4X4 68 - 72 Suburban Frames - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

pwdcougar · 11-05-2013, 10:30 AM

Does anyone know if the Suburban 4WD and 2WD frames are the same for the 68 - 72 trucks?

From what I can tell the pick up frames are different.

Thanks

Paul

vectorit · 11-05-2013, 12:58 PM

Yes they are different.
There are a few differences that I have heard of, but I know for a fact that the rear frame ends are different. Suburban has rear finished horns that turn down a bit, where as PU's are cut straight.

pwdcougar · 11-05-2013, 02:51 PM

Chris my plan is to try to take the 2WD frame from one Suburban and put the 4WD Suburban drivetrain on it.

Do the Suburban 2 and 4 wheel drive frames share the same differences as the pickup 2 and 4 wheel drive frames?

After reading up on them, the pickup frames need lots of modification to adapt 4WD components to the 2WD frame.

lowrollin70gmc · 11-05-2013, 07:36 PM

The same 2 to 4 changes for pickup frames also apply to Suburban frames. What is damaged on the 4wd frame?

vectorit · 11-05-2013, 07:36 PM

Just the thought of converting a coil sprung suspension to leaf springs makes me shudder, but then again I am not that talented in the art of fabrication and conversion.

I could swear I have seen a project like that here on the forum though...

Just thinking out loud here...
If I were to contemplate doing something like this, I would go with modern upgrade suspension components instead of converting vintage OE for vintage OE. At least in your case you could strip off everything 2wd, weld up the holes and then work on mounting a modern suspension. I'm thinking longer leaf springs front and rear, while using modern design mounting shackles.
The shocks; you could look to companies like Fox or King to get the ultimate system. These systems I have seen adapted to old truck frame/axles required all new mounting points in different locations.

The steering box mounts the same, and you will need 4x4 cross members, exhaust manifold (Vintage OE) dump straight down on 4x4, and are angled back on 2wd, body wise a high hump trans cover (even though I have seen low hump used).

pwdcougar · 11-06-2013, 02:21 AM

Thanks for the info. There is no real problem with the 4WD frame it is just that the 2WD frame is so pristine. I guess I am back to doing a body swap now. Gotta get some pictures of this project posted.

Paul

70custom20 · 11-07-2013, 10:17 AM

My father in law swapped a suburban body onto his 70 K20 pickup frame probably about 30 years ago. From what I remember him saying he did the swap in about a weekend. I think he said he had to add about 8-9" of framerail to the end of the pickup frame. He's since swapped the pickup back onto the original 4WD frame.

pwdcougar · 11-07-2013, 03:07 PM

This project is going to take on a life of its own. Since the 2WD Suburban frame is different from the 4WD Suburban frame I will be swapping bodies not drive train. It is going to take some work to get the 4WD frame nice enough before putting on the "new" body on. It will need sandblasting, new brake lines, painting and new body supports.

Is there any market for the 2WD frame and drive train? It is a 6 cylinder 4 speed with a posi rear.

Paul

runleon · 03-07-2014, 04:59 AM

hi i was wondering if you can help me, is there anyway you can lift a 1968 2wd suburban. most people ive asked have said no, i would like to keep it 2wd and lift it a couple inches. but if not i know i would have to end up modifying it into a 4wd right?

Stainlessman · 03-19-2014, 06:32 AM

You need lift spindles for the front. Just like lowering the truck would require drop spindles.

runleon · 03-19-2014, 03:03 PM

thank you, that was really helpful i appreciate it!

Captainab · 06-05-2016, 07:38 PM

Ok I mite be able to add to this. Front hangers from diy work awesome, yes you have to take front engine Cross member out as its all connected with like 12 or so bolts. The back is way different. But has the same contour. I did a order shackle flip in back with custion rear front hangers. Lol] But if you have a go fab guy close he can figure it out . I changed my 2 wheel burb to 4. 1 ton axle under it took 3 days. I have the tcase tranny a ls3 going in shortly

Captainab · 06-05-2016, 07:41 PM

The parts. I let the 2 wheel drive steer box on my did Cross over steering Cuz it's way better anyways.if you have rt knuckle an arm

Captainab · 06-05-2016, 07:43 PM

And after the 3 days

1968vetL-71 · 06-05-2016, 07:49 PM

Holy FAT Mickey T's!!! lol
Looks good man , great work!

notchbackgta · 06-16-2016, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captainab

Ok I mite be able to add to this. Front hangers from diy work awesome, yes you have to take front engine Cross member out as its all connected with like 12 or so bolts. The back is way different. But has the same contour. I did a order shackle flip in back with custion rear front hangers. Lol] But if you have a go fab guy close he can figure it out . I changed my 2 wheel burb to 4. 1 ton axle under it took 3 days. I have the tcase tranny a ls3 going in shortly

You had a trailing arm suspension for the 2wd and used that frame for the 4wd?

