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#1 |
member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Silver Spring Md.20901
Posts: 2,031
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wheelbase problem
I'm wondering if someone can help me out ,perhaps linking me to a thread or just personal knowledge. I'm assuming that my problem is one that has been faced many times before me.
I recently purchased a 1968 3/4 ton 4wd pickup truck with a 6 inch lift. I really like the truck, but as I get older, I'm wishing more and more that it is just a normal height chassis.It wouldnt be a problem except for the fact that the 68 body is on a 1973 frame. I'm sure that most know that the wheelbase on the 1968 model is 127 inches. My problem is that the 1973 drivetrain is 129 inches. It works fine with the 6 inch lift, but in order to lower the body, I somehow need to move the front rear back 2 inches to fit the wheelwells. Does anyone know what needs to be done? Easier the better. Thanks for reading this post. Hope someone can help me out. Thanks, John
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1967 C/K10 Chevy Panel 1968 C/K20 Chevy Pickup 1968 C/K10 Chevy Suburban 1941 Chevy Sedan Delivery 1960 Chevy Sedan Delivery 1972 Camaro SS 396 #s matching 1971 Harley FX Superglide |
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#2 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Hillsboro Oregon
Posts: 6,449
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Re: wheelbase problem
leaf or coil rear?
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#3 |
member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Silver Spring Md.20901
Posts: 2,031
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Re: wheelbase problem
Moderator,
If I have listed this in the wrong forum, could you move it please?
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1967 C/K10 Chevy Panel 1968 C/K20 Chevy Pickup 1968 C/K10 Chevy Suburban 1941 Chevy Sedan Delivery 1960 Chevy Sedan Delivery 1972 Camaro SS 396 #s matching 1971 Harley FX Superglide |
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#4 |
Fabricate till you "puke"
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Ill
Posts: 9,403
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Re: wheelbase problem
You are more than 2" off....unless sombody cut that frame its 131.5 wb. other than sliding the spring hangers ahead to compensate, I cant offer much help. Best of luck,crazyL
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69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears.... |
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#5 |
member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Silver Spring Md.20901
Posts: 2,031
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Re: wheelbase problem
I dont really know what was done so far. The rear is leafsprings. The rear rear, is located correctly in place. Although the chassis is a 73, They used a bolt on rear shock mount, due to the fact that they used a 72 front and rear rears and needed to get rid of the opposing shock mounts. The front frame horns have been cut off. The wheelbase measures 129, (however it got that way). Does this only mean that I can move the front spring mounts back, or can the leaf springs be re-drilled and a new pin be located to hold the front rear in place?? I dunno????? Thanks
John
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1967 C/K10 Chevy Panel 1968 C/K20 Chevy Pickup 1968 C/K10 Chevy Suburban 1941 Chevy Sedan Delivery 1960 Chevy Sedan Delivery 1972 Camaro SS 396 #s matching 1971 Harley FX Superglide Last edited by olblue60@aol.com; 01-24-2008 at 12:24 PM. |
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#6 |
member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Silver Spring Md.20901
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Re: wheelbase problem
Help!!
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1967 C/K10 Chevy Panel 1968 C/K20 Chevy Pickup 1968 C/K10 Chevy Suburban 1941 Chevy Sedan Delivery 1960 Chevy Sedan Delivery 1972 Camaro SS 396 #s matching 1971 Harley FX Superglide |
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#7 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Hillsboro Oregon
Posts: 6,449
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Re: wheelbase problem
I would think moving the hangers forward would be the best/easiest solution.
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#8 |
Fabricate till you "puke"
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Ill
Posts: 9,403
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Re: wheelbase problem
I think I missread that post.....the rear diff is centered in the wheel opening? If the front diff is off, whitch way does it need to move?(Im guessing rearward?) crazyL
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69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears.... |
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#9 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Hillsboro Oregon
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Re: wheelbase problem
Got Pics???
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#10 |
member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Silver Spring Md.20901
Posts: 2,031
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Re: wheelbase problem
yes, it would need to be moved rearward. Do you think thats easier than perhaps drilling the leafs and installing another pin through them to keep the differental mounts in place? Is it ever done this way. I know that moving the mounts doesnt look to be that hard either. ??
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1967 C/K10 Chevy Panel 1968 C/K20 Chevy Pickup 1968 C/K10 Chevy Suburban 1941 Chevy Sedan Delivery 1960 Chevy Sedan Delivery 1972 Camaro SS 396 #s matching 1971 Harley FX Superglide Last edited by olblue60@aol.com; 01-25-2008 at 01:50 PM. |
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#11 |
Tool Addiction=Money Shortage
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Grand Forks, ND
Posts: 233
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Re: wheelbase problem
If you are only off by two inches put the factory springs back in and then use off-designs zero-rate add-a-leaves they have offset mounting holes to allow for 1'' of forward or back placement. They aren't really add-a-leaves they are 1'' lift blocks. 1'' higher than stock with standard size tires shouldn't be obvious.
It will not completely center you tires in your wheelwells, it is just a cheap idea.
