New to the forum!!!!

[erikh09]

Hi everyone!

I am new to this forum and need a little guidance. I recently inherited a 67 GMC Camper Cruiser. The truck is all there and needs only minor typical body work. It came complete with the 305 V-6,4 speed with Granny Gear, and a Dana 60 rear with 4.10 ratio. I have decided to change the truck around. I am going to swap the 6 with an 8 and slam it on the ground. My problem is this. It is a 3/4 ton truck and Ihave only found parts for this type of project for 1/2 ton trucks. LMC makes no conversion kit and the 67-72 trucks are pretty scarce where I am to do a frame swap. Can the 1/2 ton parts from LMC be put onto a 3/4 ton chassis? I figured if I "gutted" the truck of front and rear suspension everything should mount up since at the end of the day it is still a 67 truck... Am I wrong with this assumption? I didn't want to go on a spending spree to find out nothing worked but I know I am not the first guy who wants to slam a 3/4 ton truck. Any help would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!!

[yuccales]

Welcome! This site has a bunch of great trucks and builders. I'm sure you will get the info you need soon. BTW, show some pics!

[leddzepp]

Welcome to the forum!

To answer your question, yes you can swap out the 3/4 ton stuff for 1/2 ton. If you plan to lower the truck, this is the way to go. I would however try to source OEM stuff before going to LMC. There is a wealth of OEM suspension parts still in circulation, and if you hang out on the parts board you can probably find somebody near your location that has what you need. If you become a subscribing member here, you can post a "want-to-buy" ad in the parts section and ask for the specific things that you require.

[erikh09]

Thanks for the wecolme guys!! Leddzepp, I am planning on lowering the truck front and rear. Thinking 3 1/2 to 4 in front and as low as possible in the rear without having to notch the frame. Also, my truck has a 133" wheelbase which I think was specific to the Camper Cruiser edition...not 100% sure though. So you are saying up to 72 model year 1/2 ton suspension parts should bolt up to the 3/4 ton frame? That would certainly make life easier. Also, anyone have any suggestions as to which rear to go with... Highway cruising for the most part so I think 4.10 is a bit high. I was thinking 3.83 or something along those lines. I will post pics soon...

[MusicMan70]

Pictures please; especially of the V-6...Does it have power steering?

[truckster]

That V-6 is an incredible motor. Tons of torque and it will never complain, no matter how hard you make it work. Not that I'm trying to talk you out of your plans, but if it's a good motor, I'd definitely look for someone who wants it instead of junking it.

[erikh09]

Definately wouldn't consider junking the motor. Too cool and different a motor for that. I am planning on putting many miles on this truck and I want to have something with parts more readily available should anything happen on the road. In this part of the country (eastern Pennsylvania) the parts stores do not stock much for it.

[hayhauler71]

Welcome and good luck on your project

[71swb4x4]

Take it one step at a time or it may end up in the garage in pieces for 10 years like most of our projects do...

If the V6 runs leave it for now. Tackle the front suspension in a weekend or week, and then tackle the rear. Once you have happy with the suspension look at your motor swap.

For the front suspension you can swap the entire crossmember/a-arms/spindles/rotors from a 1971 - 1987 GM half-ton truck. It may not be a bad idea to just find a running 71-87 truck with a 350. Then you will have your front suspension with power disc brakes and your 350 engine.

[erikh09]

Pics of my project. Overall not a bad truck. Can't wait to really get started with her!

[flashed]

Thats a nice truck as it is ,I would not change a thing .I would drive the wheels off of it .

[too much stuff]

Nice! Has the custom option with power steering and power brakes. Looks like a nice original.

[oldblue1968chevy]

nice welcome

find a matching color cowl get it road worthy and drive it dont do anything stupid (touch it with saw or anything that cuts metal, dont take it apart, and dont shave anything lol)

DRIVE IT

[erikh09]

Hey John,

Thanks for the compliments! I have the cowl piece sitting in the garage so the truck is 100% complete down to the build sheet on the inside glove box door! Not planning on cutting any metal on her, just want to hot rod it a bit like my uncle would have liked if he were still with us. Truckis being done in his memory.

[yuccales]

Thanks for the pics. Just a thought, maybe do a major underhood detail and keep the V-6. It's different enough and might grow on you! Check behind that seat for another build sheet.

[RenoKeene]

Welcome from Central Florida!
Thats a great truck and fairly rare I would say. The sticker on the glove box door is called a SPID and has a lot of info on it. Post us a pic of it if you would. The parts truck is a real good idea, the closer to 71 the better. That was the first year for disk brakes on these. Your in real good company here, lots of very smart folks that are more than willing to lend a helping hand.

[k5hart]

Welcome to the board. Good looking truck! I grew up as a kid in Oxford!! Didn't think I'd ever meet someone else from there.

[nbrfd007]

Great truck!! Just drive it.

[bcutt]

I would love to have that truck!!

[erikh09]

Small work K5hart!! Oxford is probably still the same as you remember it!

[erikh09]

As far as the front frame section is concerned...could I use the front section from an 85 GMC S-15? It is a Chevy S-10 except a GMC version. I just wasn't sure since my truck is a 3/4 ton if the frames would "match up". I don't want this done incorrectly to create a ride that is not safe but I found this truck I can p/u for about 400.00. Thanks for any help given!

[k5hart]

Originally Posted by erikh09

Small work K5hart!! Oxford is probably still the same as you remember it!

Actually I drove through in the '90s and it had changed a good bit. My parents went back a year or two ago and said it had grown up. It was a tiny town when I lived there. I have a lot of good memories.

[Rob H.]

The S series truck parts won't work, need a full size, C/10 Chevy or 1500 GMC.

[erikh09]

Thanks Rob H. I was a little suspicious when someone told me it work work with little to no modification. Just cut the old off and weld the new on. The frames are not even close to being the same size.

[Rob H.]

Oh by the way that is a nice looking truck, I think I'd have to drive that one and think about modifying for a while, but I do understand wanting it to be dependable for road trips, but it could surprise you as is.