1972 2wd to 4wd questions and pic request - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

1972 · 08-11-2005, 05:59 PM

I have a 1972 C10 that I would like to convert to 4 wheel drive.

What I have from a 73-87 truck - 6" all spring lift, D44 completely rebuilt, 14 Bolt FF with disk brakes, axles are geared 4.56, rear spring hangers, 38.5" Ground Hawgs, and a divorced 205 from a Dodge. I want to use all this stuff on my '72.

My truck has a coil spring rear now and I need to convert it to leaf springs. I have two sets of 73-87 rear spring front mounts (pictured below) that I wanted to bolt to the frame using one set as a homebrew shackle flip, but it looks like the frame tapers in from the coil springs to the cab. It looks like the rear spring front mounts wouldn't be straight.

Are the 67-72 rear spring front mounts different than the 73-87 mounts?
Anyone have any pics of the rear leaf spring mounts?
Anyone have any pics of the front leaf spring shackle?

If you've made it this far, thanks for reading.

Mudder · 08-12-2005, 02:47 AM

You need to do a lot of measuring of frames and comparing. Not sure of the differences. Seems like it would just be easier to me to just use the newer frame if it is availble.

1972 · 08-12-2005, 02:38 PM

The newer frame ('79) was bent real bad and the body was rusty, so I scrapped it. I have this '72 that sits around and does nothing, so I thought about converting it.

67-72williso · 08-21-2005, 10:14 PM

On your 2wd frame where the parking brake cable goes thru it will need to be cut out and plated smooth. Also the rear spring front perches are different 2wd and 4wd. I`m working on a shortbed one now it was a 72 GMC leaf spring frame. Good luck!

Later Willis

Russell · 08-22-2005, 02:35 AM

If you hadn't flexed that poor 79 so bad, she'd probally have been ok

Can't really give a whole lot of advice on how to install it, but I am definitely looking forward to seeing that 72 riding tall like your 79 did, that truck was awesome, regardless of how rusty it was

1972 · 08-22-2005, 04:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 67-72williso

On your 2wd frame where the parking brake cable goes thru it will need to be cut out and plated smooth. Also the rear spring front perches are different 2wd and 4wd. I`m working on a shortbed one now it was a 72 GMC leaf spring frame. Good luck!

Later Willis

Thanks for the information. I did some measuring and I noticed that where the parking brake cable is would put it right in the way, but never thought any farther than that. I think I may fab up some custom spring mounts and hangers for the front and rear, it shouldn't be too hard to do. Do you happen to have a link to some pics of your project?

1972 · 08-22-2005, 04:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russell

If you hadn't flexed that poor 79 so bad, she'd probally have been ok

Can't really give a whole lot of advice on how to install it, but I am definitely looking forward to seeing that 72 riding tall like your 79 did, that truck was awesome, regardless of how rusty it was

Yep, the ol '79 was abused pretty hard. I really miss that truck after chopping it up.

Oh well....

*If* I convert my C10, I'll be sure to post some pics of the progress. I have a trick or two for it also... if they will work.

08-11-2005, 05:59 PM	#1
1972 Majician Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: In the Middle Posts: 329	1972 2wd to 4wd questions and pic request I have a 1972 C10 that I would like to convert to 4 wheel drive. What I have from a 73-87 truck - 6" all spring lift, D44 completely rebuilt, 14 Bolt FF with disk brakes, axles are geared 4.56, rear spring hangers, 38.5" Ground Hawgs, and a divorced 205 from a Dodge. I want to use all this stuff on my '72. My truck has a coil spring rear now and I need to convert it to leaf springs. I have two sets of 73-87 rear spring front mounts (pictured below) that I wanted to bolt to the frame using one set as a homebrew shackle flip, but it looks like the frame tapers in from the coil springs to the cab. It looks like the rear spring front mounts wouldn't be straight. Are the 67-72 rear spring front mounts different than the 73-87 mounts? Anyone have any pics of the rear leaf spring mounts? Anyone have any pics of the front leaf spring shackle? If you've made it this far, thanks for reading.

08-21-2005, 10:14 PM	#4
67-72williso Junk/Daily Driver Club Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Manheim, PA 17545 Posts: 253	On your 2wd frame where the parking brake cable goes thru it will need to be cut out and plated smooth. Also the rear spring front perches are different 2wd and 4wd. I`m working on a shortbed one now it was a 72 GMC leaf spring frame. Good luck! Later Willis __________________ Daily Driver: 1970 C-20 400 sbc,sm-465,Dana 61 one ton SRW rear, 3.07 gears, locker. There are three kinds of people: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who have no idea what happened! Last edited by 67-72williso; 08-21-2005 at 10:25 PM.

08-22-2005, 02:35 AM	#5
Russell Professional Grade Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 7,915	If you hadn't flexed that poor 79 so bad, she'd probally have been ok Can't really give a whole lot of advice on how to install it, but I am definitely looking forward to seeing that 72 riding tall like your 79 did, that truck was awesome, regardless of how rusty it was __________________ 1995 Chevrolet 2 Door Tahoe (6.6L LBZ Duramax / ZF6 / NP241 with 1 ton solid axle swap)

08-12-2005, 02:47 AM	#2
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	You need to do a lot of measuring of frames and comparing. Not sure of the differences. Seems like it would just be easier to me to just use the newer frame if it is availble.

08-12-2005, 02:38 PM	#3
1972 Majician Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: In the Middle Posts: 329	The newer frame ('79) was bent real bad and the body was rusty, so I scrapped it. I have this '72 that sits around and does nothing, so I thought about converting it.



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