4X4 question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

impalaboy9 · 07-26-2010, 10:10 AM

Alright guys kinda new to this forum. I have been a huge chevy fan my whole life, I help my dad with his 73 vette, I have a 64 impala ss sbc400+tko5speed and I also have an 82 el camino with some mods. I'm pretty handy and deff not a noob but I'm really new to trucks. I have a 65 chevy stepside I love the looks of this truck but I would like to put a 4X4 frame under it with as little modification as possible (I know I know its never that easy) I was thinking maybe an 80's 4X4 truck with the shift linkage in the truck, I dont want to have to get out and dig out the snow to turn the hubs. Basically my el camino isn't all the truck that I need for nebraska winters and home remodeling projects and a new retro rod/ work horse is up to bat for my next big project. Thanks for the help.

padresag · 07-26-2010, 10:22 AM

"I dont want to have to get out and dig out the snow to turn the hubs."
the new generation. such a strenuous ordeal
ron

**ChiefRocka** · 07-26-2010, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by padresag

"I dont want to have to get out and dig out the snow to turn the hubs."
the new generation. such a strenuous ordeal
ron

Easy there ... he just wants shift on the fly !!!

Hey man, welcome aboard !!

This is exactly what you need to see :

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=340792

impalaboy9 · 07-26-2010, 10:59 AM

Wow that was some really nice work, but maybe a little radical for what I am trying to do. I think I saw another 4X4 project with an 80's blazer frame???? also does this limit my options of going with a 5-speed cuz I have tko500 collecting dust in the shop. Thanks again! P.S. Yea right you can't blame me for not wanting the locking hubs, first of all they were junk and secondly why would you put locking hubs on when you could go with the linkage of the 80's or electric shift from modern trucks too cool and too much work not to go with something cool like that. There I go gettin all fired up again lol.

fleetsidelarry · 07-26-2010, 12:04 PM

Hey, welcome to the 60-66 Board. I was born and raised (a long time ago) in Lincoln (Havelock), still come back 3 or 4 times a year to see my Dad who still lives in the house I grew up in.

Is your '65 lwb or short? Knowing that will let you know your donor truck options.

You will love the '65 as a daily driver once you get it set up.

impalaboy9 · 07-26-2010, 04:45 PM

Its a short box so I'm assuming the short wheel base. Thanks for the help. I live very close to the Havlock area, its a neat part of town to go through.

USSkoval · 07-27-2010, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by impalaboy9

Wow that was some really nice work, but maybe a little radical for what I am trying to do. I think I saw another 4X4 project with an 80's blazer frame???? also does this limit my options of going with a 5-speed cuz I have tko500 collecting dust in the shop. Thanks again! P.S. Yea right you can't blame me for not wanting the locking hubs, first of all they were junk and secondly why would you put locking hubs on when you could go with the linkage of the 80's or electric shift from modern trucks too cool and too much work not to go with something cool like that. There I go gettin all fired up again lol.

Shifting into 4wd and locking the hubs are two different things altogether. The 80's NP208 can shift into 4hi up to about 25 or 30mph. The optional auto-locking hubs are/were junk and will always fail when you need them the most. Just run locking hubs and keep them locked all winter long.

Hoods69BadBowTie · 07-28-2010, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by USSkoval

Shifting into 4wd and locking the hubs are two different things altogether. The 80's NP208 can shift into 4hi up to about 25 or 30mph. The optional auto-locking hubs are/were junk and will always fail when you need them the most. Just run locking hubs and keep them locked all winter long.

Yea x2 that's what I always used to do and had no major problems lol

I would almost try and find a 4x4 truck or just fab yours and make it into a 4x4 think be way easier then doing an 80's frame swap unless you wanted to!

Burt4x4 · 07-30-2010, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by USSkoval

Shifting into 4wd and locking the hubs are two different things altogether. The 80's NP208 can shift into 4hi up to about 25 or 30mph. The optional auto-locking hubs are/were junk and will always fail when you need them the most. Just run locking hubs and keep them locked all winter long.

I totally agree

raycow · 07-27-2010, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by padresag

"I dont want to have to get out and dig out the snow to turn the hubs."
the new generation. such a strenuous ordeal
ron

When I was a kid I had to walk 10 miles to school in the snow carrying 20 lbs of books - barefoot - against the wind - uphill - in both directions.......

Ray

*scottsdaleowner75* · 07-26-2010, 05:13 PM

I have an 86' K10 and I still have to get out of the truck to lock the front hubs. PS they arent junk. If anything I had WAYYYY more problems with my 2000 Z71 and its shift on the fly contraption then i have ever had on any manual locking hubs setup.

msgross · 07-26-2010, 08:04 PM

you can always leave the hubs locked in the winter and just shift the transfer case, then your loafers won't get snow in them! hahaha

just razzin ya...

I'd look in to diy4x.com and just convert your 2WD frame. Few mounts, few crossmembers and you're set. No need to fab any crazy body mounts to convert it over to a newer frame.

jonzcustomshop · 07-26-2010, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by msgross

you can always leave the hubs locked in the winter and just shift the transfer case, then your loafers won't get snow in them! hahaha

just razzin ya...

