68 Duramax 4x4 Build
 

Hey everyone. I picked up a 68 Chevy K20 4x4, traded a beat up 89 step side for it.
Also picked up a 2004 Chevy LB7 Duramax with only 160,000km!
Im swaping the 68 body on the 04 Duramax frame.
My goal for this build; Build a badass, fast, fuel efficient, nice driving truck that can haul anything...

The 68
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And the 04 Duramax
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Also picked up a rust free ready for paint box.
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Re: 68 Duramax 4x4 Build
 

Mocking up the body on the 04 Duramax frame.
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The 68 frame and drive train - sold
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Re: 68 Duramax 4x4 Build
 

Got the pedals and steering column mounted.
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Re: 68 Duramax 4x4 Build
 

Awesome Ill be watching you progress. Looks cold out!

Re: 68 Duramax 4x4 Build
 

Looks good! Do you plan on using the 04 gauges? How much did you have to take out of the frame to get a 127" wheelbase?

Re: 68 Duramax 4x4 Build
 

Yes I'm going to use the 04 gauges and all the wiring. Next on my list is to move the rear axle forward 7" and that will give the 127" wheelbase also have to chop 4-6" off the back of the frame so the box will sit down to the height I want.

Re: 68 Duramax 4x4 Build
 

I did a similar project 11 years ago with a 02 dodge with a cummins. I cut the frame to get the 127" WB. I also used the stock (dodge) gauges & mounted them in a old glove box door (the glove box door is the same size as a gauge bezel). If I can help with any advise, just let me know. The truck has been my daily driver for the past 11 years & works great

Re: 68 Duramax 4x4 Build
 

This is going to be a neat build to follow along ,Im in .

Re: 68 Duramax 4x4 Build
 

I'm in.

Re: 68 Duramax 4x4 Build
 

Watching!

Re: 68 Duramax 4x4 Build
 

Would like more details on the cab/frame mockup, did you have to fab and move engine mounts, what about the core support ect..

Re: 68 Duramax 4x4 Build
 

I don't have to move the engine. I can leave the rad support where it is, then mount the fenders and grill to it. With leaving the rad support where it is I need to cut a bit out of the underside of the hood because of clearance issues. Going to use hood pins. I'm trying to keep the body as close to the frame as possible. The box ribs are going to be cut out to get the box down low enough on the frame and then re-support the box. I'm building all new cab mounts on the frame and body. I will post more detailed pictures when I get there.

Re: 68 Duramax 4x4 Build
 

Finished shortening the wheelbase, I took 6.5" out of it and now have the 127" wheelbase. Moved the fuel tank forward 5" and built new tank straps out of 1/4" x 3" plate. Also cut 7" off the back of the frame. Tomorrow i'm going to start working on the box and get it mocked up on the frame and start building body mounts.

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Re: 68 Duramax 4x4 Build
 

Body mocked up.
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Finished all the fab work on the frame and spent hours and hours cleaning everything up.
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Frame is all painted. I lowered the truck 2-3" with a rear drop shackle and cranked down the torsion bar bolts.
Installed a MBRP 3" down pipe, magnaflow 5" exhaust.
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Re: 68 Duramax 4x4 Build
 

Cool build. I'm in

Re: 68 Duramax 4x4 Build
 

Finished all the metal work on the cab, fixed a few rust spots on the underside and got it painted.
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Started doing the body work on the cab.
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The dash is starting to take shape.
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Re: 68 Duramax 4x4 Build
 

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Re: 68 Duramax 4x4 Build
 

Runs and drives great. Loaded on the trailer and off to paint.

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Re: 68 Duramax 4x4 Build
 

Wow, that seems like it went together pretty well! Here I am fighting the fact that I added a torque splitter to mine.

Re: 68 Duramax 4x4 Build
 

Cant wait to see it in color ,still watching this amazing build .

Re: 68 Duramax 4x4 Build
 

^^I Agree^^^

Awesome build. I am building a 68 dually and would LOVE to install a Duramax and an Allison like I have in my 06 DD. What a sweet truck that would be.
Maybe someday.
Anyhow, great work. Can't wait to see it when it comes out of paint prison.

Re: 68 Duramax 4x4 Build
 

What did you do to get the box to set lower?
Starting my late model HD frame swap on my '69 GMC crew cab truck, have the frame, just need to tie up odds and ends on another project before I venture into another one!!!

Mike

Re: 68 Duramax 4x4 Build
 

Thanks guys! really appreciate it!

Re: 68 Duramax 4x4 Build
 

The box ribs were 3" tall if I rememebr correctly, I cut out what I had to and replaced it with 1/4" plate. The box is bolted down in a few extra places now to keep everything solid. The body sits on the frame really good with the ribs cut out. When you look in the wheel well there is no gap between the frame and box, looks clean and I'm really happy how the body sits on the frame.

This is a photo before I painted the underside of the box.

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Re: 68 Duramax 4x4 Build
 

Sorry for the lack of updates! I have been pulling some crazy stupid hours on this build!!!!
She will be on the road this week! Just a few details to finish up. I am very pleased with how it has turned out and it drives like a dream!

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Re: 68 Duramax 4x4 Build
 

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The seat before and after.
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Re: 68 Duramax 4x4 Build
 

Awesome build. Where did you get the seat cover? It looks great.

Re: 68 Duramax 4x4 Build
 

Turned out real nice.

Re: 68 Duramax 4x4 Build
 

what tires and wheels?

Re: 68 Duramax 4x4 Build
 

I wanna see more pics of that dash if possible please.

Re: 68 Duramax 4x4 Build
 

Excellent work!

Re: 68 Duramax 4x4 Build
 

Great build. Keep the pics coming!

Re: 68 Duramax 4x4 Build
 

More pictures of those front tow hooks? Very nice

Re: 68 Duramax 4x4 Build
 

What head lights are those?

Re: 68 Duramax 4x4 Build
 

A local kid did a similar swap (shortened the frame at the front stub, instead of moving the axle forward) and used the black plastic front air dam off a '90s Silverado to cover the front frame horns, and it looked very OEM.