51 chevy truck 2wheel to 4x4???

[blm64Goat]

Hi, New here. I have a 1951 chevy 3/4 ton that my son wants to make a 4x4.
The frame on the 51 is fine. Do I want to use that frame, go with a wagoneer frame or just use the running gear. I have a 77 chevy heavy half 4x4, 4 speed, complete truck but frame is shot. I know the 77s axels will be a little to wide, correct? Also I ve heard s-10 rolling chassis work. Input appreciated. Thanks.

[1972RedNeck]

Personally, I would put a set of axles under the '51 frame. As for width, get a tape measure, make some measurements, and report back.

[ghettoluxury]

The axles from the 77 are wider than I like on these trucks. They can be used it has been done many times. The wagoneer axles are just about the same size as the 77. The S10 frame swap is a viable option and has been documented on this sight very well with several of the builds being 4x4 trucks. The only problem with the S10 is that it has IFS and that does not look right on the old trucks to me.

I personally like a set of Toyota axles under these trucks. The width is perfect and they are the same 6 lug bolt pattern as Chevy. These axles are very stout and have tons of aftermarket support, there are even tricks to use factory parts and have electric locking differentials. If you decide to go this route you will need a front axle from an 85 or older, or you can get new housings from several venders. In 1986 Toyota went to IFS, all of the rear axles are the same up until the 2000's though.

[blm64Goat]

Toyota, interesting. I'll have to look in to it. I agree with the 77 being to wide and was hoping to stay with the original 3/4 ton frame. Not really interested in the power lockouts.Thanks for the help. I'll keep listening.

[ghettoluxury]

You could even use the engine, transmission, and transfer case from the 77 in the 51's frame with the Toyota axles. The front axle for a Toyota is passenger side drop just like the old Chevys.

I have built 4x4 trucks on tires up to 44's & lowered trucks that tuck 33's. Let me tell you from experience that it is much easier to build a 4wd and things are usually easier to adapt when building one. Just remember to fit the motor & tranny before lifting a truck. Also make sure it will fit back out of the garage when finished. I made this mistake once, with the brake rotors sitting on the floor it still would not clear the header for the garage door.

[mr48chev]

54 3/4 ton. I don't know what axles he runs though. I saw the truck at a Gene Winfield metal working class last year.







The lift blocks on the rear may be a bit questionable but the stance of the truck is right with what young guys want with a 4x4 truck.


Stock frame works well with the right trans, transfer case and axles. I'm thinking his all came from a mid 60's Chevy.

[blm64Goat]

ghettoluxury,
Thank you. Im leaning more and more toward the toyota now the light has been shed on it.My garage 12 foot ceilings so I hope we are good lol. Now to locate and price axels will begin. Mr48chevy, thats very close to the look and stance we are shooting for without the custom blocking.

[blm64Goat]

Another question I forgot to ask is are the 4 runners setup as the same as trucks?

[ghettoluxury]

Yes the 4runner uses the same axles as the truck. Around my area you can pick up a set for around $500.

[blm64Goat]

Originally Posted by blm64Goat

Another question I forgot to ask is are the 4 runners setup as the same as trucks?

Thanks so much. I'm in potter county pa so my hunt begins here in the sticks.

[69l46vert]

Great info here. Thanks for posting. I have been thinking of making my 54 into a 4wd and this helps a lot. Love the Toyota axle idea.

[Axe]

I'm swapping a 51 GMC right now, I started with the 51 frame but swapped it because it just looked to butchered up unless your gonna use all 55 stuff. I used a 66 long wheel base frame that I had already converted to 4x4. If you get a dana44 out of the front a j10 truck the wms to wms is 631/2 inches. Wms to wms on your truck is 60 inches, I'm using a 1ton rear out of a 1990 chevy 3500 the wms to wms on it is 63inches, this way I have the ease of parts for the late model stuff. Anyway if I can help, I'll be more than happy too.

[1972RedNeck]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

54 3/4 ton. I don't know what axles he runs though. I saw the truck at a Gene Winfield metal working class last year.







The lift blocks on the rear may be a bit questionable but the stance of the truck is right with what young guys want with a 4x4 truck.


Stock frame works well with the right trans, transfer case and axles. I'm thinking his all came from a mid 60's Chevy.

Looks like a Napco or similar - the front differential looks the same as the back.

I also see a Napco Emblem on the hood.

[Axe]

Yes that's a napco. Good heavy axles but ratio are limited and parts are high for them

[blm64Goat]

Also wondering about axels from a 49 jeep truck. I know where one is just would need to measure. Thought maybe someone would already know and save me a trip. Thanks.

[OrrieG]

This might help. I did the research because I might have an old CJ2 coming my way for a future project.

http://wx4.org/to/wagons/usefulstuff/pure_yanger.html

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/jeep-...xle-width.html

http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/tr...rd-axle-guide/

[blm64Goat]

Thanks OrrieG, but what I probably wasn't clear on is if I could put this 49 jeep truck under a 51 chevy truck converting from 2wd to 4wd.

[OrrieG]

You might need to reconfigure the spring perches and make sure the front drop in on the correct side to match the transfer case. I just grabbed threads that showed track width. Any good drive line shop can deal with different joints on drive line ends. Most GM 4x4 are passenger side drop to reduce interference with clutch, brake and steering box issues.

I know years go my brother tried to put 50's CJ2 axles under a 50's Willys wagon and they were too narrow.

[blm64Goat]

Thanks for the information.

[octanejunkie]

Originally Posted by OrrieG

This might help. I did the research because I might have an old CJ2 coming my way for a future project.

http://wx4.org/to/wagons/usefulstuff/pure_yanger.html

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/jeep-...xle-width.html

http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/tr...rd-axle-guide/

Great links/info, OrrieG.
Thanks!

[Axe]

blm64goat, reading the thread, is it safe to say this is your first 4x4 build? If so the first thing would be to sit down and figure just what you want to do with your truck and how you want it to look. Like 3/4 or 1/2 ton factory look or daily driver. Are you going to tow trailers, automatic or manual trans, overdrive or not. All of these things make a difference on your build and parts. Even the size tires that you want to run. Knowing all of this will make your build a lot easier and cheaper too. Just knowing what size tire you want and if you want overdrive or not will tell you what ratio your axles should be. Then you can look for axles with that ratio which will save a few hundred on having to change gears. Those old axles are cool, but they were made to run 40 mph and go across fields they really don't do so good at highway speeds. Just some things to think about before you start good luck.

[ghettoluxury]

You will be miles ahead to find a set of axles and use the original frame.

[Axe]

I just went down that road with mine, I was trying to use the original frame, but the way it is made it is a lot more work to use it on a 4x4 build than a later model. You have to add onto the front and it being so narrow it just looks pieced together to me. The later model frames work out on the front spring widths with most axles, you may have to change your spring mounts on the back.

[blm64Goat]

Thanks to all for the input. Today I purchased a set of 83 Toyota axles. Ghetto luxury you seemed to have a idea on this type of build. Do you know of a a kit or how hard or easy they are to mount under an original frame? If anyone knows the answer to this I greatly appreciate all the help.

[ghettoluxury]

There is no kit. You will probably have to remove the spring pads from the axle and relocate them. This is a very simple process that does require welding. The easy way is to set your axle and jack stands then put a level on top of the spring pad, once it is level measure from the ground to your pinion. Make sure the measurement is the same and the pad is level when you start welding things back together.