is a 69 4X4 a good truck - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

griesel72 · 08-21-2004, 05:43 PM

I'm looking at a 69 1/2 ton 4X4 to use as a run around/truck to work on the farm with, and was wondering what i needed to know about them. It is a 350/4 speed. Would this be a decent truck, is a 71-72 a whole lot better?

Thanks
David

*1FaastC10* · 08-21-2004, 08:10 PM

no, all 4x4 chevy trucks suck...

OF COURSE IT WOULD BE GOOD!

Dana 44 front, Eaton(?) rear, 350, probably an SM420/205 IIRC.

griesel72 · 08-21-2004, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1FaastC10

Dana 44 front, Eaton(?) rear, 350, probably an SM420/205 IIRC.

For some reason, i thought that a 69 would have a Rockwell transfer case, and i have had no expirence with them, I also wandered how much of a pain in the butt drum brakes would be

Thanks for the help, 1faastC10

**JIMs70GMC** · 08-21-2004, 09:33 PM

I have drums on my GMC and they are no problem at all w/ 35s. As far as 69/70 split for the 205/rockwell, I'm not sure. I think the sm420 4spd was over in 68, so it should have the sm465.

1969 GMC · 08-22-2004, 12:34 PM

69 1/2 ton 4x4 should have closed knuckle drum braked axle...fine for what you need, David. As stated above, it will have sm465 4 speed, and either a NP205 or Rockwell transfer case. 12 bolt rear axle.

the rockwell is a good transfer...just check the seals, they probably need replaced and check your gear lube often.

the sm420 never came with the NP205, only the rockwell.

griesel72 · 08-22-2004, 01:58 PM

Thanks, Adam and jim, Adam, would you explain closed knuckle vs open knuckle to me? I can always count on you two to help me out.

David

1969 GMC · 08-22-2004, 03:06 PM

David, the knuckles of the axle are probably softball size balls of metal on the closed knuckle axle. the u joint is inside, and there is grease in there too. they seem to leak a lot, but it isnt really that much, just gotta check your diff lube once in a while. these only came with drum brakes from the factory.

the open knuckle axle is newer and generally better. you can see the u joint, and most of these have discs ('70 had drums, tho). but i drove my truck as dd for 11k with the closed knuckles, it did fine except for a couple of times when i drove through deep water and it felt like i had no brakes.

Dr.Jones · 08-23-2004, 06:58 PM

1970 K-10 4x4. I call it the ROADDOG!

Best truck on the block.

08-21-2004, 05:43 PM	#1
griesel72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Howard, Kansas USA Posts: 1,997	is a 69 4X4 a good truck I'm looking at a 69 1/2 ton 4X4 to use as a run around/truck to work on the farm with, and was wondering what i needed to know about them. It is a 350/4 speed. Would this be a decent truck, is a 71-72 a whole lot better? Thanks David __________________ 1969 K10 Custom 10 1997 Z71 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 2006 King Ranch 1980 Wife

08-21-2004, 09:33 PM	#4
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	I have drums on my GMC and they are no problem at all w/ 35s. As far as 69/70 split for the 205/rockwell, I'm not sure. I think the sm420 4spd was over in 68, so it should have the sm465. __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

08-22-2004, 12:34 PM	#5
1969 GMC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: The Rubber City Posts: 5,498	69 1/2 ton 4x4 should have closed knuckle drum braked axle...fine for what you need, David. As stated above, it will have sm465 4 speed, and either a NP205 or Rockwell transfer case. 12 bolt rear axle. the rockwell is a good transfer...just check the seals, they probably need replaced and check your gear lube often. the sm420 never came with the NP205, only the rockwell. __________________ 1969 GMC K2500 1996 Honda Accord 2007 Kawasaki KLR 650

08-22-2004, 01:58 PM	#6
griesel72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Howard, Kansas USA Posts: 1,997	Thanks, Adam and jim, Adam, would you explain closed knuckle vs open knuckle to me? I can always count on you two to help me out. David __________________ 1969 K10 Custom 10 1997 Z71 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 2006 King Ranch 1980 Wife

08-22-2004, 03:06 PM	#7
1969 GMC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: The Rubber City Posts: 5,498	David, the knuckles of the axle are probably softball size balls of metal on the closed knuckle axle. the u joint is inside, and there is grease in there too. they seem to leak a lot, but it isnt really that much, just gotta check your diff lube once in a while. these only came with drum brakes from the factory. the open knuckle axle is newer and generally better. you can see the u joint, and most of these have discs ('70 had drums, tho). but i drove my truck as dd for 11k with the closed knuckles, it did fine except for a couple of times when i drove through deep water and it felt like i had no brakes. __________________ 1969 GMC K2500 1996 Honda Accord 2007 Kawasaki KLR 650

08-21-2004, 08:10 PM	#2
1FaastC10 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 6,399	no, all 4x4 chevy trucks suck... OF COURSE IT WOULD BE GOOD! Dana 44 front, Eaton(?) rear, 350, probably an SM420/205 IIRC.

08-23-2004, 06:58 PM	#8
Dr.Jones Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Westminster, Colorado Posts: 36	1970 K-10 4x4. I call it the ROADDOG! Best truck on the block. Attached Images __________________ 70 K-10 75 CJ-5 90 XJ Smell the Magic!

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