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67 GMC Lift thread
Well finally got the time in-between some of my deployments to actually get a chance to work on the truck. Got a 67 GMC Long bed 4x4 small window that's been sitting for a year waiting for some attention, and here goes some of the progress that i've managed to get done over the past week.
I started when my brother was here actually, and ended up just getting it up on jacks before i got a call sending me out on another deployment. I got back and was determined to get on with it. I am trying to get this lifted and wired before my wedding at the end of the month. (my fiance and I had our first date in this truck, so it's kind of a big deal) I started pulling the old suspension out and got the stock 10 bolt out from underneath it. Started pounding rivets out and finally got all of them out and now i am to the point where i have to drill out the frame for the eye hanger kit. I'm installing DIY4X FGB52 kit and their eye hanger up front and the flip-n-switch in the back with all new springs. On to some of the pics Here is what i started out with. http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u...oremail004.jpg Got her up and ripped out the front end http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u...C/IMAG0193.jpg http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u...C/IMAG0198.jpg Didn't have a fancy air hammer yet, so i was pounding out rivets by hand for a bit http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u...C/IMAG0204.jpg http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u...C/IMAG0221.jpg Primed and painted the front end parts http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u...C/IMAG0201.jpg http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u...C/IMAG0199.jpg don't worry bout the frame, once i get back from my honeymoon, it'll come back off and i'll prep and coat the frame, just wanna have it lifted for the wedding http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u...C/IMAG0216.jpg http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u...C/IMAG0217.jpg Still got a lot of work to do, so i'm headed back out to drill the frame for the eye hangers and get this new front put back together By the way all comments, positive/negative/constructive are welcome. I have thick skin. Thanks, Jack |
Re: 67 GMC Lift thread
Nice truck!
Cant wait to see the completed lift. What are some other plans for the truck, like axles, length of springs (stock, 47",52"...), end plans for the truck? Congrats on tying the knot!!! |
Re: 67 GMC Lift thread
Great work so far, man! :metal:
Are you going to use the hub caps? Hit me up if you'd like to get rid of them, I could sure use a set. |
Re: 67 GMC Lift thread
I am keeping the hub caps...if i don't end up using them on the truck, i'll more than likely keep them in the garage. for something.
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End plans for the truck will probably be new floor pan and fenders, fix the body and paint two tone black under charcoal grey. I'd like to do a wood bed and possibly stroke the current 350. it's gonna be my weekend truck for sure, but i'd like it reliable enough to drive across country if i want to, so the motor will be in pieces after i get the stance and body work done. all in all, i could probably drop a lot of money into this project...i dropped about 12K into a rock crawler project a few years back, so who knows what this is gonna run me. I've been wanting a 67 longbed for a long time, and don't plan to get rid of it. |
Re: 67 GMC Lift thread
I need to do the same suspension upgrade so I will be watching and learning from you!! Might have a few questions as you progress. Are you planning to go power steering?
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Re: 67 GMC Lift thread
i kind of bounced to get the electrical done but i'll be back at the suspension this week.
i do plan to do power steering and hi steer, just not right now...gotta get this thing in the air first |
Re: 67 GMC Lift thread
I added power steering and it was very easy using CaptainFab's kit.
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Re: 67 GMC Lift thread
Nice truck, I'll be watching. What size rubber are you planning on?
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Re: 67 GMC Lift thread
How much lift are you gonna be installing? Do you have the original closed knuckle front end? If so what are your plans for the steering arm?
When I bought my 67 it already had an open knuckle 44 installed with disc brakes and power steering. When you do the swap do yourself a favor and get captain fabs bracket. The 67' dosent have the bumps in the frame for the newer steering boxes. I never noticed it when I had my truck tore apart, but the P.O used washers to space the box from the frame. I found that out one night when I went to turn out of my parking spot and the box ripped off the frame. |
Re: 67 GMC Lift thread
Nice looking truck looks like it's coming along great. Keep up the good work and try to have some fun as well good luck.
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Re: 67 GMC Lift thread
Keep the pics comming i bought the same kit for my 67 on a 72 frame and have not had time to get it on.
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Re: 67 GMC Lift thread
Updates?
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Re: 67 GMC Lift thread
Sorry guys...I in the military, and have had to deplay out on the road so i'll get to the questions and then get to some pictures.
