2wd to 4x4 build

[vern350]

why does the burb frame have more room for the diff to move? I guess i have to keep an eye out for 3/4 ton 4x4 p/u mounts and engine crossmember. Another option is to cut the burb frame back where it has the same height and same frame dimensons as the pickup frame and weld the front portion of the burb frame to the pickup frame. Friends of ours have made 2 or 3 of those 4door shortbox trucks.

[1lowdiesel]

why can't you use the whole burban front clip and just z the frame to make everything line up.

[Russell]

I'd reccomend finding a donor 1/2 ton with a 350 to grab the engine crossmember, front crossmember, and engine mounts out of, easier, and less likely to have problems in the future than if you cut and weld the two frames together, unless you are a really good welder.

That, and when you go to insure the thing, the insurance company is going to drag your truck through the coals of a nasty inspection to try and find some excuse not to insure your rig. Thats my biggest battle now that most everything is basically done. My current company won't even consider insuring it, no matter what kind of safety inspection it passes.

[vern350]

Most likely going to have the frame zed by our friends whos done multiple shortbox conversions. Saves having to grid or cut out all the rivits.

[cobinder]

You may have already seen this site. If not heres a link to chassis dimensions, RPO codes and VIN # info.


Lots of info, helped me out tons,
Good luck with your project.


http://www.chuckschevytruckpages.com/framespecs.html
http://www.chuckschevytruckpages.com/73-87specs.html
http://www.chuckschevytruckpages.com...s_1973-87.html

[Russell]

Any updates Vern? I'm starting my swap tommorow...

[vern350]

not awhole lot, bought an 78 stepper yesterday. Probably going to cut off teh front end of the burb with enough room for play. Take the rear axles and rear hangers, and any necessary parts. Room is getting tough to come by now. What swap are you doing again? An 3/4ton 4x4 swap under a stepper?

[Russell]

Actually, 1/2 ton swap under the stepper now, wound up buying a K5 to do the swap...

Eventually put the 3/4 ton stuff I found under the K5 after I get new spring hangers and stuff for it.

[Russell]

Well, looks like its not gonna happen anymore. Outta the blue my buddy just straight up gave up on me, and I'm not gonna spend my time and money on a truck that I'll never use on my own....

I'd rather fix my quad, and have nearly unlimited access on crown land, with a big group of buddies I know well than to have a few hundred kilometers of trails to ride in a fullsize, with a group of people I barely know, and half the time don't even want to be associated with due to their serious alcohol and drug problems.

Yeah, I'm a little annoyed at the moment, I just dropped like 500 bucks on parts for all this, and now I have to try and sell all of it cause he is acting like a 13 year old kid who is afraid of a little elbow grease.

[vern350]

bummer, were you going halves on the truck?

[Russell]

yeah, we did... I'll have to buy out his half of the K5 then sell it.

The fortunate news is that I may have sold my 77... It'll go for between 1500 - 1700 as is, while I've got about 500 into it, lol Not quite done negotiating yet...

[vern350]

getting the front 4x4 frame welded to the rear part of the 2wd pickup frame today. Pictures will be coming tonight. I have been busy with college and other activities, so hopefully things get back up to speed shortly.

[vern350]

i've got the frame cleaned up, just wondering if I should paint it or leave it and have it oiled? I figure if i paint it and then 2 or 3 yrs later if it flakes, water/salt/dirt will be able to build up and rust. What do you think?

[vern350]

I've got the frame painted now, along with the tranny and tcase cleaned up. Next steps are to run fuel lines, and finish the brake lines and then the motor and tranny/tcase will be dropped in. I'll be ordering a 4" lift with in the next couple of days. Any suggestions for a 4" lift?

[84 400]

Wow that looks nice. so you ended up putting the burban front frame on the pickup rear half?? Did you keep the rear pickup setup or swap that for the burban rear suspention

[Russell]

Do a shackle flip out back, and 4" springs up front

[vern350]

its burb up front and pickup in the rear with burb axle. I saw a shackle flip somewhere, i'm going to look into it. It needs new springs in the front so, why not lift it? right?

[vern350]

we'll i got the parts truck home. You may have seen it in the "what have you got done" thread already. Frame is a little weak in the middle, and the missing engine doesn't help.

[vern350]

Motors in and new brakes are installed. Still debating what to do for a lift.

[toomanytoyz]

Gotten any more Done on the Project?

Thanks, Rick

[Slammed66]

Russel

I have 2 SWB 4x4 frames I know of around here , with diffs and ! I can get the T case and drive shafts too... and some beater box sides.....

[Russell]

Now you tell me!

Just sold my stepside, lol

[vern350]

not a whole lot as been happening. Been busy with school, as I have exams in 2 weeks. Got the cab off the shortbox truck and stripped. Its rougher than we want, so where going to look for something else. Not a loss, because the fenders are in excellent shape and i may be able to use the box. My old man and myself are toying of the idea of going down south for a truck or putting my dads 86 scotsdale on it.

[vern350]

finally found a solid truck for a body, minus a cab. Was out for a drive one day and saw this 82 sitting in a driveway without plates, so i went a knocking and here she is. Has got 390,000 kms on it. Body was redone a few years back, southern box, doors, etc. Cab corners, rockers, and mounts are shot. The 350 still runs strong, has got full gauge cluster, 8" rallys to name a few bonus' of the truck. Body work is just around the corner.

[vern350]

its been awhile since i've updated this tread. Truck really hasn't been touched. I now have a very solid cab for it. I just purchased a 6" rough country lift kit for it yesterday. Other projects, school, and work have put this truck on hold. Openfully have it back in the garage within 2 weeks.