Matt's 56 3600 4X4 Build

[mvitale27]

Trying to get the axles and suspension under the frame and have a rolling chassis this week.

Next week hope to get the motor/trans/t-case close to complete and mounted on the chassis.

Then get the cab and front sheet metal on so I can work indoors during the cold months.

Here are a few pics of what I have been working on.

[mvitale27]

Placed a big order with summit last night to get me started on finishing my short block and trans. Ordered a painless 700r4 lock up kit, comp camps extreme 4x4 cam and lifers, a timing set and cover with pointer and some misc. stuff. Ordered last night around 10 PM and UPS says delivery scheduled for tomorrow. They always have great shipping and customer service but this is exceptional and it was free shipping!

[mvitale27]

Placed another nice order today with Dave from Hollister Road. Picked up a mustang gas tank kit and AAW Classic Update wiring harness. Dave is a great guy and I recommend his company to everyone!

[mvitale27]

Pics of my summit order and I cleaned the shop so I can work inside now

[rgunlock]

Looks like you're getting close to having a roller again Matt. Looking really good.

[mvitale27]

parts from Hollister Road arrived

[dwcsr]

Originally Posted by mvitale27

parts from Hollister Road arrived

Glad I could help out. Thanks for the business

[mvitale27]

Aside from collecting parts I did get some work done recently as I recover from a bad sprain on the same ankle that has 10 screws and a plate in it. Cab is on the frame so I can fit the doors and front sheet metal for bracing before cutting the cab up for metal work. Also, final installation of the front leaf springs and GM 10 bolt. Working on the rear GM 14 bolt and springs this week.

[mvitale27]

More random pics...

[dwcsr]

Another week and you should be able to drive it......maybe?

[mvitale27]

Originally Posted by dwcsr

Another week and you should be able to drive it......maybe?

I wish! I still have all the metal work on the cab to do, plumbing, wiring, steering and some interior stuff to do before I can drive it for the first time.

Took almost a month off from the truck due to an ankle injury. Sprained my surgically repaired left ankle playing basketball. Luckily none of the 10 screws and 8" titanium plate was damaged and I am back on my feet now.

[OldChevysRule]

The progress is looking good. Did you have to shorten the axles to get the correct track width? Or have you not gotten that far into it yet to check the tire clearance on the fenders? Just curious as I am wanting to do a 4x4 conversion on my project as well. Right now, I am still tearing it down to the frame and searching for parts (once I figure out what will work without too much modification.) Thanks....Jason

[mvitale27]

Originally Posted by OldChevysRule

The progress is looking good. Did you have to shorten the axles to get the correct track width? Or have you not gotten that far into it yet to check the tire clearance on the fenders? Just curious as I am wanting to do a 4x4 conversion on my project as well. Right now, I am still tearing it down to the frame and searching for parts (once I figure out what will work without too much modification.) Thanks....Jason

I am using 78 K20 3/4 Ton 8 lug axles. GM 10 bolt front and GM 14 bolt rear. I used my original 2" springs (they were painted and repacked) and the spring perches on the axles lined right up.

Track width is near perfect. I had the original rims mounted on the axles before I tore them down to rebuild. I had the fenders and bed on at that point and the wheels fit nicely in the fenders. I will not be using the original rims but I should be able to find a set that will fit just as good. Also, converting to 4X4 gives you so much tire to wheel well clearance that track width isnt much of an issue.

[mvitale27]

This is killing me... I want to mock up my front sheet metal so I can brace the cab and put it back on the dolly for metal work but the 4 door hinge pins I ordered from Ecklers are back-ordered and the original pins are in terrible shape.

In the meantime I have done some more engine and trans work. Should be ready to drop the engine/trans/t-case on the frame soon... oh yeah, the cab is still in the way

[rgunlock]

Matt, I ordered my hinge rebuild kits from LMC and they typically ship pretty quick. Might try them if the backordered ones are going to take a while.

[OrrieG]

I got some replacement pins when I misplaced mine from DWSR (Hollister posting member here), he had them in stock.

[mvitale27]

Originally Posted by OrrieG

I got some replacement pins when I misplaced mine from DWSR (Hollister posting member here), he had them in stock.

Cool, Dave from Hollister was a big help with my fuel tank and wiring kit. I will shoot him an email Monday if the ones from Ecklers don't ship by then.

[mvitale27]

Getting ready to start some metal work on the cab. I am a novice welder at best and have never welded sheet metal before. I will be using the good old HF 170 MIG welder with 75/25 argon/co2 shielding gas and .023" Lincoln wire. I will be using my old fenders to get some practice first.

Other than that I have bought some more parts but working a second job is taking time away from the truck

[bajabob]

Very Cool build you have going, nice to see some 4x4 action as well if you don't get side tracked, you might be rolling by summer ???

[mvitale27]

Originally Posted by bajabob

Very Cool build you have going, nice to see some 4x4 action as well if you don't get side tracked, you might be rolling by summer ???

I hope to be driving it sometime this winter but life keeps getting in the way! At this point, I have a stockpile of parts and just need some time to work. It sucks when all you can do all day is THINK about working on the truck instead of WORKING ON THE TRUCK!!!

[mvitale27]

Okay so I cancelled my backordered hinge pins with Ecklers and ordered some from LMC that were in stock... along with some lower hinge pocket patch panels. I'm trying to finish the bottom end of my motor and do some final trans wiring and painting then start fitting panels for metal work.

[mvitale27]

Well no truck news but I did secure a new job today working at a Volkswagen dealership! Very excited and starting January 5th.

[bajabob]

congrats on the new gig, now get to work !!!! that truck aint gonna build it's self !!!! lol !!! jk

[mvitale27]

Got a bunch more parts from the FedEx man... I did get the broken timing cover bolt out of my block and replaced it with studs. I finished up the oil pump/pan and started on the last of the trans work (a few springs in the VB I never replaced with the shift kit) then painting it and the t-case and getting it all on the chassis. Not sure what I'll do after that, finish the front axle, start the rear, install gas tank, metal work on the cab??? Too many things to do!

[57chevyman]

Originally Posted by mvitale27

parts from Hollister Road arrived

Hi - I am also going to use this to relocate my gas tank. Are you putting the filler cap behind the license plate ?