Suburban Project Discussion - 4WD Family Truckster

[scootermcrad]

Hey everyone! Been a long time since I've posted on this forum. Last time it was in regards to my '64 C10 short bed. Unfortunately I had to sell the C10 recently and kind of re-evaluate our needs and wants. That being said, I've received some big support form my better half on the idea of doing a 60-66 'Burb project for our family.

For me, I absolutely love the Apache 10 "knee knocker" factory 4WD Carryall/Suburbans with the clam shell rear. After getting a couple of car projects off of my plate, I would really like to consider doing an early 4WD Suburban build. The idea being that this could be daily driver worthy and reliable enough that we could jump in at any moment and any weather and hit the road with our little camper and go anywhere with our 2 kids and dogs. Camping, parts hauling, road-trippin', whatever.

Although I would LOVE to find an all-stock factory 4WD Burb, they're getting a little harder to find and my conscious doesn't want to modify something I'll pay more for because it's a factory 4WD vehicle. So, my thoughts are to start with a 2WD 60-63 model and convert it to an early Apache 10 looking 4WD using later components. Heavier front and rear axles, disc brakes, later model overdrive, divorced transfer case, and I have a really nice 283 that I just rebuilt for the '64 that would be perfect for this build and I'm quite attached to it. Will hide some A/C in there somewhere and insulate it the best I can for those summer road trips with the fam.

I got pretty comfortable and knowledgeable of early C10's but Burbs are a new world to me. We wouldn't start this project until next year, but want to learn all I can so I can pull the trigger on everything when it's time to GO! That being said, with the help of some Burb-savvy buddies, here's how the build sheet is looking. I would love some input from you guys!

* Start with a decently solid and complete 60-63 2WD burb (Chevrolet or possibly GMC, but prefer Chevy) with clam shell rear
* Update front clip to early Apache 10 trim level
* 4WD conversion using stock frame and fabricating/robbing spring hangers for later suspension
* power steering conversion
* Dana 44 front and Dana 60 rear (or late model GM equivalent) 8 lug??
* disc brakes front and rear
* 283 backed by 4wd 4L60e (or?) overdrive and divorced NP205 transfer case
* Keep interior as stock looking as possible including shifter locations and hiding any modern amenities (A/C, stereo head unit, etc.)
* Keep under-hood looking as factory as possible
* Overall aesthetics to resemble factory 4WD Apache 10

That's the nutshell.

This will be my first 4WD project and I'm super giddy about it and hoping I can make it happen for our family. I have a lot to learn about these early Burbs to begin with, but also later model 4WD components, which is out of my wheelhouse at the moment as well. I'm not afraid of patches panels, and heavy fab is no problem for me, so I think a little sweat equity will be a must to stay within budget and keep the factory look, but I need to get a lay of the land here to get comfortable on how to approach this project.

In the meantime, I did some searches on 4WD conversion for early Burbs and surprisingly didn't come up with a whole lot here. A bit on frame differences for 60-66 2wd and 4wd, but not much on full-on conversion to later model ('72+) suspension while retaining the early frame. I would love to see any similar type projects going on or completed. And any input about what would be expected during this conversion would be great info.

I feel like building a super reliable factory looking 4WD early Suburban from a 2WD model is pretty doable. At least it is in MY mind, anyway!

Thanks for any feedback on the project and any tech that can be shared!

S

P.S. I'm sure everyone has seen this picture, but to clarify what I mean by "Factory 4WD Looking", this is what I mean...