AD 4x4 swap questions

[BigBlocksRule]

I have owned a '54 GMC - in pieces - for several years. I recently snagged a bunch of '54 Chevy stuff including a good cab, fenders, grill, bed, etc. - everything I need to complete this project plus a bunch of spare parts. Along with the deal that got me the Chevy stuff was a straight '79 K-5 Blazer. I already own a '77 in the same condition - straight, but no engine or tranny. I really want to give both of the K-5's to my two sons (20 and 22), they've helped me a lot on all my projects and I kinda want to give something back to 'em and work on a massive father - sons project. Trick is, everything has to be 4x4 or I'm not going to mess with it.
I already own a straight '78 SWB 4x4 chassis and I think that's what I want to mount the '54 stuff on. We're probably going to jack the K-5's about 4" - 6", so I want the same lift/look on the '54. We're not die-hard rock crawlers or mudders, just want to build some fun trucks for playing in.
I've seen several pics of 4x4 AD trucks, but no build threads or other info. I know that this shortbed frame is just a bit shorter than the AD, but I should have plenty of room to move hangers forward and rearward to get the wheels just where I want 'em.

I need inexpensive, it's already gonna cost me a couple of 454 cores to get this done, my sons said they're not going 4x4 unless we go with big blocks. I just happen to have a pump gas 565 on an engine stand along with a couple of 14-bolt full floater rearends and an NP205 transfer case and 4L70E tranny for the '54 and have a line on a Dana 60 for the front . The boys will be sticking with Dana 44/Chevy 10-bolt fronts, but we'll drop 14-bolt semi-floater rearends in 'em for durability.

Anyone who has links or other info, I'd sure appreciate hearing about 'em.

[OrrieG]

You might want to post in the 4x4 section too. My only comment is that it is very doable if you don't have a problem with the tires sticking out beyond the fenders. On my TF swap I have tried to keep the tires inside the fenders to keep the rocks and stuff from beating up the paint. Everything else is just adjusting the rear axle to center the wheel openings, modifying the dash for the BB and figuring out the conflicts between steering, headers, clutch and frame. Make sure you search and read the threads about aligning AD cabs, hoods and fenders, there are specific things you need to do in order to get the hood the set right. Good luck and post pics as you go.

[BigBlocksRule]

Thanks for the info, I'll check in the 4x4 section.

[winchster]

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=383147

I'm making some slow progress but I've been researching for a couple of years. If you need anything let me know. Being from the Lubbock area myself, welcome aboard.

[Gene Sharp]

it is fairly easy
Hardest thing is making your mounts

Gene

[bajabob]

Any chance of talking you into checking out the NAPCO stuff. Not sure how the bb would play into it but there is still Napco axles and transfer cases out there that can be picked up for a reasonable amount...

[BigBlocksRule]

Since I'm kinda out of a frame, I think I'll do the frame swap. I kinda like the way it looks like it's had a body lift anyway I have a rearend that will stick out of the fenders the same distance as the front, so it'll look the same front and back.

[49ZR2]

Have you considered building on a s10 / ZR2? I'm happy with the way mine came together with a stock 4.3 automatic. It's not a big block but it's enough power for me. And it seems to go a long way on a tank of gas.

[BigBlocksRule]

Hadn't thought of that - good looking truck!

[Steve@OldSub.com]

Originally Posted by 49ZR2

Have you considered building on a s10 / ZR2? I'm happy with the way mine came together with a stock 4.3 automatic. It's not a big block but it's enough power for me. And it seems to go a long way on a tank of gas.

I'm actually collecting pieces to do something inbetween your two trucks.

I'm using an '87 S-10 117 inch 4x4 frame and running gear with a 454/TH400 and the transfer case that came with the 454.

I recognize my axles are really not stout enough for the power plant, but this is a mild 454 and I won't be rock crawling or racing. And I do have a full extra set of differentials.

My plan is that it will be a '54 GMC when finished though I have a '54 Chevy cab that would be a little less work.

My objective is a fun driver for those days when weather makes 4x4 attractive and something short that will move my trailer around my crowded yard. I do not intend to use it to tow off my own place.

[49ZR2]

My objective was also a fun driver that looks like a farm truck. Don't really care about 4 wheelin, just like the looks. The paint and finish is grand kid friendly. They love crawling in it! Future builders? My trucks base is a 2000 ZR2 extended cab short bed pickup. I left the 123" wheel base alone and purchased a 3/4 ton bed, running boards & skirts and shortened them a few inches to fit. The stock running gear and wheel base make for a nice ride.

For those of you who don't think the 4.3 doesn't have enough power, look at the pieces of my transfer case and drive shaft.

I tromped on the gas while rolling along at 30 mph. It was the biggest explosion, scared the crap out of me and my passengers! In the mirror I saw pieces laying in the road. 350 road tested miles then boom. There was a small dent in the drive shaft but no vibration even at 70mph.

[BigBlocksRule]

Are you guessing the driveshaft snapped and took out the xfer case?
I rebuild a 4.3 several years ago, did a little port work on the heads and put a cam in it. It would burn some tires for a little fella!

[49ZR2]

The transfer case seems to be ok. The adapter plate between the trans and transfer case was in pieces and the tail section broke. I replaced both and am looking for a new drive shaft at the moment.

[OrrieG]

That drive line looks like it was made out of pop can material!

[Steve@OldSub.com]

If I remember right you started with a wrecking yard truck meaning it is likely this truck was in an accident at some point. I wonder if the accident created a fault in that adapter that lead to its failure. Then the drive shaft failed as the transfer case started moving around.

Just guessing since I obviously don't know all the details.

Gives me pause to ponder. The engine, trans and transfer I'm planning to use in my project are coming from a wrecked truck...

[49ZR2]

Steve, the drive shaft had a small dent in it that I noticed during the build. The general thought from myself and the occasional guy stopping by to give advise was that if it vibrated going down the road it should be replaced. It didn't vibrate even at 70 mph. But it was the first to go, then the adapter plate.
Dents in alluminum drive shafts = bad. Just my thought

[Steve@OldSub.com]

Originally Posted by 49ZR2

Dents in alluminum drive shafts = bad.

I suspect dents in steel shafts are not much better. Might last a little longer but I've seen them twist and break too.

[53GMC]

yeah...a buddy of mine told me the 4.3 wasn't worth much...after reading your post and my own experiences...i beg to differ haha


Gene i would like to see more pictures of your build!!