Turning my '66 GMC into a 4x4
 

This has been a fun experience so far and made much easier with the large Chief air chisel (Harbor Freight) for removing rivets. The suspension, transmission, and transfer case all come from a '78 K10. I have about $500 worth of new steering/suspension parts (tie rod ends, bushings, etc) coming in. Still have to swap the rear suspension, but it should be much easier.

My '66 is a long step bed, but I'm going to remove 11" to make it a mid-length bed.

I currently have 35x12.50x15s for it, and it will be powered by a 292.

Super excited to get to drive it!

Re: Turning my '66 GMC into a 4x4
 

Awesome work! Post up some more pictures as make more progress!

Re: Turning my '66 GMC into a 4x4
 

nice!!!!

Re: Turning my '66 GMC into a 4x4
 

I like your approach. Are you swapping the 4wd cross members from the '78?

Re: Turning my '66 GMC into a 4x4
 

Any new progress on this build? I'm wanting to convert my 64 GMC to a 4x4 and have a 78 K20 complete frame. Suspension swapping seems to be the go to so wondering how you found center for the front axle? Judging by the picture I'm thinking I could mount the front suspension exactly like you did as both our 4x4 parts are from a 78.

Re: Turning my '66 GMC into a 4x4
 

It has been a slow process, especially with me being a doofus and buying a '64 to build at the same time. It was a LOT of measuring with the old suspension on to figure where the new suspension is going. I took the entire truck down to metal and it's now sprayed with 2K primer. I'm working on the 292 and turbo now.

Re: Turning my '66 GMC into a 4x4
 

That's gonna look great! Love me some 292, I haven't turbo'd mine but someday I wanna build a turbo 292 haha

Yeah I've considered just swapping my 64's body onto my 78's frame but that also comes with a considerable amount of work. Most people have told me that swapping the front suspension is actually easier.

Re: Turning my '66 GMC into a 4x4
 

Don’t do the frame swap. I regret going that route on my 57. It’s easier and more clean to add the axle and drivetrain parts.

Re: Turning my '66 GMC into a 4x4
 

If you do swap frames, be aware that some states require a title for the frame and title for the cab since the VINs will be different.

Re: Turning my '66 GMC into a 4x4
 

Yeah that is something I looked into, last I checked here in Oregon you take both titles to the DMV and they will make one new title for you. But things change so I'm going to check again if I go the frame swap route, but I think I'm gonna swap suspension.