68 chevy SWB 2wd to 4wd Questions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

JACKED86K5 · 05-21-2008, 01:35 AM

Im new to this site and I've been browsing around a little. I may not have really searched the right phrases but I'm trying to find some info on a 2wd to 4wd conversion. Im using a 68 chevy SWB as the project truck. I have a 72 Chevy blazer with all of the 4wd still intact minus transfer case to use for my donor parts truck. Ive measured the rear of these two frames and i noticed that the 68 2wd narrows to the same width as the Blazers width. BUT the 2wd frame gets wider as you move towards the front of the truck, just passed the rear axle. Is this even worth trying or am i overlooking something. Thanks for any input you have in advance. Again, sorry if there is already a thread with this information, a link to it would be great!

EDIT.....STILL USING THE TRUCK FRAME

Mudder · 05-21-2008, 04:10 AM

You will find more info here in this forum than the 2wheel drive forum.

*FormerMember* · 05-21-2008, 05:04 AM

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GMCMAX · 05-21-2008, 06:54 AM

Your 2wd got coils or rear leaf? I did my 68 GMC lwb with 70 K5 running gear. I had rear leaf already, was a few obstacles, but wasn't too bad. At least with a donor you'll have the brackets and mounts available.

JACKED86K5 · 05-21-2008, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMCMAX

Your 2wd got coils or rear leaf? I did my 68 GMC lwb with 70 K5 running gear. I had rear leaf already, was a few obstacles, but wasn't too bad. At least with a donor you'll have the brackets and mounts available.

thats exactly what i was thinking. I have them right next to each other, so i figured it could just transfer from one truck to another. I have coils in the rear at the moment. I was just curious if the small frame "flare" at the rear axle area was going to pose a problem. Im new at this, and i havent taken the bed off of the truck yet to get some EXACT measurements, which is probably my first issue. To get some exact dimensions. Thank GRENDEL and GMCMAX for your time and information.

*FormerMember* · 05-21-2008, 04:06 PM

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JACKED86K5 · 05-22-2008, 12:18 AM

Grendel: I have coils in the back also. thats why im saying the back is gonna be a bigger problem. Is it easier to just lengthen the blazer frame!!???

*FormerMember* · 05-22-2008, 12:19 AM

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JACKED86K5 · 05-22-2008, 12:38 AM

yea i dont know what would be the best thing to do. i keep finding damn 4wd to 2wd conversions lol. I really would like to keep away from stretching or shortening a frame. if thats what i have to do then so be it, just looking for some direction really. if anyone has any pics of how the rear is set up that would be great(i am picturing it to be simple, i just wanted to have a definite answer). Im definitley going with leaf springs, i was just getting that info outabout the coil setup. thanks man. im still browsing around

*FormerMember* · 05-22-2008, 01:30 AM

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GMCMAX · 05-22-2008, 06:53 AM

Can't help on the rear, but the front was pretty easy; knocked the 2wd radiator supports off and bolted the 4wd ones on, I heated and flattened the e-brake dimples then drilled and bolted the spring mounts. Had good luck drilling the rivets out. Center punch, pilot drill, then drill with like 3/8 to pop the head, used air punch to finish. Took longer, but I quit with the torch when I nicked the frame........
Here's the rear 2wd frame:

JACKED86K5 · 05-22-2008, 01:16 PM

GMCMAX: Those are the pics ive been trying to find. So you just bolted the 4x4 brackets right to the 2wd frame? Is that truck up and driving and useable in the pics? Thank you again.

GMCMAX · 05-23-2008, 06:00 AM

JACKED: yeah, for the front axle, the front spring mount is integral with the radiator mount and will bolt in place of the 2wd radiator mount with the addition of 2 more holes.
The front axle rear spring mount goes about where the e-brake dimples on the frame are. Get the measurement between the mounts from the blazer frame. You'll have to flatten or drill the dimples away (see grendel's pictures) then drill for the bolts.
My 2wd rear axle was already on leaf springs, so I only had to add 4" blocks to bring the rear up to the stock height of the 4X4 front.
In the pics, it was up and running, I had just pulled the pickup bed to put a flatbed on.
Those shiny bolts you see at the rear was from adding a 4" lift to the truck; I already had 4" rear blocks, and to get another 4", I lowered the spring mount instead of a shackle flip..........
Sorry no pics of the front, I didn't have a camera when I did the swap. It took about the 2 weeks I took off at Christmas that year.
Max

*FormerMember* · 05-23-2008, 06:42 AM

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bad421 · 05-24-2008, 06:02 AM

i'd just lenghten the blazer frame.

