Frame and Tranny for 53 GMC

[jrdecat]

So I'm currently gathering donor vehicles and parts for a winter project. My inspiration is the before pics from this thread:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=412326

Have my '53 2-ton 5 window cab and just trying to decide on what to use as a donor.


Here's what I want:
4x4
3/4 ton running gear
Automatic tranny w/ OD
Air conditioning (I'm a sissy in the heat)

Since I've got the big hood and fenders I'll have a little more front clearance and I'm ok with the tires sticking out a bit. Going with a flatbed in back so I don't have to mess with the bed and rear fenders. Hoping to find a donor that has all I need.

From what I have gathered, the 700r4 wasn't used in C/K trucks until '95, but started in the blazers/jimmys/burbs in 82 or 84 ish. Just trying to find out from people who are truck smarter than me if this is correct and if I should stay away from any type of donor in particular? For example: Don't use a suburban frame because the thingy won't clear the other thingy and you'll have to cut the frame apart.

I've read a ton of build threads on here and every one has it's unique challenges. Just need some expert advice on this particular one. I'm not scared of fab work and have access to a full welding shop and also a machine shop.

Thanks in advance!

JR

[Midgets50]

depending on what your planning on doing for a setup you might consider using the original frame. Here is mine. its farther than this but i dont have a good up to date photo. i used 79 k2500 axles. To get the 4x4 i went with a divorced transfer case then that way you can run a beefed up OD tranny (to handle the added stress of the 4x4) As for AC you might invest in vintage air or another under dash setup. if you have any questions ill try and chime in from my experiences

[jrdecat]

Thanks for the quick reply. I love the green trucks! I want to keep this as plug and play as possible, meaning: strip off the old body, throw the new one one. I figure that will save me a lot of time as far as figuring out how to mount the donor running gear and drivetrain. Then it's just a matter of making things fit under the hood and through the firewall. I've seen the vintage air units before and they come out looking pretty good. I'll probably fiddle with the factory ac from the donor until I get angry and just buy the vintage air. I know it's not a good trait to have when trying to do something like this, but I'm pretty frugal. I like to Red Green things together in order to make them work vs buying new.

[mr48chev]

I was going to say almost what Midget50 said and showed. Using the original frame you don't have to fight with body alignment or fitment and those frames (I have a 1-1/2 ton) are stout enough to handle most anything.

Shorten the frame to any length you want using the lap over method, hang the 3/4 ton front and rear axles complete with 3/4 ton springs and you are good to go. You will have to build mounts for the engine, trans and transfer but you won't have to spend the same amount of time fitting the cab and nose to the late model frame.

[jrdecat]

Well part of the problem is that I have just the body of the '53, not the whole frame. My error in not being clear on that minor detail.

[va4cqd]

Originally Posted by jrdecat

From what I have gathered, the 700r4 wasn't used in C/K trucks until '95, but started in the blazers/jimmys/burbs in 82 or 84 ish.

. Not true. Was used in C/K trucks from 82 to 92. in 93 it got full electronic control and the name changed to 4l60e

[Midgets50]

how tall are you going to want it to sit? you can either channel alot of your floor up for the transmission and such to fit under the cab or you can raise your cab up high enough to clear it. it will take alot of measuring to get the cab and front clip mounted straight and proper. On my first attempt my cab mounts were raised about a 6 or 8 inches on the rear of the cab because i didn't want to channel my floor (here is a junk cab i had that i tried mounting dont pay attention to the bed it was just setting on the frame to get it out of the way in the shop)

[wayne4252004]

My truck sits on a 74 3/4 Blazer chasis. It rides on 38.5 super swampers.