Devillusion · 09-17-2016, 02:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captainab

Ok I mite be able to add to this. Front hangers from diy work awesome, yes you have to take front engine Cross member out as its all connected with like 12 or so bolts. The back is way different. But has the same contour. I did a order shackle flip in back with custion rear front hangers. Lol] But if you have a go fab guy close he can figure it out . I changed my 2 wheel burb to 4. 1 ton axle under it took 3 days. I have the tcase tranny a ls3 going in shortly

Currently doing exact same thing to mine, but a cummins/5spd/205.....can you message me any measurements for placing the diffs in the proper spot? I can figure it out for sure, but just thought I would get more input from you.

Sorry for highjacking.....

Captainab · 08-28-2017, 08:29 AM

Yes 2 wheel drive frame that is now 4 wheel drive, I did add 2 cross member and some plates on the frame , and filled in some holes where brake cables ran threw. Precision fab work guided my and I trust what he says will work and not.he also won't let me miss any of the process. If I try an skip or do something to make easier on my he makes me redo it. No cutting corners on his watch. It's going good so far motor tranny tcase all is and looking as good as powder will let it look,

Captainab · 08-28-2017, 08:33 AM

What ya think so far.

Captainab · 08-28-2017, 08:40 AM

Few more pictures. As of now all fuel lines are run brake lines gonna run my fuel sender wire and fuel pump wires. The chassis will be done till I get body back

Captainab · 08-28-2017, 08:42 AM

1 more

Captainab · 08-28-2017, 08:51 AM

Last1

Captainab · 08-28-2017, 08:55 AM

Yes I know it's a car but these are the colors I picked for my burb. Split almost the same way but of course on a suburban

Bigdav160 · 08-28-2017, 08:02 PM

Wow. Looks incredible

Captainab · 11-18-2017, 09:27 AM

Why thank you. I don't work on it a lot. I wait till I get a lot of parts and spend 10 to 12 hours there. Then wait for more parts. The burb is at Percision fab works and is roughly 60 miles from me. So far chassis is ready for body just waiting for body to be ready and set back on. Just found 3rd door and 2 good barn doors in Ca that are very useable with little work to be done to them before paint. I am guessing I won't have body till April since I will be to busy to go get. And then it's on from there. I will have it for holleys Ls fest 2018. And as long as my schedule don't interfere I'll be there.

11-05-2013, 10:30 AM	#1
pwdcougar Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,309	4X4 68 - 72 Suburban Frames Does anyone know if the Suburban 4WD and 2WD frames are the same for the 68 - 72 trucks? From what I can tell the pick up frames are different. Thanks Paul __________________ "You know that little thing in your head that keeps you from saying things you shouldn't? Yeah well, I don't have one of those" 1969 Mercury Cougar Standard 4 speed 1969 Mercury Cougar XR7 convertible 1970 4WD Chevrolet Suburban 1997 4WD Chevrolet Silverado Extended Cab Short Bed (purchased new January 1997)

11-05-2013, 12:58 PM	#2
vectorit What? Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,617	Re: 4X4 68 - 72 Suburban Frames Yes they are different. There are a few differences that I have heard of, but I know for a fact that the rear frame ends are different. Suburban has rear finished horns that turn down a bit, where as PU's are cut straight. __________________ Chris 1968 K20 Suburban 1972 K10 LWB PU

11-05-2013, 02:51 PM	#3
pwdcougar Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,309	Re: 4X4 68 - 72 Suburban Frames Chris my plan is to try to take the 2WD frame from one Suburban and put the 4WD Suburban drivetrain on it. Do the Suburban 2 and 4 wheel drive frames share the same differences as the pickup 2 and 4 wheel drive frames? After reading up on them, the pickup frames need lots of modification to adapt 4WD components to the 2WD frame. __________________ "You know that little thing in your head that keeps you from saying things you shouldn't? Yeah well, I don't have one of those" 1969 Mercury Cougar Standard 4 speed 1969 Mercury Cougar XR7 convertible 1970 4WD Chevrolet Suburban 1997 4WD Chevrolet Silverado Extended Cab Short Bed (purchased new January 1997)

