64 GMC SWB 2wd to 4wd need advice

[1964GMC]

My street cruiser project has just become a beach cruiser/surf fishing project. What do I need to convert to 4wd? Can I just swap the front crossmember for something in a later model? Or would a frame swap be the best idea? What would fit? Not wanting to go full on monster truck, just 4wd with wide/high floatation tires.

Bad thing is I have a finished 2wd chassis with '84 front crossmember/discs and POR15 frame. 283 is built and coupled to a 700r4. This truck already has rear leaf spring suspension.

Thanks in advance for the advice.

[FetchMeAPepsi]

If that truck is built you might put it in the paper and buy a 4x4 then start with most of the work done like that depending on how showy you're wanting it.

Since it's a GMC you might ask on the GMC club board at http://6066gmcclub.com those guys worship the GMC over there.

[bhc41051]

How-a-bout building a two wheel drive pre-runner? lift it up a few inches, Nitro shocks, larger tires.. few daylighters on the front... Just an idea

[padresag]

Originally Posted by FetchMeAPepsi

If that truck is built you might put it in the paper and buy a 4x4 then start with most of the work done like that depending on how showy you're wanting it.

Since it's a GMC you might ask on the GMC club board at http://6066gmcclub.com those guys worship the GMC over there.

but he is putting a 283 in it
ron

[padresag]

check this thread out
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=448681
ron

[1964GMC]

Can't sell it and start over. Truck had belonged to 2 other family members. Originally the FIL's truck.
Only the chassis is done, well, about 80%done. The 283 has been balanced, blueprinted, bored .040 and assembled about 6 years ago. Has not been fired yet. The front crossmember and the rear axle are from an '84 Burban that I cannibalized. The body work has yet to begin. Probably just gonna satin clear the current "patina".
Now that I want a beach rig, the wife suggested that we switch gears and make this truck a 4x4. That way we don't have 2 more vehicles. I actually thought 2 would be cool. But since we already have a Caddy SRX, T-bucket street rod, and a boat, she didn't see the need for 2 more.
I'll ck out the guys at 6066gmcclub , but if I remember it may be them I looked at for info many years ago and they scoffed at me for modifying a truck and not restoring it.

[Captainfab]

I would find a '73-'87 K series truck, Suburban or Blazer and switch all the related parts onto your C series frame. That is what jonzscustomshop did with his Suburban, that Ron linked to. That is the best way IMO.