I'd look in to diy4x.com and just convert your 2WD frame. Few mounts, few crossmembers and you're set. No need to fab any crazy body mounts to convert it over to a newer frame.

from what I have seen on the board this ^ would be the easiest.. using an 80's frasme you have to do about a 2-3 inck body lift to clear the crossmembers, and you are also fighting wheelbase issues with your doner...

impalaboy9 · 07-26-2010, 10:45 PM

Thanks for the advice I'll look into that, did the 65 4 weel drive work very well? Maybe I should just use a stock frame and save myself the headache all together, I just had dreams of pulling off something sexier but I'm into easy too.

msgross · 07-27-2010, 12:04 AM

4x4's really improved in 71 with disc brakes and the NP205 transfer case. I would gather parts from any solid axle chevy from 71-86ish... might be hard to find an actual 4x4 frame from your era though...

Redcap · 07-27-2010, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by impalaboy9

msgross · 07-27-2010, 08:49 AM

ok gang, I think we ran that part into the ground... I agree that getting out and turning hubs isn't my idea of fun either. Let's not bash the guy too much...

martindc1 · 07-28-2010, 09:48 PM

Find a cheap 73+ short wheelbase K10 and swap over the drivetrain to your existing frame. Use the leaf springs, hangers, driveshafts and everything.

impalaboy9 · 07-29-2010, 09:59 AM

are the frames fairly similar? Has anyone done this swap that could provide some more insight? I like the 73+ k10 idea I think I can get one cheap I'm just worried how extensive the fabrication might be I have a small mig welder that won't do the job so I'll have to send the welding out. Also, what about using an 80's s-10 blazer would that drive train work? Thanks

Redcap · 07-29-2010, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by impalaboy9

are the frames fairly similar? Has anyone done this swap that could provide some more insight? I like the 73+ k10 idea I think I can get one cheap I'm just worried how extensive the fabrication might be I have a small mig welder that won't do the job so I'll have to send the welding out. Also, what about using an 80's s-10 blazer would that drive train work? Thanks

An 80's S10 drivetrain would never survive in a fullsize. They barely survive in an S10...

martindc1 · 07-29-2010, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by impalaboy9

are the frames fairly similar? Has anyone done this swap that could provide some more insight? I like the 73+ k10 idea I think I can get one cheap I'm just worried how extensive the fabrication might be I have a small mig welder that won't do the job so I'll have to send the welding out. Also, what about using an 80's s-10 blazer would that drive train work? Thanks

There's somebody on here that has a 60-66 that they used the 73+ springs and hangers. The frames are close enough that you should be able to make it work. I don't know that it would require much, if any, welding as most of that stuff would bolt to the frame. Also, I looked over 68 SWB 2wd where the guy converted it to 4wd using the same method and it looked pretty good. I've seen complete 73+ K10s for sale for as little as $300 locally.

vectorit · 07-29-2010, 10:37 PM

Doing a chassis swap may be an option, since I came across this awesome 4x4 burb. I waited around for the owner to show up, but no dice so I took a couple a pics. Still have my eye out for him...
It had IFS, and from what I could tell the entire chassis was late model.

I wouldn't know the first thing about going about this swap, but from these pictures it doesn't seem impossible?

Redcap · 07-30-2010, 04:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vectorit

Doing a chassis swap may be an option, since I came across this awesome 4x4 burb. I waited around for the owner to show up, but no dice so I took a couple a pics. Still have my eye out for him...
It had IFS, and from what I could tell the entire chassis was late model.

I wouldn't know the first thing about going about this swap, but from these pictures it doesn't seem impossible?

As much as I'm not a fan of IFS, that is a SWEET 'Burb!

martindc1 · 07-30-2010, 08:42 AM

There's a 63 Burb here where I live having what looks to be 73-87 drive train, maybe I ought flag him down and ask him about it sometime.

impalaboy9 · 07-30-2010, 09:44 AM

Thats a really nice burb. Thanks for all the help guys I really appreciate it. There are some cheap k 10's in my neighborhood as well. I am getting the title and such rounded up on my 65 truck. I hope to pick it up from Kansas on Sat. I will keep everyone posted on the progress.

07-26-2010, 10:10 AM	#1
impalaboy9 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: lincoln ne Posts: 57	4X4 question Alright guys kinda new to this forum. I have been a huge chevy fan my whole life, I help my dad with his 73 vette, I have a 64 impala ss sbc400+tko5speed and I also have an 82 el camino with some mods. I'm pretty handy and deff not a noob but I'm really new to trucks. I have a 65 chevy stepside I love the looks of this truck but I would like to put a 4X4 frame under it with as little modification as possible (I know I know its never that easy) I was thinking maybe an 80's 4X4 truck with the shift linkage in the truck, I dont want to have to get out and dig out the snow to turn the hubs. Basically my el camino isn't all the truck that I need for nebraska winters and home remodeling projects and a new retro rod/ work horse is up to bat for my next big project. Thanks for the help.

