62 or 63 4X4 Conversion

[mikesacs]

My favorite trucks are the 62 and 63s. For my next project, I'd like to convert a 2wd to a 4wd using the method of keeping the original frame and adding the 4wd running gear from a 80's truck. I know the frame changed between 62 and 63. The question is - Is one frame better than the other for this?

[Raider Rudy]

Originally Posted by mikesacs

My favorite trucks are the 62 and 63s. For my next project, I'd like to convert a 2wd to a 4wd using the method of keeping the original frame and adding the 4wd running gear from a 80's truck. I know the frame changed between 62 and 63. The question is - Is one frame better than the other for this?

Absolutely! I don't recommend using the 62 frame! It is alot harder to find after market parts for that X frame. The 63 & newer frames are more adaptable for this kind of project. You will still have problems with this kind of conversion, but the 62 frame is very different. I had a 2 wheel drive original 62. I liked the body but the frame was hard to find parts for & had torsion bar suspension so I picked up a 66 frame for a change over. Good Luck with your project & keep us informed on your progress.

[zac]

OK, does this apply to '61s as well? The Apache on the left is still sitting where pictured waiting it's turn. It's a factory 4x4, does that make a difference? I'm inclined to just basically restore it as of now, but you never know.

[j.kirn]

Zac is that a short wheel base or long

[zac]

It's a long wheelbase. Like I said, it's way on the back burner and I'm not on fire to change it all to something else, but that little skinny driveshaft going from the trans to the t221 makes me wonder. I was assuming I could put in the spare 465/205 I have.

[mikesacs]

Originally Posted by Raider Rudy

Absolutely! I don't recommend using the 62 frame! It is alot harder to find after market parts for that X frame. The 63 & newer frames are more adaptable for this kind of project. You will still have problems with this kind of conversion, but the 62 frame is very different. I had a 2 wheel drive original 62. I liked the body but the frame was hard to find parts for & had torsion bar suspension so I picked up a 66 frame for a change over. Good Luck with your project & keep us informed on your progress.

Will this still be the case for me since I won't need any original hard-to-find parts for the 62 frame? I think all the suspension and steering will come from the donor vehicle. I am worried about things like frame strength, mounting locations for leaf springs, and clearance for TH700/NP205. And all the stuff I can't imagine until the project is underway!

[Raider Rudy]

Originally Posted by mikesacs

Will this still be the case for me since I won't need any original hard-to-find parts for the 62 frame? I think all the suspension and steering will come from the donor vehicle. I am worried about things like frame strength, mounting locations for leaf springs, and clearance for TH700/NP205. And all the stuff I can't imagine until the project is underway!

Truthfully I have never seen a 61 or 62 4x4. I guess the only way to know for sure is to crawl under a 61 or 62 & then a 63 or newer truck & compare them. Sorry!

[1959 Apache]

Originally Posted by mikesacs

Will this still be the case for me since I won't need any original hard-to-find parts for the 62 frame? I think all the suspension and steering will come from the donor vehicle. I am worried about things like frame strength, mounting locations for leaf springs, and clearance for TH700/NP205. And all the stuff I can't imagine until the project is underway!

The '60-62 2wd Apache 1/2 ton trucks had front torsion bars and rear control arm suspension with the x-frame. My daughter is building one and we put it on a '76 K-30 chassis. Trying to utilize the original x-frame for a 4WD conversion would be a lot of work. I also heard from several people that the rear coil spring frame mounts had strength issues as well. Try and find a '63-up frame if you can.

Dave W.

[62 short step]

The 60-66 4x4 frames are the same. The only difference is the front motor mounts on the 60-62 4x4 frames.

[mikesacs]

Originally Posted by 62 short step

The 60-66 4x4 frames are the same. The only difference is the front motor mounts on the 60-62 4x4 frames.

I didn't know the 4x4 were the same. I do assume I'll be buying a 2wd to convert. They are easier to find and cheaper.

[mikesacs]

Originally Posted by 1959 Apache

The '60-62 2wd Apache 1/2 ton trucks had front torsion bars and rear control arm suspension with the x-frame. My daughter is building one and we put it on a '76 K-30 chassis. Trying to utilize the original x-frame for a 4WD conversion would be a lot of work. I also heard from several people that the rear coil spring frame mounts had strength issues as well. Try and find a '63-up frame if you can.

Dave W.

That's good information. Sounds like if I want to use a stock frame I should limit my choices to a 63. Thanks!

[1959 Apache]

Originally Posted by 62 short step

The 60-66 4x4 frames are the same. The only difference is the front motor mounts on the 60-62 4x4 frames.

That is correct. But trying to find a '60-'66 4WD is getting harder and more costly that it used to be,

Dave w.

[62 short step]

Originally Posted by 1959 Apache

That is correct. But trying to find a '60-'66 4WD is getting harder and more costly that it used to be,

Dave w.

That is true, but there is one for sale on the board now for $500.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=413188

[mikesacs]

Originally Posted by 62 short step

That is true, but there is one for sale on the board now for $500.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=413188

It had a bent frame

Is a 60-62 4x4 frame the same as a 1 ton frame, no X member?

[j.kirn]

no and no

[tg300dlx]

Originally Posted by 1959 Apache

The '60-62 2wd Apache 1/2 ton trucks had front torsion bars and rear control arm suspension with the x-frame. My daughter is building one and we put it on a '76 K-30 chassis. Trying to utilize the original x-frame for a 4WD conversion would be a lot of work. I also heard from several people that the rear coil spring frame mounts had strength issues as well. Try and find a '63-up frame if you can.

Dave W.

I am also putting a 62 on a 80 k20 chassis. I was wondering what you did for body mounts. In your pictures it looks like the front radiator support mounts lined up, and was a body lift needed. Thanks

[1959 Apache]

Originally Posted by tg300dlx

I am also putting a 62 on a 80 k20 chassis. I was wondering what you did for body mounts. In your pictures it looks like the front radiator support mounts lined up, and was a body lift needed. Thanks

I had to remove the rivets that attach the rad support mounts from the leaf spring perch and move them forward (I think) one set of holes. It then lined up very well with the wheel wells. I cut the middle cab mounts from the '61 2WD frame and used them on the '76 chassis. The rear cab mounts I fabbed up from scratch. You do need about a 2" body lift to clear the cab where the frame kicks up.

Dave W.