11-05-2013, 07:36 PM	#4
lowrollin70gmc Too many projects Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Fargo, ND land of the flat hills Posts: 1,147	Re: 4X4 68 - 72 Suburban Frames The same 2 to 4 changes for pickup frames also apply to Suburban frames. What is damaged on the 4wd frame? __________________ Andrew 84 GMC C1500 SWB 6.2 Diesel/700R4/3.42 "Grandpa's odd duck" 70 GMC C1500 LWB My first truck: shaved, bagged, and more: the lowrollin70gmc 68 K20 Suburban 12V Cummins/NV5600/NP205/D60/11.5AAM 3.73s "Dakota Cadillac" 63 Chevy II Nova Coupe 250 I6/T56/4.56s "Economy car" 53 Willys Wagon 350/NV4500/BW4401/HP D44/9inch “Winter Wagon” 30 Model A 16 Focus ST

11-05-2013, 07:36 PM	#5
vectorit What? Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,617	Re: 4X4 68 - 72 Suburban Frames Just the thought of converting a coil sprung suspension to leaf springs makes me shudder, but then again I am not that talented in the art of fabrication and conversion. I could swear I have seen a project like that here on the forum though... Just thinking out loud here... If I were to contemplate doing something like this, I would go with modern upgrade suspension components instead of converting vintage OE for vintage OE. At least in your case you could strip off everything 2wd, weld up the holes and then work on mounting a modern suspension. I'm thinking longer leaf springs front and rear, while using modern design mounting shackles. The shocks; you could look to companies like Fox or King to get the ultimate system. These systems I have seen adapted to old truck frame/axles required all new mounting points in different locations. The steering box mounts the same, and you will need 4x4 cross members, exhaust manifold (Vintage OE) dump straight down on 4x4, and are angled back on 2wd, body wise a high hump trans cover (even though I have seen low hump used). __________________ Chris 1968 K20 Suburban 1972 K10 LWB PU

11-06-2013, 02:21 AM	#6
pwdcougar Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,309	Re: 4X4 68 - 72 Suburban Frames Thanks for the info. There is no real problem with the 4WD frame it is just that the 2WD frame is so pristine. I guess I am back to doing a body swap now. Gotta get some pictures of this project posted. Paul __________________ "You know that little thing in your head that keeps you from saying things you shouldn't? Yeah well, I don't have one of those" 1969 Mercury Cougar Standard 4 speed 1969 Mercury Cougar XR7 convertible 1970 4WD Chevrolet Suburban 1997 4WD Chevrolet Silverado Extended Cab Short Bed (purchased new January 1997)

11-07-2013, 10:17 AM	#7
70custom20 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Quakertown Pa. Posts: 119	Re: 4X4 68 - 72 Suburban Frames My father in law swapped a suburban body onto his 70 K20 pickup frame probably about 30 years ago. From what I remember him saying he did the swap in about a weekend. I think he said he had to add about 8-9" of framerail to the end of the pickup frame. He's since swapped the pickup back onto the original 4WD frame.

11-07-2013, 03:07 PM	#8
pwdcougar Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,309	Re: 4X4 68 - 72 Suburban Frames This project is going to take on a life of its own. Since the 2WD Suburban frame is different from the 4WD Suburban frame I will be swapping bodies not drive train. It is going to take some work to get the 4WD frame nice enough before putting on the "new" body on. It will need sandblasting, new brake lines, painting and new body supports. Is there any market for the 2WD frame and drive train? It is a 6 cylinder 4 speed with a posi rear. Paul __________________ "You know that little thing in your head that keeps you from saying things you shouldn't? Yeah well, I don't have one of those" 1969 Mercury Cougar Standard 4 speed 1969 Mercury Cougar XR7 convertible 1970 4WD Chevrolet Suburban 1997 4WD Chevrolet Silverado Extended Cab Short Bed (purchased new January 1997)

03-07-2014, 04:59 AM	#9
runleon Registered User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: san diego, california Posts: 2	Re: 4X4 68 - 72 Suburban Frames hi i was wondering if you can help me, is there anyway you can lift a 1968 2wd suburban. most people ive asked have said no, i would like to keep it 2wd and lift it a couple inches. but if not i know i would have to end up modifying it into a 4wd right?

03-19-2014, 06:32 AM	#10
Stainlessman Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Chantilly, VA Posts: 1	Re: 4X4 68 - 72 Suburban Frames You need lift spindles for the front. Just like lowering the truck would require drop spindles.

