Need info on ways to identify 4x4 original 68-72

[Arrington01]

I am wanting to know if there are any certain characteristics on identifying original 4x4 swb trucks 68-72. I know some guys would swap some of these early swb trucks on to later model 73-85 model truck frames to make 4x4's. Is there any good ways to tell? Like certain body mounts not lining up? Axles wider? If frame ends are different?
I am looking at buying a 68 swb that I have know of for over 20 years and I am not sure if this truck was a original 2wd truck and converted to a 4x4. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
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[zeeklu]

Easiest way is to check the vin number. Chris

[Arrington01]

What letter needs to be in vin to identify it? Is it a K? Also what about frame if its a later model chassis?
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[Ironhorse]

Check the VIN of the truck, a '' C '' indicates a 2 wheel drive, a '' K "" indicates four wheel drive. Also check to see the VIN partially matches to the number steel stamped into the drivers side frame member on top near the steering gear box. If buying with a title be sure all three match, the paper title VIN, the cab VIN and the frame partial VIN. You can also check the SIPD label on the glove box door but doors can be changed very easily, not a sure tell for a factory 4x4. 1971 was first year for disc brakes on 2 and 4 wheel drive both. If someone tells you their '69 swb 4x4 came with factory disc brakes it has been swaped in. All 1/2 ton 4x4 are 6 lug and 3/4 ton 4x4 are 8 lug. Hope that helps some. Good luck in your search.

[special-K]

The post-72 frames are longer in front of the cab. The front wheels will sit slightly forward,the front frame horns will be cut off (and they are shaped different if not cut yet),the core support will be relocated back in the frame from the original position. The rear shock mounts are both to the front on pre-73 and staggered on post-72. Look to see if they are right,and if they are,has anything been modified to make it right. Also,the rear frame contour on post-72 sits higher in relation to the front. The cab and clip need to be raised about 2" with the bed on the frame to line up

[see ten]

Factory 4x4 will have a high hump cab floor. 2nd symbol of the vin should be a "k" (at least for a chevy... not sure about gmc).

[sameyrasmea72]

One easy way to make sure it is not a converted 2wd is to check the frame. On a 2wd frame (see pic) the frame rails near the frar end go up and out. On a 4xx frame this same area is as straight as a board. I will se if I can find a 4x4 frame pic.

[Arrington01]

Ok, I got vin and the truck cab is or was a 2wd drive truck. I kinda thought it was. I have know of this truck since I was like 12-13 years old and now I am 33. Truck has been together a while and it has been driven a lot. So I guess my next phase is to figure out what kinda of frame it's on. I need to check frame to see if it is a 68-72 frame 4x4 or a 73 and after frame. The truck is a pretty good/decent truck. It's a swb truck. How is the value on a truck like this. I mainly mess with the 2wd swb trucks. I know guys cut lwb to swb trucks and value changes a little bit. Are these 4x4 conversions about the same? I mean you can't hardly find a 4x4 swb at all. You can find 2wd swb all day long compared to 4x4 trucks. I am sure it's just up to individual. A guy wanting a original truck wouldn't want it. But a nice daily driver that has been converted with a 5-8 ur old paint job. What's it worth?
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[see ten]

Original swb 4x4's bring pretty good $... I recently sold one. Yea a conversion isn't going to bring near as much, but if it was done right, I wouldn't be afraid of it. I'd look at it just like a 2wd... If it didn't need corners, rockers, bottoms in the doors, drip rail and above the windshield in the interior is solid, bed panels in good shape... move on to the frame... no booger welds on the cab/body mounts, nothing looks hacked up.

Pay whatever you're comfortable with.

Show us some pictures if you want a better idea of "wiw"... but odds are it's gonna come back to what I've already stated... always does around here.

[special-K]

It should never come close to the value of an original SWB 67-72 K/10 simply because they were all relatively low production vehicles. In other words,an original could justifiably run pretty high. I figure a 67-72 on a 73+ frame could be worth as much or more than the higher production 73+ SWB K/10s

[sboris]

I don't know if this pertains to what your asking, but just at first glance the transfer case shifter is on the far right of the hump for 72 and the early ones 67 68 I believe are more to the left, along with diff shaped lever.. Of course this kinda thing can be changed out easily. It's one thing to look for.
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