Some big questions.....
 

HI gang, I am new to this site and have cruzed through some of the posts, I must say all of you are going to be a very helpful bunch! So shall we begin?
I just bough a 68 GMC Short fleet 4x4. It still has drums on the front. I looked in the LMC bible and did not see a disk conversion for 4X4's. Does this mean that it cant be done? do i have to get newer axels? Also I want to upgrade to power steering, I read on here that a 67 3/4 ton has a tighter lock to lock wheel turn. I have Most of my 67 3/4 from when I was a kid, ( first truck, and yep, I rolled it, sad sad day) the 67 was power steering, will this fit in my 1/2 ton?. I am sure I will have a few more questions as the project progresses.
:gmc2:Thanks in advance
James, happy to be in a real mans truck again lol Gmc2

Re: Some big questions.....
 

Welcome to the board! I wish I could help you more but I don't know much about the 4 wheel drives. I am certain that someone will chime in soon with some answers for you.

Re: Some big questions.....
 

It will be easier to swap the whole front end. I "think" 71 until well into the late 70s is a direct bolt in for you. I can't help much on the steering. I would think a set up from an early 70s 4x4 should work.
An original 68 gmc short, fleet 4x4 would be a fairly uncommon truck. Any pics or more info? Welcome, Eric

Re: Some big questions.....
 

welcome to the board, sounds like it will make for a nice truck

Re: Some big questions.....
 

anything is possible with time and money

Re: Some big questions.....
 

hey if you are interested I could get some measurements and/or pics of a 75ish blazer axle to see if the later 1/2 4wd parts would work, I have one sitting out by my gmc that I could check. If these are a bolt up like was stated earlier this would be easy to find in any junk yard. You may be able to use the axle off of a later truck but you cannot use the pump because 1968 was the last year that they had the short water pump so after that all the bracketry changed. I would think that you could pull that off of your 68 though. Good luck and let me know if you would like pics or measurements, the only thing is that I won't be home until friday.

Re: Some big questions.....
 

thank you Jacfouteen, that would be great to see some pics and some messurments, I was talking to someone today about putting in a newer axel and they were not sure that the hangers and width would match up. I don't want to hack too much up, if a 68 short fleet 4x4 is as rare as i think it is, i think that i may want to make it possible to go back to stock. I am going to post some pics, just have to figure out how first lol.

Re: Some big questions.....
 

i will post some pics under the title 68 GMC short fleet 4x4

Re: Some big questions.....
 

No problem I'm glad to help. Right now I'm working 150 miles from home but I will be home on friday. I'll post up some pics and measurements friday evening.

Re: Some big questions.....
 

Alright I took some measurements of the blazer in my field today. Its not in the best spot to take pictures, lots of stickers and a fence up against the side but I did what I could ;). It is a 78 blazer with six lug axles and the measurements I took are as follows: from inside of leaf to inside of leaf is 29 inches, from outside of leaf to outside of leaf is 34 inches, Each leaf measures 2.5 inches wide, and the distance from one wheel surface of rotor to the other is about 70 inches (Best I could guess with wheels on it). I figured that these would give you an idea if this swap is bolt on or if you would have to move spring perches on the donor axle. If you want any other measurements or more pics let me know.

Here is a pic of the blazer so you could see what I was measuring in:
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...n/SSPX0119.jpg


And here is a pic of the gearbox setup (what I thought was most important and the only clear shot I could get):
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...n/SSPX0114.jpg

Hope this helps, best of luck!

Re: Some big questions.....
 

thanks Jacfourteen! that will give me lots to work with, i will let you know if I have any more questions. Thanks again for all your help