03-19-2014, 03:03 PM	#11
runleon Registered User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: san diego, california Posts: 2	Re: 4X4 68 - 72 Suburban Frames thank you, that was really helpful i appreciate it!

06-05-2016, 07:38 PM	#12
Captainab Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Virginia beach va Posts: 42	Re: 4X4 68 - 72 Suburban Frames Ok I mite be able to add to this. Front hangers from diy work awesome, yes you have to take front engine Cross member out as its all connected with like 12 or so bolts. The back is way different. But has the same contour. I did a order shackle flip in back with custion rear front hangers. Lol] But if you have a go fab guy close he can figure it out . I changed my 2 wheel burb to 4. 1 ton axle under it took 3 days. I have the tcase tranny a ls3 going in shortly Attached Images

06-05-2016, 07:41 PM	#13
Captainab Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Virginia beach va Posts: 42	Re: 4X4 68 - 72 Suburban Frames The parts. I let the 2 wheel drive steer box on my did Cross over steering Cuz it's way better anyways.if you have rt knuckle an arm Attached Images

06-05-2016, 07:43 PM	#14
Captainab Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Virginia beach va Posts: 42	Re: 4X4 68 - 72 Suburban Frames And after the 3 days Attached Images

06-05-2016, 07:49 PM	#15
1968vetL-71 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Murfreesboro, Tn Posts: 1,092	Re: 4X4 68 - 72 Suburban Frames Holy FAT Mickey T's!!! lol Looks good man , great work! __________________ 1969 impala conv 427 #s loaded. dad bought new 1969 "Judge" RA-3, rare warwick blue/white, #'s 1968 vet convertible #s 427/435 tripower (sold) 1968 belair 2door post #s 427/385 1936 ford 5w coupe dads 1st car 1969 camaro ss (17,xxx) miles Wanted: 69-72 suburban project, 69 camaro convertible. also any big block cars. 69-70 gto judge project.



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08-28-2017, 08:29 AM	#18
Captainab Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Virginia beach va Posts: 42	Re: 4X4 68 - 72 Suburban Frames Yes 2 wheel drive frame that is now 4 wheel drive, I did add 2 cross member and some plates on the frame , and filled in some holes where brake cables ran threw. Precision fab work guided my and I trust what he says will work and not.he also won't let me miss any of the process. If I try an skip or do something to make easier on my he makes me redo it. No cutting corners on his watch. It's going good so far motor tranny tcase all is and looking as good as powder will let it look, Attached Images

08-28-2017, 08:33 AM	#19
Captainab Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Virginia beach va Posts: 42	Re: 4X4 68 - 72 Suburban Frames What ya think so far. Attached Images

08-28-2017, 08:40 AM	#20
Captainab Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Virginia beach va Posts: 42	Re: 4X4 68 - 72 Suburban Frames Few more pictures. As of now all fuel lines are run brake lines gonna run my fuel sender wire and fuel pump wires. The chassis will be done till I get body back Attached Images

08-28-2017, 08:42 AM	#21
Captainab Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Virginia beach va Posts: 42	Re: 4X4 68 - 72 Suburban Frames 1 more Attached Images

08-28-2017, 08:51 AM	#22
Captainab Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Virginia beach va Posts: 42	Re: 4X4 68 - 72 Suburban Frames Last1

08-28-2017, 08:55 AM	#23
Captainab Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Virginia beach va Posts: 42	Re: 4X4 68 - 72 Suburban Frames Yes I know it's a car but these are the colors I picked for my burb. Split almost the same way but of course on a suburban Attached Images

08-28-2017, 08:02 PM	#24
Bigdav160 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Klein Texas Posts: 3,852	Re: 4X4 68 - 72 Suburban Frames Wow. Looks incredible __________________ My Classics: '72 K20 Suburban + '65 Dodge Town Wagon '72 Corvette Roadster +'67 Corvette Roadster '73 Z-28 Camaro '63 Ford SWB Uni Pickup '50 Ford Coupe

11-18-2017, 09:27 AM	#25
Captainab Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Virginia beach va Posts: 42	Re: 4X4 68 - 72 Suburban Frames Why thank you. I don't work on it a lot. I wait till I get a lot of parts and spend 10 to 12 hours there. Then wait for more parts. The burb is at Percision fab works and is roughly 60 miles from me. So far chassis is ready for body just waiting for body to be ready and set back on. Just found 3rd door and 2 good barn doors in Ca that are very useable with little work to be done to them before paint. I am guessing I won't have body till April since I will be to busy to go get. And then it's on from there. I will have it for holleys Ls fest 2018. And as long as my schedule don't interfere I'll be there.

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