How to make my 71 chevy a 4x4? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

McNugget · 03-06-2011, 08:17 PM

I have a 1971 Chevy Cheyenne that I bought a 4x4 frame for. I need to buy new cab mounts and springs and I am looking for linkage to the transfer case and a front driveshaft. I will be able to at least set my truck on the 4x4 frame and just leave it until I find the parts, so it'll only be 2WD. But I am wondering about how much time this conversion will take of just setting the cab and motor and everything on the frame and mounting it up so I can still drive it? and is there anything else I will need to buy...any advice?

63chevyll · 03-06-2011, 08:45 PM

Depends what all your new frame has. Is it just a frame or complete with suspension and.axles
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McNugget · 03-06-2011, 11:07 PM

Well, I am not 100%, I am a girl and don't know everything about all this stuff. but I'll tell you what I know to the best of my knowledge. It came with a transmission and NP 205 Transfer case. I will have to get the linkage made to fit the transfer case because it does not have any. It doesn't have cab mounts and it does sit on both axles and has wheels and tires on it. I have a picture...its not the best but maybe it'll help!

onebadbowtie · 03-06-2011, 11:29 PM

depending on what transmission that was in the truck that your cab off of you might need a high hump transmission tunnel and possible clutch pedal assembly also

McNugget · 03-06-2011, 11:31 PM

Well the tranny I have now is a 350 small block auto. and The one that came on the truck, I was told is the exact same. I am going to have it looked at of course, but I'm hoping for the best...

onebadbowtie · 03-07-2011, 12:04 AM

well you wont need the clutch assembly then...just the high hump transmission tunnel

McNugget · 03-07-2011, 12:26 AM

Is the tunnel hump something I can find aftermarket or something ill have to buy off of the parts page?
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63chevyll · 03-07-2011, 12:37 AM

You can look on here or check local wrecking yards. As for the body mounts, you can buy a new set or try and reuse your old ones.

Does your frame have steering box and steering.

Also, are you planning on any kind of lift
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McNugget · 03-07-2011, 10:48 AM

Well I know ill have to get new cab mounts which I know I can get LMC. I do have power steering and brakes and the 72 frame has a 4 inch lift already on it.
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Gene · 03-07-2011, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McNugget

Well the tranny I have now is a 350 small block auto. and The one that came on the truck, I was told is the exact same. I am going to have it looked at of course, but I'm hoping for the best...

If the turbo 350 you have came out of a 2wd truck you will need to have a 4wd main shaft installed. I know, I had to do this on mine because the tailshaft was too long to mate up to the transfer case. Might be a better idea to try and locate a 4wd transmission?

71swb4x4 · 03-07-2011, 04:04 PM

PM boardmember joesjunk, he has done several body swaps and they turn out very nice. He is in Indepence, MO so he is fairly close to you too.

Here is one: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=313007

swampfox · 03-07-2011, 04:58 PM

Unless I read it wrong, if the cab is set up for a automatic the hump will not need replaced .

McNugget · 03-07-2011, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swampfox

Unless I read it wrong, if the cab is set up for a automatic the hump will not need replaced .

really? yeah my truck now is automatic and the one on the frame is an automatic 4x4 transmission as well- correction from earlier posting. I didn't mean to make it sounds like its identical to mine, just meant its automatic like mine now.

swampfox · 03-07-2011, 06:05 PM

I should have said that unless you go to a 4 spd the floor hump will clear . I swapped a cab that was set up for a auto ,to a frame with a 4 spd and had to install a taller hump.

onebadbowtie · 03-07-2011, 08:31 PM

i was under the impression that any 4x4 had to have the high hump to help clear the transfer case also not just the tranny but i may be wrong

haysonj · 03-07-2011, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onebadbowtie

i was under the impression that any 4x4 had to have the high hump to help clear the transfer case also not just the tranny but i may be wrong

You can actually lower the rear mount with spacers and it will help the pinion angle on a lifted truck. She said it has a four inch lift already and she already has the transmission/ transfer package in the frame.

