1/2 to 3/4 2 wd conversion

[qksilver]

Unexpectedly was able to sell a project, so starting work on the next one. Been out of the trucks for a while because of being burnt out. Bought way too many trucks, projects and parts, then piled them all in my shop. Can't get to much with out moving way too much stuff.

The easiest thing to put together is one of my 72 1/2 2 wheel drive burbs. I need to replace my 99 3/4 burb because it's going on 225,000 miles and I don't have the money to rebuild what it needs.

Here is what I have that is easy to get to. Complete rebuilt 3/4 disc brake front suspension, bought from a member out of New Jersey, a 68 292 engine 3/4 rear, a no idea year 14 bolt rear and a buried 72 GMC 3/4 leaf spring BB engine auto rear bought from Billsbowtie.

I want to have as close to 3:55 ratio rear under my burb. Will use a turbo 400 trans with a 454 so I have torque but want some gas mileage.

The 68 3/4 will bolt in, I have 3/4 trailing arms etc but think the ratio is high because of the 292. i counted the turns of the yoke after turning the drum one time, the pinion turned 3 and a half or so turns. The rear is the type that has a rear cover and a bolt in hogs head. No options on the spid and the original rear, 292 3 speed on tree.

14 bolt no idea on ratio but thinking 3:73........problem no panard bar mount and spring perches too wide but new drums and brakes.

rear out of 72 GMC BB auto, buried behind major stuff, stock rear, no idea of ratio and it's a leaf spring rear.

I like the 14 bolt but have looked at swap kits and they look fine for 1/2 but rather spindly for a 3/4.

I have all the spring perches (frame mounts),springs and crossmembers from the GMC. I have all the spring perches( frame mounts) and springs from the PO attempt to swap on to a 72 LW 3/4 frame that had trailing arms. Would still have the problem of the perches to wide and the PO use of 1/2 aftermarket flimsy spring pads.

I thought about doing a leaf spring conversion but trying to mount all of that, crossmembers, perches and reinforcement brackets would mean a lot of drilling with no work space unless I lifted the body off of the frame. This I can't/won't do for many reasons.

So after all of this info, what advise, recommendations or.........What would you guys do. A 1/2 burb is iffy towing wise. A 3/4 burb would fit my needs like my 99 burb did.

Thanks to all...............
Steve