JACKED86K5 · 05-27-2008, 06:17 PM

Talked to a friend at Hibbards Iron works today. Quickest and easiest way is to lengthen the blazer frame. It will be as strong if not STRONGER than stock. Which is exactly what i wanted to hear. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR FEEDBACK.

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earl87gta · 05-29-2008, 08:20 PM

I would do it like ABhaler did to his burb in the back he just moved the rear axle from on top the rear control arms to below them it was an instent lift for the truck he then used the front spring hangers from a 4x4 for the front check out his web site here it tells you all about how he did it. http://www.geocities.com/scbeoffroad...ted/index.html

msgross · 05-31-2008, 05:23 PM

you're comparing a blazer frame to a truck frame? that might be some difference....

JACKED86K5 · 06-01-2008, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by msgross

you're comparing a blazer frame to a truck frame? that might be some difference....

Yea i know there are differences. I was trying to figure out WHAT the differences were so i can address them. but now that i have a fabricator to take car if this, it shouldnt be an issue.

lowriderz · 11-06-2009, 03:26 AM

So if i read this right i can take a 2 wheel drive frame and change over to 4 wheel drive if i take my time ??? I am new to this site and where i am from there is not alot of these trucks left laying around. I can find 2 wheel drive frames but i want a 4x4 .
If there is another thread to changing a 2 wheel drive to 4 wheel drive can some one point me there . Thanks

csa daddy · 11-06-2009, 11:14 AM

ok freind of mines grand father took a blazer frame an what he did was move the rear spring hangers back. i think a couple of inches of the back of the bed set past the frame rails make som custom bumper mounts an let it go

70 aquamarine · 01-09-2010, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMCMAX

JACKED: yeah, for the front axle, the front spring mount is integral with the radiator mount and will bolt in place of the 2wd radiator mount with the addition of 2 more holes.
The front axle rear spring mount goes about where the e-brake dimples on the frame are. Get the measurement between the mounts from the blazer frame. You'll have to flatten or drill the dimples away (see grendel's pictures) then drill for the bolts.
My 2wd rear axle was already on leaf springs, so I only had to add 4" blocks to bring the rear up to the stock height of the 4X4 front.
In the pics, it was up and running, I had just pulled the pickup bed to put a flatbed on.
Those shiny bolts you see at the rear was from adding a 4" lift to the truck; I already had 4" rear blocks, and to get another 4", I lowered the spring mount instead of a shackle flip..........
Sorry no pics of the front, I didn't have a camera when I did the swap. It took about the 2 weeks I took off at Christmas that year.
Max

so where did u get the donor springs and axels for your conversion ?
could i use brackets/springs and axels from 73-87 model ?
also what did you do for the transfercase and bracket ?

GMCMAX · 01-17-2010, 12:19 AM

I bought it all from someone that did a 4X4 to 4X2 swap on a blazer; axles, springs, trans/tcase, crossmembers, and steering box. Front spring brackets from a totalled 70 in the junkyard.

05-21-2008, 01:35 AM	#1
JACKED86K5 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Gloucester Va Posts: 24	68 chevy SWB 2wd to 4wd Questions Im new to this site and I've been browsing around a little. I may not have really searched the right phrases but I'm trying to find some info on a 2wd to 4wd conversion. Im using a 68 chevy SWB as the project truck. I have a 72 Chevy blazer with all of the 4wd still intact minus transfer case to use for my donor parts truck. Ive measured the rear of these two frames and i noticed that the 68 2wd narrows to the same width as the Blazers width. BUT the 2wd frame gets wider as you move towards the front of the truck, just passed the rear axle. Is this even worth trying or am i overlooking something. Thanks for any input you have in advance. Again, sorry if there is already a thread with this information, a link to it would be great! EDIT.....STILL USING THE TRUCK FRAME Last edited by JACKED86K5; 06-17-2008 at 08:08 PM.

05-21-2008, 04:10 AM	#2
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	Re: 68 chevy SWB 2wd to 4wd Questions You will find more info here in this forum than the 2wheel drive forum.

