4X4 question

[vectorit]

I was able to track that burb owner down... He runs a local business here locally.

Talked to him on the phone, and here is what he said.

The Suburban body is a 1961.

The chassis is from a 2006 Chevy Duramax 4x4 crew cab, and he got the 06 from a roll over sale.

The front hubs are automatic.
The wiring, computer, seats, AC, steering column were swapped in from the 06.

The frame was shortened 3 and a half feet, and the cut/splice was made in the mid section.

[impalaboy9]

All right guys I finally got the truck in from Kansas and back to Nebraska. I got a line on a bare swb frame 61-66 for 50 bucks. My next question is what to do with parts. I think the 65 has a 12 bolt rear under it, which from my understanding is plenty strong. What front axle would be a good choice and a fairly easy fit for this frame? Also I don't know anything at all about transfer cases so a recommendation there would be great as well. Finally, I want at least 4 gears so a manual or a 700r4 are my only choices right? I also have a tremec 5 speed laying around the shop so if anyone wants to be an over achiever and tell me what a terrible idea that is would be awesome. Thanks!

[padresag]

a 4 x4 frame is 2" deeper in the middle section than a 2 whl dr, but if you are just sticking to pavement it shouldn't matter. you could use your tremec 5 speed if you use an independent np205 t/c. I have a 5spd in my 4x4 with an independent 205 . been using it that way for 20 years
ron

[scottsdaleowner75]

what are you building a capable trail rig or a pavment pounder? If it were me and i wanted it to actually perform off road i would go with a built turbo 400 or 700 r4 with np205 and at least 3/4 ton axles. You want to go with proven stuff that is easily fixable with off the shelf parts if its a trail truck.

[impalaboy9]

Its mostly a pavement pounder I don't plan on off roading its not my thing but I want to go where I please when the snow hits the ground in town. I guess those answers gave me more questions. 1) do I need to beef up the frame for my 4x4 project? 2)What is an independent np205 t/c how do I ID it and what would a donor truck be for one? 3)Can anyone recommend a good front differential whether a 10 bolt of a dana 44/ which one would be easier to install? Thanks again guys sorry I'm such a newb to trucking.

[impalaboy9]

Alright guys super sorry to drag up an old post but I am talking about the same truck and the same subject. Just as a reminder I have a swb 1965 chevy stepside. I just found a kid around town with a 1969 swb 4x4 rolling chasis. Would my body fit on that frame without modifying it? The bodies look really close.

['63GENIII]

I have a '62 fleet on a '72 Suburban frame. It's not a great fit and some of the body mounts need a bit more work but that may be because the '62s had a different width frame from what I hear. I would think if you're handy with a grinder and can relocate body / bed mounts easily, it shouldn't be any more of a problem than any other body swap. I see '63 - '66 bodies on '73 up frames quite often. I would take alot of measurements to compare the two frames and make a decision. This is the right place to be to get help working out the kinks that come up.