07-26-2010, 10:22 AM	#2
padresag Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Sidney,b.c. Posts: 4,425	Re: 4X4 question "I dont want to have to get out and dig out the snow to turn the hubs." the new generation. such a strenuous ordeal ron

07-26-2010, 10:59 AM	#4
impalaboy9 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: lincoln ne Posts: 57	Re: 4X4 question Wow that was some really nice work, but maybe a little radical for what I am trying to do. I think I saw another 4X4 project with an 80's blazer frame???? also does this limit my options of going with a 5-speed cuz I have tko500 collecting dust in the shop. Thanks again! P.S. Yea right you can't blame me for not wanting the locking hubs, first of all they were junk and secondly why would you put locking hubs on when you could go with the linkage of the 80's or electric shift from modern trucks too cool and too much work not to go with something cool like that. There I go gettin all fired up again lol.

07-26-2010, 12:04 PM	#5
fleetsidelarry Senior Car Nut Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: shellman bluff, GA Posts: 1,411	Re: 4X4 question Hey, welcome to the 60-66 Board. I was born and raised (a long time ago) in Lincoln (Havelock), still come back 3 or 4 times a year to see my Dad who still lives in the house I grew up in. Is your '65 lwb or short? Knowing that will let you know your donor truck options. You will love the '65 as a daily driver once you get it set up. __________________ Larry

07-26-2010, 04:45 PM	#6
impalaboy9 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: lincoln ne Posts: 57	Re: 4X4 question Its a short box so I'm assuming the short wheel base. Thanks for the help. I live very close to the Havlock area, its a neat part of town to go through.

07-26-2010, 05:13 PM	#11
scottsdaleowner75 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: So. Cal, Inland Empire Posts: 199	Re: 4X4 question I have an 86' K10 and I still have to get out of the truck to lock the front hubs. PS they arent junk. If anything I had WAYYYY more problems with my 2000 Z71 and its shift on the fly contraption then i have ever had on any manual locking hubs setup.

07-26-2010, 08:04 PM	#12
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: 4X4 question you can always leave the hubs locked in the winter and just shift the transfer case, then your loafers won't get snow in them! hahaha just razzin ya... I'd look in to diy4x.com and just convert your 2WD frame. Few mounts, few crossmembers and you're set. No need to fab any crazy body mounts to convert it over to a newer frame. __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer"

07-26-2010, 10:45 PM	#14
impalaboy9 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: lincoln ne Posts: 57	Re: 4X4 question Thanks for the advice I'll look into that, did the 65 4 weel drive work very well? Maybe I should just use a stock frame and save myself the headache all together, I just had dreams of pulling off something sexier but I'm into easy too.

07-27-2010, 12:04 AM	#15
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: 4X4 question 4x4's really improved in 71 with disc brakes and the NP205 transfer case. I would gather parts from any solid axle chevy from 71-86ish... might be hard to find an actual 4x4 frame from your era though... __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer"

07-27-2010, 08:49 AM	#17
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: 4X4 question ok gang, I think we ran that part into the ground... I agree that getting out and turning hubs isn't my idea of fun either. Let's not bash the guy too much... __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer"

07-28-2010, 09:48 PM	#18
martindc1 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: La Crosse, WI Posts: 218	Re: 4X4 question Find a cheap 73+ short wheelbase K10 and swap over the drivetrain to your existing frame. Use the leaf springs, hangers, driveshafts and everything. __________________ Currently truckless, previous trucks: 67 K20, 87 K10 aka V10 & 72 C10

07-29-2010, 09:59 AM	#19
impalaboy9 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: lincoln ne Posts: 57	Re: 4X4 question are the frames fairly similar? Has anyone done this swap that could provide some more insight? I like the 73+ k10 idea I think I can get one cheap I'm just worried how extensive the fabrication might be I have a small mig welder that won't do the job so I'll have to send the welding out. Also, what about using an 80's s-10 blazer would that drive train work? Thanks Last edited by impalaboy9; 07-29-2010 at 10:09 AM.

07-29-2010, 10:37 PM	#22
vectorit What? Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,617	Re: 4X4 question Doing a chassis swap may be an option, since I came across this awesome 4x4 burb. I waited around for the owner to show up, but no dice so I took a couple a pics. Still have my eye out for him... It had IFS, and from what I could tell the entire chassis was late model. I wouldn't know the first thing about going about this swap, but from these pictures it doesn't seem impossible? Attached Images __________________ Chris 1968 K20 Suburban 1972 K10 LWB PU

07-30-2010, 08:42 AM	#24
martindc1 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: La Crosse, WI Posts: 218	Re: 4X4 question There's a 63 Burb here where I live having what looks to be 73-87 drive train, maybe I ought flag him down and ask him about it sometime. __________________ Currently truckless, previous trucks: 67 K20, 87 K10 aka V10 & 72 C10

07-30-2010, 09:44 AM	#25
impalaboy9 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: lincoln ne Posts: 57	Re: 4X4 question Thats a really nice burb. Thanks for all the help guys I really appreciate it. There are some cheap k 10's in my neighborhood as well. I am getting the title and such rounded up on my 65 truck. I hope to pick it up from Kansas on Sat. I will keep everyone posted on the progress.



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