square body, have a few questions... They all pull to the right under hard braking. Its the way the steering is designed (4X4 only)... __________________ 1978 C10 Silverado Big 10 350/350.. play toy 1990 V1500 Suburban 350/700r4..Daily driver 1987 K10 Silverado 383/400.. Wife's rig WRECKED! 1989 V2500 Suburban 350/400.. SOLD! 1974 C10 Custom10 LWB 350/350.. SOLD! 1974 C10 Custom10 SWB 350/400.. SOLD! 1999 Silverado Z71 LS1.. Wife's rig WRECKED! On the hunt for a new project....... I'm a Chevy guy.....I'm just not a "NEW" Chevy guy.

10-02-2011, 09:48 PM	#12
Your41Plague12 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 1,009	Re: Bought a square body, have a few questions... The truck, whether 4x4 or not, should not pull to the right when the brakes are used. Something is definitely wrong. __________________ Steve Member of the Foot Pedal Club '83 Chevy K20: 6" Rough Country, 3" Performance Accessories BL, Bushwacker Cutouts, 38x15.50 Mickey Thompson Baja Claws, 350 HP 350 crate engine from Jegs, Turbo 400

10-02-2011, 10:25 PM	#15
Your41Plague12 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 1,009	Re: Bought a square body, have a few questions... It was still messed up. My truck, even lifted, brakes just fine and stays in a straight line. Something is wrong in the braking system, for sure, if it pulls one way when braking. __________________ Steve Member of the Foot Pedal Club '83 Chevy K20: 6" Rough Country, 3" Performance Accessories BL, Bushwacker Cutouts, 38x15.50 Mickey Thompson Baja Claws, 350 HP 350 crate engine from Jegs, Turbo 400

10-02-2011, 11:04 PM	#16
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,904	Re: Bought a square body, have a few questions... I am not sure why the front axle would move to the right when braking.. never heard of such a thing. __________________ Jon 1982 Chevy Silverado 350/th350.... RETIRED 1993 Jeep XJ 2 door(Cherokee) 4wd 4.0ltr/AX-15 (5spd)/NP231 .... Oklahoma Roll Call

10-02-2011, 11:10 PM	#17
WarBeard Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Show low,az Posts: 808	Re: Bought a square body, have a few questions... The axle doesnt move to the right..It moves forward due to the arch of the stock spring. The steering box is located forward of the axle so if you move the axle forward the wheels will turn to the right. The steering shaft off the pitman arm does not expand or contract. __________________ 1978 C10 Silverado Big 10 350/350.. play toy 1990 V1500 Suburban 350/700r4..Daily driver 1987 K10 Silverado 383/400.. Wife's rig WRECKED! 1989 V2500 Suburban 350/400.. SOLD! 1974 C10 Custom10 LWB 350/350.. SOLD! 1974 C10 Custom10 SWB 350/400.. SOLD! 1999 Silverado Z71 LS1.. Wife's rig WRECKED! On the hunt for a new project....... I'm a Chevy guy.....I'm just not a "NEW" Chevy guy.

10-02-2011, 11:56 PM	#18
68350 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Williston, ND Posts: 2,999	Re: Bought a square body, have a few questions... Heres some pics and I still need to do something with the brakes. And it needs a tune-up bad so next weekend is already full of things to do. __________________ 68 Chevy CST/10, 50th Anniversary, 327/th400, 373 posi, buckets 68 GMC Shortbox Stepside, 402/th400, Tilt, Tach, Bucket Seats, 3.08 Positraction 69 Chevy Camaro SS, 383, 4 speed, positraction 70 Chevy El Camino SS396, Triple Black, 454/th400, Tach 70 Chevy Shortbox Stepside 4x4, 350/th350, Tilt, Tach, Cab Lights, Bumper Guards, Tow Hooks 70 Chevy 3/4 Longbox, 350/auto, 70k, SURVIVOR 71 Chevy Blazer, CST, 350/auto 71 GMC Sierra K2500, 454, 4 speed, 4.10 posi, 37s 71 Custom/30, Open Road, 350/th400, tilt 72 Chevy Shortbox Fleetside, 496 Stroker/th400, Tilt, Tach, Bucket Seats, 3.42 Posi 72 GMC Sierra Grande 2500. 427/th400, tilt, a/c, tool and stowage, buckets/console, 3.54 posi

10-02-2011, 11:59 PM	#19
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,904	Re: Bought a square body, have a few questions... Sorry.. went back and reread that. Must have scanned over it too quickly. Got it now, hard braking causing the front suspension to squat.... cycles the suspension. __________________ Jon 1982 Chevy Silverado 350/th350.... RETIRED 1993 Jeep XJ 2 door(Cherokee) 4wd 4.0ltr/AX-15 (5spd)/NP231 .... Oklahoma Roll Call

10-03-2011, 09:23 PM	#20
sethv Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Bradford, PA Posts: 395	Re: Bought a square body, have a few questions... That truck is awesome It has the criteria to make a perfect truck... 4x4, big block, stick! __________________ 1981 K10 Scottsdale 305 ci \| TH350 \| NP208 \| 60k miles



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