61 GMC 4x4 1ton build
 

Hello all.
I thought I would post a few pictures of my project. The backgound is I was wanting a new truck, I have a 06 powerstroke and almost traded it in this spring, but I hate the idea of a payment been 5years without one, and really hate the idea of having to be extra careful not to scratch a new truck. So I decided to build me a truck instead. I will keep the powerstroke and not worry about scratches and have something that no one else around has.

Anyway the truck is a 61 GMC 3/4 2wd cab on a 4wd 80 suburban frame with a 4bt cummins diesel, ranger o.d. unit coupled to a muncie 465 4 speed, 205np transfer case, dana 60 front and dana 70 rear. I have taken 5 trucks so far to get to this point. I have a alot of work ahead but here is the begining of the build. The truck will have a dump flat bed when I get finished.

Re: 61 GMC 4x4 1ton build
 

Here are a few of the donor trucks

Re: 61 GMC 4x4 1ton build
 

very cool build man! hopefully that 4bt will be enough power for you

Re: 61 GMC 4x4 1ton build
 

Supposedly the 4bt in stock form is very compairable to a chevy 350. It came out of a 10500lb GVWR bread truck that would run 55 mph loaded so thats gota account for something.

With tuning they are suppost to be real power houses, IDK much about them. The only experence I have had was the 1 hr drive home in the "twinkie truck"

Re: 61 GMC 4x4 1ton build
 

You can get ALOT out of that Cummins.......most built for the highway are de-tuned for emissions and so they don't tear up medium duty drivetrains. I don't have personal experience with the
4BT engine, but am very confident that there is plenty of power there waiting to be tapped in to - AWESOME build......good luck!!

TC
:chevy:

Re: 61 GMC 4x4 1ton build
 

The 4bt that I have is 120hp water/air intercooler. In stock form I believe 300ish ft/lb torque at about 1800rpm. In the bread truck it actually had quicker acceleration than my 06' superduty. I would run off and leave the guy who drove my truck home, until I hit the governer... then he would blow by me.. governed at 2200rpm I believe

Re: 61 GMC 4x4 1ton build
 

Will be watching your build, I wanna do the 4bt for a daily driver in either a 66 or a 63, I have both.

Re: 61 GMC 4x4 1ton build
 

Jeff La

Check out 4btswap web site alot of info there. Also there is a member here that has done one. If you have a 2wd it will be alot eaiser I believe, less items to work around. I will keep you posted on progress.

Re: 61 GMC 4x4 1ton build
 

Very cool Rig, This Truck will outlast out pull most any truck built today.. I see some other hidden treasures around your shop..(John Prine) Nice Work. I hope this truck is not going to be called Twinkie.

Re: 61 GMC 4x4 1ton build
 

Ive got some interesting things in my shop,, eclectic items.... I havent decided on a name for the truck, but can a sure you "twinkie truck" will not be one of them...

Re: 61 GMC 4x4 1ton build
 

Looks like you started with a nice truck.
Did you keep the hyd. motor mounts?
what gears are you running?
I would like to see more pictures of the engine install if you have them.

Re: 61 GMC 4x4 1ton build
 

how much do those 4bt's weigh in at with flywheel,clutch assy and bellhousing?
I ran a 453 detroit in mine for 18 years. I did sell it and the shipping weight with complete eng and NP 5speed crated on a pallet was 1750 lbs. the frame came up 3 1/2" when I removed it and back down 1/4" when the 283 went in
ron

Re: 61 GMC 4x4 1ton build
 

I never put a 4bt on a scales, but the 305 v6 I pulled out of my 4x4 frame wieghed more.
front springs compressed more with the v6. The 4bt is about 720lb I'm told.

Re: 61 GMC 4x4 1ton build
 

actually I just googled it, 860 lb w/o flywheel,clutch etc. 453 detroit same way 1260 lbs
hp-displacement close. 453 not turbo'd 122 hp-212 cu"
ron

Re: 61 GMC 4x4 1ton build
 

That is gonna be a killer truck, welcome to the board!

Re: 61 GMC 4x4 1ton build
 

Can't waite for more!

Re: 61 GMC 4x4 1ton build
 

Awesome looking build. Can't wait to see more pics! Anyone know what kind of mileage the 4bt's get?

Re: 61 GMC 4x4 1ton build
 

24 in a 3/4 ton 63 K20 w/4.10 gears and .73 overdrive.
28 in a 83 ford full size bronco w/3.54 gears and ZF trans. This is combined mpg

Re: 61 GMC 4x4 1ton build
 

diesel dude
I am using the Hyd mounts that came from the bread truck. I made my own frame mounts and mounted the engine with those at the front, under the ranger od box Im adding a crossmember and a th400 mount, then I will also use the factory mount between the transmission and transfer case. This should help reduce the stress on the bellhousing adapter. as far as gears go the Dana's have 3.73 in them. I have a few more pics I will post soon. AND YES I found a really good cab. Very little work in that dept needed, I was able auto sell the perfect bed, and 5 lug converted frame and recoup most of my money. So far I'm in very good shape $ wise. Most of my purchases were supplemented by scraping the unneeded parts of donor vehicles. Stay tuned and I will get some motor mount pics up this week
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Re: 61 GMC 4x4 1ton build
 

Man I have two twelve valves, looks like I'm gonna have to trade one for a 4 hole to get me a really good mpg daily driver. :metal:

Re: 61 GMC 4x4 1ton build
 

this looks like it will be a cool build

Re: 61 GMC 4x4 1ton build
 

ky-donzi
I would use a hyd. clutch if possible, there is a lot of vibrations transferred through the rods and linkage to the dash of the mechanical set up.
I wish I had used hyd motor mounts on mine, its hard to take down and rebuild after you start driving it.

Re: 61 GMC 4x4 1ton build
 

Diesel dude

Yes I know, that has always been my down fall... once it drives I slow down working on it.....

I have a 85 chevy dual pattern bellhousing that uses an external hyd clutch. Im going to get with captainfab for the hydroboost/hyd clutch mount bracket that he sells. My focus now is mounting the cab to the frame. I have it sitting there and believe that it will be easiest just to torch out all the rivets and remove the orginal suburban cab mounts. I think Im just going to fab some of my own cab mounts and go that route.

The cab lines up with the 80 suburban mounts from front to back, its just the suburban mounts are narrower. It will be easiest and not look junky to just remove the exisiting frame mounts, fab new ones that match the holes in the 61 cab, and attach them in the holes left in the frame where the suburban mounts were.

Re: 61 GMC 4x4 1ton build
 

That will be the best way to do the mounts, it will look like some one cares about what is built.

Re: 61 GMC 4x4 1ton build
 

Thought i would post some progress that i have made. I have decided torch off the frame mounts that were on the 80 suburban frame. I made my own new frame mounts (frame stands). I also incorperated body bushing from a later model chevy 76-80 for a better mount (read more cushion) these will directly bolt in place of the riveted frame stands.