1971 Jimmy 4wd Project

[ccsrcr]

All

I recently picked this up with a knocking engine, so I picked up an 89 2500 suburban and plan to swap the entire drivetrain into this (Engine/trans/trasnfer case, front and rear axles). From what I have read, the leaf purches are 2" wider on the newer axles ? If anyone out there has done this already, and can point out the best way to do the swap, I would apprectiate it.

Pics of the Jimmy, and Suburban attached.

[1972K20]

The front is a direct bolt in; however, the rear will require the spring perches to be moved.

[pound41]

Did you get the Jimmy locally.
Thats one I haven't seen around Northern Va before

[ccsrcr]

I purchased it out of Florida, but its at a freinds shop in Northern VA. Hasnt been driven around here yet.

Planning on getting it into running condition for the summer to take to the beach and fishing trips, then repair the body over the winter.

[RED 1970]

Is the trans in the Sub the TH400/NP208?

Are you going to keep the TBI?

[ccsrcr]

Im not 100% sure on the trans / transfer case combo. I plan on running the TBI.

[ccsrcr]

Couple more pics. Find more rust each time I look at it. The rocker boxes, drivers floor, and parts of the roof panel need replaced/repairs. Also, the door jamb has rust. Can anyone tell me if this is called the rear pillar ?

[lks dcvn]

Yes - that is the rear pillar.

I have been through all these spots...and replaced the rust with healthy metal.

Have a look at my build thread for reference:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=341224

[Kurt L]

don't know bout your truck if they are wider. but i did a swap from a burban that was 3/4 ton 80 model burb to a 73 blazer and they were a bolt in for me.

[ccsrcr]

LKS, what a project you had there. Im hoping I dont find that much when I start tearing this one down. Thanks for the link, that will be helpfull.

[Mike C]

I have '86 Sub 3/4 ton running gear under my Jimmy. I cut the 3 1/4" tube Sub mounts off the axle and relocated them I cut the shock mounts off the 12 bolt from my Jimmy because I like the older style mounts better.

Before I mangled the 12 bolt, I built a jig that indexed off the spring perches and located the shock mounts. I also measured the pinion angle. I duplicated all of this on mine. I had to drill the spring perches and move the axle about 3/4" to the rear for sufficient driveshaft length, but I have a custom CV shaft that was built with the 4" lift on the truck. If you have the stock shaft you should be OK with the addition of a conversion u-joint. (1310 to 1330)

My opinion, is the TH400/NP208 is not as good a package as the TH350/NP205 you have now, but it will work. You may or may not be able to use the Sub's front driveshaft, but the trans/tcase swap will require a new rear shaft.

[ccsrcr]

I took some measurements over the weekend, and the front will bolt in for sure, but I had planned to use the leaf springs as well since the suburban has a lift on it already, and the Jimmy just has blocks, but I dont think this is going to work as I had planned.

The front leafs on the suburban are 47" long, and the Jimmy is 44"
The rear leafs on the suburban are 56" long, and the Jimmy is 52"

The frame width is the same on both at 34". Has anyone swapped over the leaf perches and all on the frame before ?

[ccsrcr]

Adding a few pics of progress.

[Mike C]

The rear springs will work if you move the shackle hangers back 4". Measure from the front of the rear spring to the pin on the spring, should be same on 52" and 56" spring.