Is it possible

[pimpston65]

my lady wants a 65' suburban, so i started gathering parts here and there now that my build is very near complete i wanted to plan what goes into her build. my question? is it possible and has there been a factory made example of this idea. i want a 65 suburban with 4X4, PS,PB,AC, 283ci with PG and made with all oem parts of the era no upgrades or aftermarket parts. IS IT POSSIBLE?????????????????? oh and practical

[NEWFISHER]

Sounds like the holy grail and I want one

[pimpston65]

thks NEWFISHER, she will laugh when i tell her build is the holy grail...

[Captainfab]

You could likely do all listed except the PS. I have heard of a power steering on the '63-'66 K series, but I have yet to see one.

If I was building my wife a Suburban to drive I would upgrade to power front disc brakes, power steering, AC and a 350,700R4 with a married transfer case. I figure may as well make it safer, nicer to drive and get better mpg's while I'm at it.

[pimpston65]

thks Captainfab i have a line on a 66 oem PS setup but no pump i wonder if it will work or is the PS only 4x4 and 2x4 specific?

[pimpston65]

i got a line on a napco 4x4 not sure if its divorced or married whats the disadvantages and advantages of either?

[60-66]

Originally Posted by pimpston65

thks Captainfab i have a line on a 66 oem PS setup but no pump i wonder if it will work or is the PS only 4x4 and 2x4 specific?

Somewhere I had a picture of a 1966 GMC 4X4 with "Factory ?" style PS . Its my opinion 63-66 PS was never offered but may have been outfitted possibly in later years. In 1967 it was offered using the same 63-66 basic style components but a different hydraulic cylinder, valve and bracket for the frame, I found an NOS cylinder awhile ago 5691112. The valve mounting is still a mystery to me, the 67 4x4 valve is 7801055. The cylinder mounted to the center link from what the picture showed with two U-bolts and a bracket. Still not sure if the frame bracket from a 2x4 is the same because of the increased angle of a 4x4. Parts book does not show a 4x4 specific frame bracket.

The automatic trans was not offered in 60-66 4x4s.

I had a 65 Suburban 4x4 Custom Cab with factory PB and AC Red and white with the red Custom interior.



NAPCO, many people confuse 60-66s with NAPCO which ended in 1959 on Chevys/GMCs so I would question any 60-66 as being a NAPCO. I have seen 3/4 tons and up outfitted with NAPCO conversions. But for a 4x4 half ton Suburban the factory gave you a beefier frame that a NAPCO would not in a half ton. NAPCO parts are getting pricey , the factory 60-66 is still a bit easier to find.

As for brakes, while the discs are nice, both my Gold and White 4x4s still have the original brakes and stop just as well in my opinion. Ive stopped quite hard in both.

[63burban]

Drive an original 4x4 and if you love your woman you won't put her in one. Those old front axles are a pain and steer hard for daily use.
Definitely upgrade to later model power steering, power brakes, 350/700r4, vintage ac and sway bars. This can be done with mostly GM parts except for the ac obviously. But with these parts and done right she can be safe and feel comfortable driving the vehicle everyday. I have done these things to my 56 Chevy and my wife gets in and goes no problem. The only thing she sometimes forgets is to pump the gas to start the car cold.