4x4 pointers

[LuckyLightning]

First off let me say that I don't know a whole lot about 4x4 stuff, much less making a 2wd-to-4wd conversion. I'm the type that learns as I do it. So I have a few questions that I'm hoping will get answered.

- What are the pros and cons of using a tranny and seperate transfer case versus using a tranny with a married transfer case?

- Will I have any towing advantages to using 3/4 ton axles on a 1/2 ton frame?

Here's what I am planning to do:
I have a 1964 2wd truck, I want to take the axles and power steering from a 3/4 ton 1984 suburban and toss them on the '64 truck. I'm hoping I'll get a little more towing/off-road advantage by going with the 3/4 ton... plus I'm getting the suburban at a really good deal. I imagine the transfer case and tranny are one component (I'll be going to look at it this afternoon). I'd also love to take the leaf springs off the back of the suburban (again, assuming it's not coil springs on the 3/4 ton) and replace the control arms on the back of the truck. I have no idea if there are even bolt holes on the '64 frame for that.

So am I stuck with the original control arms and coil springs on the pickup? Am I better off trying to find a 1/2 ton setup and pulling parts from it?

I'm totally flying by the seat of my pants with all of this, which makes it a little more fun. I'm sorry if these sound like really stupid questions, but I have to ask them.

[Mudder]

Thought about putting the older truck onto the newer frame? Thats the route I would go make the Burb frame the same wheel base as the 64.

[LuckyLightning]

That is something I had thought about as well, but (call me crazy) I'm trying to keep the '64 as much a 1964 truck as possible.

Am I simply trying to do too much? Asking the impossible? That's what I'm afraid of. What things are too far fetched and what things are reasonable?

[qksilver]

It would be better to go with the newer frame. easier , much less work, if i remember correctly the burb 's wheel base is a little bit longer, I think 1 1/2 inches not hard to make up between the bed and cab.
I have done a couple of frame swaps from 55-58 trucks onto 67-72 frames. Fairly easy , I removed the cab mounts from the old frame, measured and drilled and bolted them on to the new frame. Not a major deal, I think the frame widths are very close on the 64 to the 84.
The other way would be to use all the brackets off the burb, spring perches, transfer case etc and measyre drill and bolt them to the 64. The 84 engine crossmember will bolt in so that is one less head ache. With the 84 cross member you will have clearance for the front axle,exhaust and engine, better motor mounts.
The 84 has longer rear leaf springs than the 60? to 72 4X4 and the rear axle spring mounts are a different width. P/S there isn't a dimple for clearance of the Box so it won't mount flat to the frame. You can buy a bracket kit for around 75 bucks or heat the frame and dimple it.
If you are getting the complete Burb you can rob pretty much everything off of it and make it fit. I am kind of doing the same thing with 87 3/4 burb parts on a 68 4X4 1/2 frame.
Use the wiring harness, the gas tank........every thing you can, save you some money and have parts that work together from the factory.
Steve

[LuckyLightning]

Well, I passed on the 3/4 ton Suburban. Since it's not exactly what I'm looking for, I figured it'd be best not to get it even if the deal was a steal.

A friend found a '65 4x4 chasis in the area, I'm hoping to find out this weekend if it's available. That would help out tremendously.