05-21-2008, 05:04 AM	#3
FormerMember Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 3,051	Re: 68 chevy SWB 2wd to 4wd Questions ... Last edited by FormerMember; 04-02-2009 at 04:04 PM.

05-21-2008, 06:54 AM	#4
GMCMAX Active Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Lower Mid-East Ca. Posts: 326	Re: 68 chevy SWB 2wd to 4wd Questions Your 2wd got coils or rear leaf? I did my 68 GMC lwb with 70 K5 running gear. I had rear leaf already, was a few obstacles, but wasn't too bad. At least with a donor you'll have the brackets and mounts available. __________________ Never try to teach a pig to sing; it wastes your time and annoys the pig! Gets More Chicks My lugnuts require more torque than your honda makes! 68 GMC, 4X4 conversion w/73 k20 running gear and springs, 350 4spd, 4.10's, D44 powerlok front, 14BFF govlock rear, 33" tires, lifted 4".

05-21-2008, 04:06 PM	#6
FormerMember Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 3,051	Re: 68 chevy SWB 2wd to 4wd Questions ... Last edited by FormerMember; 04-02-2009 at 04:04 PM.

05-22-2008, 12:18 AM	#7
JACKED86K5 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Gloucester Va Posts: 24	Re: 68 chevy SWB 2wd to 4wd Questions Grendel: I have coils in the back also. thats why im saying the back is gonna be a bigger problem. Is it easier to just lengthen the blazer frame!!???

05-22-2008, 12:19 AM	#8
FormerMember Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 3,051	Re: 68 chevy SWB 2wd to 4wd Questions ... Last edited by FormerMember; 04-02-2009 at 04:04 PM.

05-22-2008, 12:38 AM	#9
JACKED86K5 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Gloucester Va Posts: 24	Re: 68 chevy SWB 2wd to 4wd Questions yea i dont know what would be the best thing to do. i keep finding damn 4wd to 2wd conversions lol. I really would like to keep away from stretching or shortening a frame. if thats what i have to do then so be it, just looking for some direction really. if anyone has any pics of how the rear is set up that would be great(i am picturing it to be simple, i just wanted to have a definite answer). Im definitley going with leaf springs, i was just getting that info outabout the coil setup. thanks man. im still browsing around Last edited by JACKED86K5; 05-22-2008 at 12:40 AM.

05-22-2008, 01:30 AM	#10
FormerMember Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 3,051	Re: 68 chevy SWB 2wd to 4wd Questions ... Last edited by FormerMember; 04-02-2009 at 04:04 PM.

05-22-2008, 06:53 AM	#11
GMCMAX Active Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Lower Mid-East Ca. Posts: 326	Re: 68 chevy SWB 2wd to 4wd Questions Can't help on the rear, but the front was pretty easy; knocked the 2wd radiator supports off and bolted the 4wd ones on, I heated and flattened the e-brake dimples then drilled and bolted the spring mounts. Had good luck drilling the rivets out. Center punch, pilot drill, then drill with like 3/8 to pop the head, used air punch to finish. Took longer, but I quit with the torch when I nicked the frame........ Here's the rear 2wd frame: __________________ Never try to teach a pig to sing; it wastes your time and annoys the pig! Gets More Chicks My lugnuts require more torque than your honda makes! 68 GMC, 4X4 conversion w/73 k20 running gear and springs, 350 4spd, 4.10's, D44 powerlok front, 14BFF govlock rear, 33" tires, lifted 4". Last edited by GMCMAX; 05-22-2008 at 07:09 AM. Reason: added pics

05-22-2008, 01:16 PM	#12
JACKED86K5 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Gloucester Va Posts: 24	Re: 68 chevy SWB 2wd to 4wd Questions GMCMAX: Those are the pics ive been trying to find. So you just bolted the 4x4 brackets right to the 2wd frame? Is that truck up and driving and useable in the pics? Thank you again. Last edited by JACKED86K5; 05-22-2008 at 01:17 PM.