Modblacksmith - I'm going to be running 35's got them in the shop right now. just need to mount them on the 15" steelies first BigBadChev72 - It should net around 6" of lift total. It's kind of a frankenstien kit that i've pieced together so we'll see how the rear end goes. For right now; until i get high steer, i have a dropped steering arm. I'll be doing the power steering conversion and the high steer at the same time. I already have everything to do the power steering conversion except the brackets for the box So I got back about a week ago and had my daughter here for spring break and didn't get much time to work on the truck, but this week was a differant story. So far, i've been doing some tuning...the truck sat for about a year and a half without being started with 3/4 tank of 10% ethanol mixed gas. So i drained the tank ran a sea-foam treatment through it. Changed the plugs, wires, flushed the oil and got new oil in it. Adjusting the timing and discovered a lifter tick. found my feeler gauges last night so i'll be in there adjusting today. Last night i finally got the 2" wholes drilled thru the frame and realized how much i really miss my plasma cutter. Got the new eye hangers temp installed (temp because the kit didn't come with washers and i don't like the bolt head on frame metal) got the axle sitting under the front end right now on the shop floor cause i forgot to pick up the new ubolts for the new leaf springs. But after my class today, i picked them up and i'm ready to get back dirty again. I'll snap a few pictures and post them up in a few Again, Sorry for the lack of progress...i've been on the road guys. |
Re: 67 GMC Lift thread
Ok...since most guys just wanna see pictures...i'll post some up.
I get side tracked sometimes...my goal is to get it lifted, but i decided to do a few things to the motor and interior while i had it at a managable height. New Seat Covers...don't laugh at the old lap belts...i'm replacing them http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...j/IMAG0247.jpg Decided to strip the old paint off the bumper and hit it with some hammered rustoleum http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...j/IMAG0230.jpg http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...j/IMAG0231.jpg Then went to the spring hangers and the spring eye hangers. A good air hammer will aid a lot. I would rather have used a plasma cutter for the eye hanger instead of a hole saw, but i got it done Front spring hanger http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...j/IMAG0217.jpg http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...j/IMAG0218.jpg Inside shot of front spring hanger http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...j/IMAG0219.jpg Did some minor tuning for now so here's a shot of the motor. Not cleaned up yet, but i'll take care of that later http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...j/IMAG0733.jpg Here's a shot of the front eye hanger that replaces the original equipment. This is after about 5 minutes of drilling: http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...j/IMAG0762.jpg Here's the outside http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...j/IMAG0783.jpg And the inside (sorry for the crappy flash pic) http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...j/IMAG0785.jpg Here's a shot how it is now. http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...j/IMAG0782.jpg I'm about to go out there and hang the axle and get some tires under it. All coments good or bad are welcome here. Jack |
Re: 67 GMC Lift thread
What front leafs are those? I see they are Tuff Country Easy ride. Are they 52'' springs?
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Re: 67 GMC Lift thread
Yup...supposed to be centered 52's, but they are 3/4" offset
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Re: 67 GMC Lift thread
Well, I got under it today, and with a little bit of cursing some Sea Foam Deep Creep, and some PB Blaster...oh and of course a BFH (actually a 3 lb sledge) I got the original steering arm off the 67...then installed the new one. I'm going to see if the drag link will adjust out far enough to reach the steering arm cause if not i'll have to find one. Looks like the lift is going to net around 7" right now but hopefully the springs will settle it down a bit. gotta take the rims and tires into work with me tomorrow and mount the rubber on the rims.
I went to a local 4 Wheel Parts to see what they had to offer as far as adjustable drag links for lifted trucks, but the one they had messured approximately 13" with the link ends all the way in, and stock for this truck, (well at least mine) messures approximately 18" and the distance from the pitman arm centered with the hubs straight all the way to the end of the steering arm is 23" I doubt that the 4 Wheel Parts drag link would work. So does anyone know of a drag link that will work for my application, cause if not, i'll be doing the power steering sooner than i wanted to and doing cross over steering with a front axle swap. Which sucks, cause I'm pretty happy i was able to get off a 45 year old steering arm off. |
Re: 67 GMC Lift thread
I'm thinking about just building my own drag link...does anyone know what ball joints to get for the steering arm and pitman arm?
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Re: 67 GMC Lift thread
Think I might have found them...is this the right info for the drag link ball joints?
7/8" - 18LH thread P/N ES2027L Length - 6.5" Taper length - .690 Major / minor diameter - .791x772 Thread Diameter - .875x18tpi Thread Length - 2.5" |
Re: 67 GMC Lift thread
So...got a little more done this week. Finally got the axle hung and on rollers...
