Curious on future build?

[Country Suburban 4x4]

Hey guys, anyone know the wheelbase on the '48-'54 Chevy/GMC longbed stepside trucks? Just brainstorming on finding one with a decent body and putting it on a newer 3/4 ton 4x4 chassis with newer engine and trans. Anyone done a swap like this or have any links to one? I think it would be an awesome build.

[mongocanfly]

Wheelbases on the AD trucks are 116, 125.25, and137...as far as putting one on a 4x4 fullsize chassis..yes its been done...but in my opinion they don't look right..later model truck are to wide for the AD truck bodys...I've got one on 4x4 chassis and hate it...its fixin to tun back into 2wd

[mr48chev]

I think If I wanted to put one on a later full size 4x4 chassis I'd get the cab and nose off a 4000 series AD = 1-1/2 or 2 ton that has wider and taller fenders and bigger wheel openings and use it and then find the bed I wanted to run and possibly widen the rear fenders. That would give you a truck that had the right proportions.
It would probably save some money over buying a complete 3/4 ton long bed and swapping stuff too as the bigger trucks are usually pretty reasonable if the engine is dead or gone and the body is still good.

[lynx5653]

TRY a 4x4 s10 and beef up the suspension ,box the frame just a thought.

[Country Suburban 4x4]

Id consider a 4000 series but would like to stick with the 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton body. I wouldn't be opposed to a 4x4 s10 with a boxed frame, I definitely want to stick with the longbed stepside if that would still work though. This wouldn't be a purpose built offroader, but I'd like it to be able to go anywhere i need in Vermont, while having an upgraded drivetrain so i could possibly daily drive?? Thinking about newer fuel injected V8, a decent 4 or 5 speed manual tranny, Dana 60's and front and rear lockers (something like Ox Lockers or similar.) while keeping the truck slightly lifted mainly going for functionality. I've thought about looking into the NAPCO 4x4's but I'd rather build a truck instead of risk hurting a rarer one like the NAPCO's... I guess I'm just not sure what platform to build from.

[Country Suburban 4x4]

I'd like to find a truck like this and then try to keep it with this level of "Patina" and just build a strong old truck with some modern reliability.

[mongocanfly]

Just so you'll know countryburb..all the AD cabs are the same..from the 1/2 to the 2 ton trucks...only diff is the front fenders and hood on the 1 1/2t and up..like m48 says would be a much better choice for a 4x4 build..the s10 option is one i considered as well as using jeep axles...like I said before I've got mine on 3/4 ton and it didnt turn out the way I wanted so its going back to 2wd

[mongocanfly]

This is what the large truck front end looks like...