Swapping 82 chevy on to 69 GMC

[desertrider479]

I know this will require more info than I'm giving here right now, but, does anyone know off hand if I can take the tranny, trans. case, suspension, power brakes and steering, etc. from a 1982 1/2 ton Chevy short bed and put it under a 1969 GMC 1/2 ton long bed?

My intro in the welcome area will give you more info on the reasons I'm asking instead of just going for it. Thanks for any help.

[special-K]

Yes,you can.The front spring shackles will be mounted farther back because the springs are a little longer,no biggy.It will require alot of work,but a surprisingly little amount a fabrication.I mean,doing all that is just alot of work.Even taking that stuff off and putting it back on the same truck.

[desertrider479]

Thanks for the response Special-K. I was hoping it would be more time than money. I've got some time left before the next surgery to start getting the 82 apart and according to the surgeon anywhere from one to two years before I'm fit for anything. I reckon a couple of hours a day at best is all I can take for now so time I've got.

If I ever see any settlement money I'll get a digital camera and try to get some pics going in case anyone else wants or needs to do this kind of thing.

[hd78glide]

Would it be better to buy new spring shackles/hangers specifically for the target vehicle, or can you use them from the donor vehicle?

[special-K]

You can use the donor parts,just relocate.
You know,I never asked,but was assuming both vehicles were 4wd.If you`re talking converting the`69 to 4wd it`s a little more involved.Still no big deal.Assuming the`69 is a 2wd,if it`s a 4spd the floor is fine.If not,you`ll need to cut it and put the bolt-on high-hump from a 4wd,big block or 4spd equipped truck.Is it leaf spring rear?That`s ok,but the location of the spring perches on the axle will need moved.You could just leave the`69 rear alone.If coil,there`s more work in the form of removing all those related parts.I`ve seen where guys left the coils,too.You`ll need to swap-in the transfer case crossmember,too.

[desertrider479]

The 69 is a two wheel drive, three on the tree. The 82 is 4x4. The rear end of the 82 is history. (Bent axel.) After finally getting a hand from a friend yesterday who did a little clutch work for me the gear eating noise went away. I think It's coming down to nothing more than a new clutch and or tranny? Either way, I'd like to stick to the original GMC and do a restore since it's in such good condition and hope for better luck on the first drive this time around.

Now I need to find something to do with all the new stuff from the 82. I haul horses out to some pretty rough country and 2x4's just can't make it. Who knows, if they don't get me off of this valium, morphine and the rest, the wife might end up with a 4x4, 4 speed 350 edelbrok sitting in her 76 datsun 620.

Sitting around crippled up after a life of working makes a man crazy.

[special-K]

That`s a shame.It`s something I`ve always thought I won`t be able to deal with if it ever happened to me.I`m sorry for your situation,best wishes on a healthy recovery.It`s hard to make drastic adjustments,you`ll do it.