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...j/IMAG0791.jpg Had to cheat a little on the steering for now. I know this looks bad, but i have the new solution coming next week. I added the raised steering arm, But the tie rod ends coming from the steering arm and pitman arm were still a bit short, so i adjusted the sleeve out just so i could turn it around there's about a half inch in the drag link sleeve right now. but that's when i started looking online for some solutions. I found a place out of California called WFO Concepts and saw that they sell new stock ball joints. I called them up and asked if they make the sleeve for them, and they do make them for any length. Made out of DOM and come with jam nuts instead of the slotted stock compression sleeve. So it will look more like a tie rod but will get the job done until I go high steer. so don't laugh at my redneck drag link, I assure you it's safe enough to turn the truck aroun and won't be on the road. Oh...and i cut the U-Bolts down...Just after this picture was taken. http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...j/IMAG0792.jpg Here are a couple of shots how it sits with stock rear end with worn 31's opposed to the new lift on new 35's http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...j/IMAG0804.jpg http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...j/IMAG0805.jpg Gonna tear the rear end out this weekend. Hopefully time flys with the rear |
Re: 67 GMC Lift thread
Some of y'all might have noticed that the radiator core support wasn't installed in one of the above pictures...cause i wasn't about to put the old ones back in cause they were all worn out terribly. so I went down to Classic Heartbeat in Olympia, WA today and picked up a new set. Also picked up some new inner fenders down there as well, so i'll be installing them soon. Also got my new shocks on order. So I didn't get much done today. Hung out with the ole lady, but tomorrow it's back to the rivets on the rear end installing the shackle flip. More progress and pictures to follow.
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Re: 67 GMC Lift thread
Looks like I have to correct a camber problem. But the rear end is coming slowly but surely...got the right side hanger off last night but the left side doesn't wanna give up the leaf spring bolts. Don't really wanna cut the bolts, but I will if I don't get them off tonight. I had to cut two in the front end, so I'm not opposed to it.
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Re: 67 GMC Lift thread
Well...got some stuff done, and now it's kind of back to the drawing board so to speak. Installed the springs in the rear that I had picked out, but turns out that I received the wrong ones...They centered the axle perfectly, but didn't quite fit truck LOL...so now i'm thinking that the add-a-leaf and some custom springs are in order, cause this just doesn't work.
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...j/IMAG0825.jpg Better note tho. I got the new drag link sleeve installed that I had made from WFO concepts. it's nice and beefy http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...j/IMAG0829.jpg Going to be getting back at it this week. Going to replace all the brake lines with a kit from Inline Tube. But here's how she is sitting now. http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...j/IMAG0830.jpg |
Re: 67 GMC Lift thread
Well...got to looking around at the brake lines and decided to order a new harline kit from Inline Tube...all the fittings are stripped and corroded anyways...plus i got an adjustable valve for the rear brakes, cause the first owner, converted the front axle to disc and used the stock proportioning valve without properly adjusting rear brake pressure, so i figure since i'm doing the brakes i'll add the valve too. should be here by the weekend. Also got new shackles and top plates coming from DIY4X...then it's all about the final tune before i can get it rolling
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Re: 67 GMC Lift thread
So in order to get the rear end up in the air to figure out what direction to go with the springs. I took the new spring packs apart and added a few leafs out of the new pack and mated them along with an ez-inch to the original springs and hopefully tomorrow, i'll be able to see the stance of the rear end...still waiting on my shackles and top plates from DIY4X. If my frankenstein spring pack works, i'll be heading down to a local place to have them build me a custom spring pack.
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Re: 67 GMC Lift thread
sorry no updates...parts are at the house now. still have to finish the final coats of paint on the shackles and top plates, and the brake lines got here yesterday...FINALLY. But i'm on 12 hour shifts, and haven't had time to work on it yet...more to come
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Re: 67 GMC Lift thread
So been pretty hectic lately with work and house getting built, and my pregnant wife, but today i managed to open get the truck on all 4's...got the rear end all set up. everything is tightened down, and looks good sitting underneath the new 35's...thinking i should've gone 36/7's but I'll run with these until it's time to get new ones...or until i get3/4 ton axles under it.
Brake lines tested every ounce of my patience today...I ordered a complete kit with an adjustable proportioning valve. the only lines out of the box that i could use were the axle tube lines, (which i had to totally re-bend to get them to fit) and the rear main supply line that runs down the right frame rail...and that was it. I pulled all the other lines out of the truck to try and match them up to the new ones, and none of them came close...i'm not too happy with Inline Tube...spend 200 bucks on brake lines that are supposed to be pre bent and ready to install, and over half their product is unuseable. I guess i'll have some spare line at least for some repairs if i need it down the road. But overall, i'm just happy it's finally lifted. I didn't get any pictures cause the shop lights just wouldn't do it justice. but i think it turned out pretty good. I'll wash it this week and throw some pictures up. |
Re: 67 GMC Lift thread
Got home from work and took a couple of pictures...then thought i'd try and diagnose my funky engine problem...but i'll post some pictures first.