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1967 K20 400TBI SM465/NP205 posi front, Detroit locker 4.56 rear |
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#12 |
member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Silver Spring Md.20901
Posts: 2,031
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Re: wheelbase problem
Thats an interesting approach. I'm wondering about perhaps fabricating a plate, about 6 inches long or so, the same width as the leaf springs, that will mount on the top of the leafs with a hole drilled in one end to go over the existing locating pin and a new pin 2 inches back to recieve the differental and re install the rear and u bolts to hold it together?? Does it sound like it would work? or a dangerous misteak?? Maybe ,cut a section off another old set of springs, drill a hole to go over the old pin, and weld in place with the new pin location 2 inches back?? is the location of the differental an engeneered placement or would the location, 2 inches back, not be a problem? Thanks
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1967 C/K10 Chevy Panel 1968 C/K20 Chevy Pickup 1968 C/K10 Chevy Suburban 1941 Chevy Sedan Delivery 1960 Chevy Sedan Delivery 1972 Camaro SS 396 #s matching 1971 Harley FX Superglide Last edited by olblue60@aol.com; 01-26-2008 at 07:14 AM. |
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#13 |
member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Silver Spring Md.20901
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Re: wheelbase problem
Your opinion is appreciated
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1967 C/K10 Chevy Panel 1968 C/K20 Chevy Pickup 1968 C/K10 Chevy Suburban 1941 Chevy Sedan Delivery 1960 Chevy Sedan Delivery 1972 Camaro SS 396 #s matching 1971 Harley FX Superglide |
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Spring, Texas
Posts: 167
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Re: wheelbase problem
I saw that extact offset plate idea on some website(sorry forgot where it was at). Basically it had two holes in it to move the diff back/forward 2". It was only about the thickness of the exposed pin.
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'72 3/4 Cheyenne Super 402/TH400 Gear Vendors '72 3/4 Cheyenne Super 350/200R4 '50 1/2 Chevy 3 Window |
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#15 |
member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Silver Spring Md.20901
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Re: wheelbase problem
There are many people on this site that are far smarter than I. So I guess that I'm not the first with this idea. My question now is, How safe does this idea sound? Should the plate be welded in place , or can I trust the U bolts? Could relocating the differental back on the springs cause any safety issues? All the imput on this matter is greatly appreciated. Thanks
John
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1967 C/K10 Chevy Panel 1968 C/K20 Chevy Pickup 1968 C/K10 Chevy Suburban 1941 Chevy Sedan Delivery 1960 Chevy Sedan Delivery 1972 Camaro SS 396 #s matching 1971 Harley FX Superglide Last edited by olblue60@aol.com; 01-27-2008 at 09:32 AM. |
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#16 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Winters Ca. 95694
Posts: 4,843
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Re: wheelbase problem
I feel moving it back 2" with a plate would be safe to do. First check to make sure that you will not have any engine to diff clearance problems by sliding the diff back 2". You will also need new springs since you want to lower it back to stock. You might want to pull a tape on the new spring because I remember alot of 4x4 springs had the pin off center to start with and who knows maybe you will get lucky and can just flip it around. As far as it being designed this way, yes it was and you may get a rougher or softer ride since you are changing the leverage rate's on the spring but it will be safe non the less. Good luck.
Kevin LFD Inc. |
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#17 |
Born Psycho
![]() Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: brentwood,cal,usa
Posts: 4,884
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Re: wheelbase problem
one thing to consider, your draglink will probably not extend an extra 2 inches. i don't see any danger in moving the diff back a couple inches, not all leaf springs have the pin in the center from the factory.
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jerry moss 72 cheyenne super K20- tilt,tach,vacuum,speedwarning,buckets,shoulder belts,am/fm,tow hooks,bumper guards,toolbox,aux. fuel tank,posi front and rear,plus other goodies!!! SOLD 69 suburban K20-tilt,tach,vacuum,speedwarning,buckets,shoulder belts,am/fm,4 inch all spring lift,4 speed, 14 bolt full floater, dana 44 HD,warn winch,posi front and rear,tow hooks,plus other goodies. 73/80 chevy/gmc K20 SB400,turbo 400,205,tilt,a-c,gas hog. 77 K/5 cheyenne blazer-daily driver/beater. SON HAS IT NOW BRENTWOOD,CALIFORNIA |
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#18 |
member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Silver Spring Md.20901
Posts: 2,031
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Re: wheelbase problem
To everyone who has read and answered this thread, Many thanks!! I now have the confidence to go ahead with this plan.As far as the drag link, I hadn't even considered this before, but I'll start measuring things out. Your knowledge has been invaluable.
John
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1967 C/K10 Chevy Panel 1968 C/K20 Chevy Pickup 1968 C/K10 Chevy Suburban 1941 Chevy Sedan Delivery 1960 Chevy Sedan Delivery 1972 Camaro SS 396 #s matching 1971 Harley FX Superglide Last edited by olblue60@aol.com; 01-27-2008 at 11:04 PM. |
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