68 Chevy 1/2 ton 4x4 running gear - fit 68 GMC 3/4 ton ?

[fayettecopa]

My son just bought (with Dad's $$) a 68 3/4 ton 2wd GMC.
He'd like a 4x4.
We found a 68 Chevy 4x4 with rusted up body.
Through a bit of reading here I understand GMC's had leafs & Chevy coils.
What other roadblocks would there be to moving the 4x4 pieces to the Chevy?
Both are 4 speed trucks.

Forgot to mention, son is 13. Anyone think that is too soon to be wrenching ?????
Doubt it. I'm hoping he enjoys this.

[schlenker908]

you would be better off just taking your body and puting it on the 4wd frame it will bolt right on

[fayettecopa]

schlenker98

Thanks for the reply. Guess we'll have to go get the 2nd truck - that will make the wife happy no doubt.
The 4x4 has a flat bed with ladder racks and has been parked for 8 years according to plates & inspection sticker. Apparently motor is blown.
The 3/4 ton has a big block - 1970-72 vintage, 402 or 454. Need to run the #s from the heads.
At the moment at least we have time on our side to get this project accomplished.
I'm sure it will be a roller coaster.

[schlenker908]

i was looking to do the same swap with my 1978 got a frame all the running gear after i got it all painted and was ready for my body to go on i decided not to

[fayettecopa]

You going to fix up the second truck or just part out?
Just curious.
We like to hunt & fish so a 4x4 would be better for my son.
2wd could be tough in the winter here.

[schlenker908]

i would like to fix it up maybe one day i will be able to i go to school right now at work so i barley have have time for my 2wd our winters are hard to get around with a 2wd i wont even try to dive it in the winter lucky i have a small 4wd pickup just for that are you going to put the big block in your sons pick up

[zork]

I am right down the road from you. Fayettecopa I am also trying to build a couple of 4wds. Some day all the pieces of the puzzle will come together. It has been a few years of collecting.It is hard to find good parts to work with in the rust belt. Cant wait for spring carlisle.

[msgross]

I suggest that you find a 71-79ish donor truck... pull the drivetrain and put front spring hangars on your 2WD GMC. This will give you disc brakes, power steering, springs, better transfer case, and scrap the rest of the donor or sell it off.

[fayettecopa]

Big Mike,

A 71-79 donor sounds like a good idea. Would you suggest going the 3/4 ton route on the donor truck? Eight lug wheel selections are a bit limited, but I'm sure we could make something work.
Disc brakes would be nice to have for sure. I did that upgrade to my 65 mustang fastback awhile back. Even though it was just manual brakes, stopping power was much improved.
The 68 GMC does have power steering on the big block at the present time.
Guess I'll have to start looking for that donor.

[fayettecopa]

Originally Posted by zork

I am right down the road from you. Fayettecopa I am also trying to build a couple of 4wds. Some day all the pieces of the puzzle will come together. It has been a few years of collecting.It is hard to find good parts to work with in the rust belt. Cant wait for spring carlisle.

Zork,

I'd like to see your collection of projects sometime.

[zork]

msgross Is right about using newer rears for the disc brakes. As far as converting frames it can be done. There are differences that need to be addressed. I would put good sheet metal on the 4wd frame as long as the frame is solid. Fayettecopa I will gladly show you my projects. (mess).pm me for a time to meet.

[msgross]

going with a K-20 is up to you... really depends on what you want to do with the truck... It has a big block in it? I would go K-20 or K-30 then. The ultimate combo is a Dana60 front and 14bolt rear (search google for M1008 CUCV). Those combos aren't cheap though ($1500) but bulletproof. There are plenty of 8 lug wheel combos out there..

If you find a dirt cheap 1/2ton donor then that might help your decision also. Search craigslist and your junkyard. Finding a 71 or 72 donor would be perfect since the body will swap right onto that frame.

I'll be at Carlisle on the 22nd and heading to Pittsburgh that night, let me know if intersted in that grille.