couple quick questions

[Tylerz181500]

first off i apologize if any of the questions seem dumb im new to these trucks, ive built a few 73-87s and gmt400s but never a 72 era truck. so first questiosn

Motor mounts. im throwing in a 96 block, im assuming the motor mounts would be the same? just a better design so i can use the newer clam shells and cradles in that thing? ill weld em on there if need be

Frames, how similar are the 67-72 4x4 frames to that of a 87? im planning on boxing the frame, i already have a freind with the templates to do the 73-87 trucks frames just wondering if its close or if ill need to completely make new templates.

also crossover steering with a d44 up front, anyone done it? what parts did you use, ive done it on a 60 on a 4 linked truck, just wondering what flat tops yall have run and so on.


eventually ill upgrade axles, not converned abou it right now as ill only being running 35s on a trussed 44 and but i might upgrade to a 14 bolt right off the bat. is spring perch width from the 73-87s the same as the 67-72s?

last thing i can think of so far is floors, wheres the best place to get full floors? i just need some patches areound the sides but im not even gonna bother ill just replace the entire floor if they make it. ive done some searching but ive just found patch panels.

[andrewmp6]

The frames between 67-72 and 73-87 have to be close because the engine crossmember will bolt in from either truck.On the full floor pan lmc truck has it on page 25 but its for a 2wd so you would have to change out the trans tunnel to the 4x4s taller one.On the steering you can get a kit from http://offroaddesign.com/catalog/Dana44crossover.htm

[Tylerz181500]

in theory i could keep my trans tunnel its so caked in oil and fluids ait hasnt had a chance to rust, the firwalls goo its mostly the outser edges that are the problem area so i can just use both side and not cut the trans tunnel,

so the actual crossmember for the 73+ trucks will bolt directly in, keep the engine in the same location and height, and allow me to use the stronger looking newer style clamshell mounts?

as for crossover all i really need is the knuckle and pitman, just wondering if anyone has used anything easily available, i have a friend who will be doing all that he runs a fab shop so getting tubing and all that should essentially be easy, and having him do all the welding should be a piece of cake as well.

[willett]

[willett]

Woops wrong thread. Sorry

[Tylerz181500]

lmfao no biggy

[lowrollin70gmc]

I'll just answer in red in the quote:

Originally Posted by Tylerz181500

first off i apologize if any of the questions seem dumb im new to these trucks, ive built a few 73-87s and gmt400s but never a 72 era truck. so first questiosn

Motor mounts. im throwing in a 96 block, im assuming the motor mounts would be the same? just a better design so i can use the newer clam shells and cradles in that thing? ill weld em on there if need be

The 96 would use the same block motor mount pattern. I would use the stock (maybe poly) 72 motor mounts, but some prefer clamshell. Either way I recommend drilling and bolting to welding if possible. Much easier to remove if maintenance requires it. Side note: the flywheel is a different bolt pattern (one piece main). It's easiest to use the stock 96 flywheel if it has the correct torque converter bolt pattern (I'm sure it does, but I can't guarantee it).

Frames, how similar are the 67-72 4x4 frames to that of a 87? im planning on boxing the frame, i already have a freind with the templates to do the 73-87 trucks frames just wondering if its close or if ill need to completely make new templates.

I don't think they're that close, but hold up the templates to your frame before cutting it in steel to see. It may be easier to just make new cardboard templates for your specific frame.

also crossover steering with a d44 up front, anyone done it? what parts did you use, ive done it on a 60 on a 4 linked truck, just wondering what flat tops yall have run and so on.


eventually ill upgrade axles, not converned abou it right now as ill only being running 35s on a trussed 44 and but i might upgrade to a 14 bolt right off the bat. is spring perch width from the 73-87s the same as the 67-72s?

If I remember correctly, the 73-87 1 ton SRW had the same spring spacing as 72 down. Spring perches are easy to change, I would find the best for the money axle and adjust the perches to fit the chassis. I run a 2005 AAM 11.5 in my 68 with new perches burned on. Cheap disc brakes with a parking brake and a little extra width.

last thing i can think of so far is floors, wheres the best place to get full floors? i just need some patches areound the sides but im not even gonna bother ill just replace the entire floor if they make it. ive done some searching but ive just found patch panels.

A full floor is made for these trucks, but I'll stay out of where to get one as I haven't put one in myself. It is large, so if you can find a local shop that's a dealer for one of the tin companies that could be the best bang for the buck.

[Tylerz181500]

well my friend just picked up a 72 k0 today as well i learned more about axles on part of a sidenote it has a rockwell t221 tcase d44 front and an eaton ho72 rear with some crazy gears, its just a 350 sm465 truck but it feels like it could pull down a house or 5.

as for the 11.5 idea i like that, options for rear discs and all that too. ill keep my eyes open.
spring perches are a simple cut and weld but i do have a full float in the back of the shop so i thought id inquire for future reference.

as for floors i know shermans doesnt carry a full floor, and ive never properly undertaken floor work, but thatll change. shermans is local to me and i get a hefty discount through a friend at advanced auto so that could be one avenue if i can piece together my patch panels with what they do have available.

im gonna stick with the 73+ crossmember to run the clamshells, just personal preference

frames im told are very close up front but the back kicks out instead of going straight out or something ill look into it before i get down to the nitty gritty.

thanks for the replies guys, im learning slowly for sure but ill get there.

[Tylerz181500]

okay new questions! what drop pitman and d44 knuckle are all you crossover guys using?

would a jeep 44 flat top work? because i have a few leads on some for a bit cheaper, as for drop ptiman whats everyones favorite? i know they sell the whole kit but so far with all my heims and tubing im a good 70 bucks under what the whole kit costs at the moment, i want to see if i can save a bit more while still doing it properly.

[Mr. 250r]

That 11.5 is a heck of a big rear end lol my friend messed his up and one came through my dads shop behind a duramax farm truck somehow he completely ruined the axle, i was looking at it hoping to buy it but it had to be returned for a core nice thing about the aam 10.5/11.5 is you get the 1410-1480 yoke gonna be hard to break one but if you do northerndrivetrain has forged ones as far as frame templates you could go with diy4x i believe they already have plates made unless your looking to do it yourself maybe save some money

[Tylerz181500]

diy4x seems to only have the 73+ trucks IIRC

for 120 bucks my friend will do it, hes done a few 80s trucks and says he knows all the tips and tricks so far.

not too concerned about the axle right now, ill get the axle tubes rewelded on the 12 bolt because if thrown the pinion upward snapping off the spot welds on one before, and ill truss the 44 up front and call it a day for now. ill keep my eyes peeled for a full float of an 11.5.

as for crossover im reading i basically need a 2wd box and pitman, but arent the boxes the same so technically coudnt i just snag up a 2wd pitman because its splined different than the 4wd ones? im also wondering if a jeep 44 steering arm will work