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...j/DSC01157.jpg http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...j/DSC01159.jpg wanted to pull the truck out into the pasture and take a few, but haven't bled my brakes yet, and don't wanna roll into one of my horses, so that will have to wait. Ok...so if anyone can help me diagnose my fuel problem...i'd appreciate it. I think it's just not getting enough fuel...so i ran a hose from my supply line to my jerry can and turned the truck over...(the fuel was getting sucked out of the jerry can, not gravity fed like the stock tank, so if that's gonna be an issue with the fuel, i'll re attack the test with a 2 liter bottle and try again. I noticed the line from the tank to the hardline in the frame rail (10" or so rubber line) was old as hell, and very plyable, so i replaced that with a new line. (I don't know if the pump would try to pull suction too much and colapse the line cutting off the fuel supply, so i just eliminated that factor with new line. I then restarted the truck and seemed like the truck was still sputtering. then looking at the motor i saw that the belt was a little loose, so i tightened that, but it didn't affect the performance. I took the air cleaner off started it back up...still sputtered. played with the choke and didn't really change much. sprayed some deep creep around the base of the carb and intake manifold, no increase in rpm at all. At this point i'm leaning towards one of the following: -clogged dirty hard line -clogged dirty filter -bad fuel pump -carb needs to be rebuilt -or i did the jerry can test wrong and i need to reaccomplish it and this time do a gravity feed test to the fuel supply line Any suggestions would be appreciated. |
Re: 67 GMC Lift thread
Well...finally got her running and pulled out to take a few pictures...been super busy today or i would have washed her up before i took a few, but these will have to do for now
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...j/DSC01167.jpg http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...j/DSC01165.jpg http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...j/DSC01164.jpg http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...j/DSC01163.jpg http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...j/DSC01162.jpg http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...j/DSC01161.jpg And I don't know if this will work or not, but here's a little video. http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...h_MOV01168.jpg |
Re: 67 GMC Lift thread
Likin the 67, nice amount of lift, worked out good with tire size.
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Re: 67 GMC Lift thread
:lol:Looks good! Reminds me of the 67 chevy I had
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Re: 67 GMC Lift thread
That there is one sexy truck !
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Re: 67 GMC Lift thread
Thanks fellas...I have a lot of work left to go, but until my house closes, the only work i'll be doing is under the hood to get her running right to drive it down the road...then it's getting torn to pieces for the body frame and engine work
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Re: 67 GMC Lift thread
Tore down the engine yesterday and replaced the head gaskets, today i'm finishing up the carb work and flushing the coolant then i'll see if my smoke problem is fixed. Might have done all this to find out that i might have to tear down again but at least i'll know that the motor is in pretty good shape. Here are some pics of the tear down before cleaning and NDI inspection.
fusty water as soon as i pulled the upper hose off the thermostat housing http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...t/DSC01172.jpg diaphram is still in good working order, you can also see someone's jb weld repair on the intake manifold. guess i'll be replacing this manifold on down the road http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...t/DSC01175.jpg right bank intake side of the head http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...t/DSC01177.jpg and the left http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...t/DSC01178.jpg before pulling the head...push rods look to be straight and in good repair...rolled them all out and no woble, so i'll be reinstalling them http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...t/DSC01181.jpg http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...t/DSC01182.jpg cleaned the intake out http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...t/DSC01183.jpg bunch of galleys were plugged with rust, some almost all the way closed off. not a lot, but some coolant passed through into the cylinders, but looks like i caught it before any damage was done to the pistons and cylinders. smooth surfaces and no scratches. http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...t/DSC01184.jpg http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...t/DSC01185.jpg http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...t/DSC01186.jpg http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...t/DSC01187.jpg http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...t/DSC01188.jpg some signs of hardened water on the pistons, but got most of it off. all the valves seat well, so they'll stay like this til i get time to do a total rebuild. http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...t/DSC01189.jpg I want to get the block and heads decked eventually. and totally rebuild it and get it machined, but that'll be some time after i move to the new house. but i'll post up after i crank it over |
Re: 67 GMC Lift thread
Still looks not too bad, sure plugged the water jackets though, but heads look alright. Cross your fingers.
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Re: 67 GMC Lift thread
yeah...not too bad, just gotta see how it goes. I cleaned a lot of crap out of those jackets. some were completely closed up. did a flush today, and i'll be starting her up tomorrow...with the exhaust hooked up this time....fired it up without the exhaust pipes hooked up to the headers, and sounded like a drag car LOL
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Re: 67 GMC Lift thread
That is how I break in every engine I build, love open headers, 20 minutes at a time, neighbours are cool here too, lucky for me, haha.
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Re: 67 GMC Lift thread
I just gotta make sure it's quiet enough to make sure i adjusted the valve lash right
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Re: 67 GMC Lift thread
I adjust my valves first one at a time before I run an engine and don't really ever have to go back to reset them. Same as my timing, I set it exactly where it should be like 10 degrees and start it break it in then check timing with a vacumn guage to see if it is right with balancer because they slip on the rubber ring on the GM's.
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Re: 67 GMC Lift thread
hrmm...what's the best way to adjust the valves without running the engine with the intake on? just take each cylinder to TDC? and tighten til the rod stops spinning in your fingers then another half turn?
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