1970 Jimmy 2WD, need advice!

[yim94]

I recently purchased a 1970 Jimmy, I have been looking for quite some time. Here is my problem or blessing. I thought i was buying a 4WD Jimmy, and well it turns out it's a sheep in wolf clothes, lol. The VIN tells me it's a 2WD and further investigation leads me to believe that I do have the original tub and frame. The front leaf mounts are bolted in where factory rivets usually exist. I know these are rare, any clarification of actual numbers would be awesome. I'm looking for input on how to proceed with this project. I'm thinking that i need to return it to it's 2WD origin, and continue my search for an actual 4WD. Thanks!!

[68350]

Sadly there is no production numbers for GMCs. It would obviously be low production tho. I think the rule of thumb is 1 GMC to 6 Chevys. It's not perfect but should give an "idea". I agree to return it to 2wd form

[yim94]

Originally Posted by 68350

Sadly there is no production numbers for GMCs. It would obviously be low production tho. I think the rule of thumb is 1 GMC to 6 Chevys. It's not perfect but should give an "idea". I agree to return it to 2wd form

Thanks 1/6 of 985 is awful low, I had seen 1/3 on this forum, too. Thanks!! Would you try and stay close to original? I have bits and pieces around, like a 69 casting date 350/th350 combo and a 5 bolt disc brake cross member from 1971.

[dubds10]

Best to swap in a '72 IFS cross member with disc brakes & go back to 2wd. Don't waste a 2wd vin on a 4wd project of course. As far as all original, too late now but a 2wd project is worth more than a 4wd either way.

[yim94]

Originally Posted by dubds10

Best to swap in a '72 IFS cross member with disc brakes & go back to 2wd. Don't waste a 2wd vin on a 4wd project of course. As far as all original, too late now but a 2wd project is worth more than a 4wd either way.

Thanks for the advice. What I meant to say was period correct not original. Or should i go more for a modern drivetrain(i.e. fuel injection/overdrive)?

[notsolo]

Nice find, What you do with it and how and what you drive may influence the build plans. I modified a 4wd to 2wd, Lots of changes involved. front cross member, Transmission, transfer case, drive shaft. Post some photos, drive train etc when you get a chance.

[yim94]

Originally Posted by notsolo

Nice find, What you do with it and how and what you drive may influence the build plans. I modified a 4wd to 2wd, Lots of changes involved. front cross member, Transmission, transfer case, drive shaft. Post some photos, drive train etc when you get a chance.

Here are some pics, covered in snow, sorry. SPID and front leaf mount bolted on. Drive train is pretty typical 350/th400/np205/12 bolt etc...

Sweet build thread, btw!!

[hemi43]

Originally Posted by yim94

Or should i go more for a modern drivetrain(i.e. fuel injection/overdrive)?

That's up to you, but I prefer late model drivetrains. If you do decide to upgrade the engine and transmission, do it in such a way that it could be reversed if needed. Don't cut or alter the body IMHO.

[yim94]

Originally Posted by hemi43

That's up to you, but I prefer late model drivetrains. If you do decide to upgrade the engine and transmission, do it in such a way that it could be reversed if needed. Don't cut or alter the body IMHO.

Good advice. I think I should leave the body alone too. Probably a 5.3/4l60e or something along that lines. Improve reliability.

[notsolo]

Thanks for the Compliment....I agree also, 5.3 and a 4l60E or better!... having gone with a crate 350 it's OK but not great!