05-23-2008, 06:00 AM	#13
GMCMAX Active Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Lower Mid-East Ca. Posts: 326	Re: 68 chevy SWB 2wd to 4wd Questions JACKED: yeah, for the front axle, the front spring mount is integral with the radiator mount and will bolt in place of the 2wd radiator mount with the addition of 2 more holes. The front axle rear spring mount goes about where the e-brake dimples on the frame are. Get the measurement between the mounts from the blazer frame. You'll have to flatten or drill the dimples away (see grendel's pictures) then drill for the bolts. My 2wd rear axle was already on leaf springs, so I only had to add 4" blocks to bring the rear up to the stock height of the 4X4 front. In the pics, it was up and running, I had just pulled the pickup bed to put a flatbed on. Those shiny bolts you see at the rear was from adding a 4" lift to the truck; I already had 4" rear blocks, and to get another 4", I lowered the spring mount instead of a shackle flip.......... Sorry no pics of the front, I didn't have a camera when I did the swap. It took about the 2 weeks I took off at Christmas that year. Max __________________ Never try to teach a pig to sing; it wastes your time and annoys the pig! Gets More Chicks My lugnuts require more torque than your honda makes! 68 GMC, 4X4 conversion w/73 k20 running gear and springs, 350 4spd, 4.10's, D44 powerlok front, 14BFF govlock rear, 33" tires, lifted 4".

05-23-2008, 06:42 AM	#14
FormerMember Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 3,051	Re: 68 chevy SWB 2wd to 4wd Questions ... Last edited by FormerMember; 04-02-2009 at 04:05 PM.

05-24-2008, 06:02 AM	#15
bad421 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 411	Re: 68 chevy SWB 2wd to 4wd Questions i'd just lenghten the blazer frame. __________________ ASE MASTER TECH 1968 K10 LT1 350,SM420,T-221 lwb fleetSold 2007 Ford Ranger DD 2000 Ford F250SD V10 4x4 1968 Pontiac Firebird 468/TH400 current project 1991 Dodge W350 SRW CUMMINS POWERED Whole lotta fuel and a whole lotta Smoke

05-27-2008, 06:17 PM	#16
JACKED86K5 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Gloucester Va Posts: 24	Re: 68 chevy SWB 2wd to 4wd Questions Talked to a friend at Hibbards Iron works today. Quickest and easiest way is to lengthen the blazer frame. It will be as strong if not STRONGER than stock. Which is exactly what i wanted to hear. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR FEEDBACK. You must be a subscriber to post "for sale" items. Last edited by LONGHAIR; 06-01-2008 at 03:04 PM. Reason: removed FS



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05-29-2008, 08:20 PM	#17
earl87gta Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Kingsport TN Posts: 4,641	Re: 68 chevy SWB 2wd to 4wd Questions I would do it like ABhaler did to his burb in the back he just moved the rear axle from on top the rear control arms to below them it was an instent lift for the truck he then used the front spring hangers from a 4x4 for the front check out his web site here it tells you all about how he did it. http://www.geocities.com/scbeoffroad...ted/index.html __________________ Earl 68 2500 4x4 GMC Burb

05-31-2008, 05:23 PM	#18
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: 68 chevy SWB 2wd to 4wd Questions you're comparing a blazer frame to a truck frame? that might be some difference.... __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer"

11-06-2009, 03:26 AM	#20
lowriderz Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Red Deer AB , Canada Posts: 43	Re: 68 chevy SWB 2wd to 4wd Questions So if i read this right i can take a 2 wheel drive frame and change over to 4 wheel drive if i take my time ??? I am new to this site and where i am from there is not alot of these trucks left laying around. I can find 2 wheel drive frames but i want a 4x4 . If there is another thread to changing a 2 wheel drive to 4 wheel drive can some one point me there . Thanks

11-06-2009, 11:14 AM	#21
csa daddy Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: evington,va Posts: 1,206	Re: 68 chevy SWB 2wd to 4wd Questions ok freind of mines grand father took a blazer frame an what he did was move the rear spring hangers back. i think a couple of inches of the back of the bed set past the frame rails make som custom bumper mounts an let it go Last edited by csa daddy; 11-06-2009 at 11:15 AM.

01-17-2010, 12:19 AM	#23
GMCMAX Active Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Lower Mid-East Ca. Posts: 326	Re: 68 chevy SWB 2wd to 4wd Questions I bought it all from someone that did a 4X4 to 4X2 swap on a blazer; axles, springs, trans/tcase, crossmembers, and steering box. Front spring brackets from a totalled 70 in the junkyard. __________________ Never try to teach a pig to sing; it wastes your time and annoys the pig! Gets More Chicks My lugnuts require more torque than your honda makes! 68 GMC, 4X4 conversion w/73 k20 running gear and springs, 350 4spd, 4.10's, D44 powerlok front, 14BFF govlock rear, 33" tires, lifted 4".

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