Gene · 03-07-2011, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onebadbowtie

i was under the impression that any 4x4 had to have the high hump to help clear the transfer case also not just the tranny but i may be wrong

Thats what I thought too, but after cutting mine out it looked like a low hump would have had plenty of body to case clearance. I cut mine anyways because I already bought a high hump, and already had new high hump carpet.

trevrolet65 · 03-07-2011, 09:45 PM

It's a good bit of work transfering all your parts onto that frame. Your truck will be down longer than you think, it always happens due to I need to fix this first. Sounds like you have most of the parts, sounds like a cool build.

duallyjams · 03-08-2011, 08:54 AM

Is the pic in your profile your truck that you are converting ?

McNugget · 03-08-2011, 09:10 PM

Yeah its a teal and white colored truck but I am planning to eventually paint it red. I know it will be a lot of work, but I'm hoping, with fingers crossed that it wont be much more than a couple weeks at most. I don't have to actually do the 4x4 parts yet because it is summer time soon and I wont need them til next winter, so that gives me all summer to find them!

duallyjams · 03-09-2011, 09:43 AM

Can you post more pics of your 4x4 so we can see exactly want you need and don't need to do.

*72longbed* · 03-09-2011, 06:26 PM

Like duallyjams said, we could use a whole bunch more pics of your 4x4 frame, front to back, and that will tell the story. From what I can see of your 4x4 frame, you may already have most of the "parts" that will make that baby go .... Of course, you need to swap in your engine.

I have done a couple of 4x4 builds from 2WD trucks to 4x4 frames, and it isn't that difficult. I am going to say that most of what you may still need can be found right here on this site. The correct 4x4 Turbo 350 and transfer case is already in your 4x4 frame. You will just want to verify the condition of both. NP205's are pretty much hard to kill, but that Turbo 350 could have some issues. Drop the pan and inspect the fluid that comes out and also whats left in the pan (shavings, small parts, etc.

), and have it (the transmission) flushed thoroughly including the torque converter. The cab mounts ARE different for a 4x4 truck vs. a 2WD truck. They are also different for a 3/4 ton 4x4 vs. a 1/2 ton 4x4. Did my homework on that one.

If you truly have a 1972 4x4 frame, you've got the best setup that Chevy put under these trucks. But as stated before,

. (not really worthless ... but pictures sure are worth thousands of words!!)

It's going to be a fun project for you and we'll all help.

72longbed

03-06-2011, 08:17 PM	#1
McNugget Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 42	How to make my 71 chevy a 4x4? I have a 1971 Chevy Cheyenne that I bought a 4x4 frame for. I need to buy new cab mounts and springs and I am looking for linkage to the transfer case and a front driveshaft. I will be able to at least set my truck on the 4x4 frame and just leave it until I find the parts, so it'll only be 2WD. But I am wondering about how much time this conversion will take of just setting the cab and motor and everything on the frame and mounting it up so I can still drive it? and is there anything else I will need to buy...any advice?

03-06-2011, 08:45 PM	#2
63chevyll gets board easy....... Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 717	Re: How to make my 71 chevy a 4x4? Depends what all your new frame has. Is it just a frame or complete with suspension and.axles Posted via Mobile Device

03-06-2011, 11:07 PM	#3
McNugget Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 42	Re: How to make my 71 chevy a 4x4? Well, I am not 100%, I am a girl and don't know everything about all this stuff. but I'll tell you what I know to the best of my knowledge. It came with a transmission and NP 205 Transfer case. I will have to get the linkage made to fit the transfer case because it does not have any. It doesn't have cab mounts and it does sit on both axles and has wheels and tires on it. I have a picture...its not the best but maybe it'll help! Attached Images

03-06-2011, 11:29 PM	#4
onebadbowtie Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Parsons, KS Posts: 357	Re: How to make my 71 chevy a 4x4? depending on what transmission that was in the truck that your cab off of you might need a high hump transmission tunnel and possible clutch pedal assembly also __________________ James 94' Chevy K1500 Extended Cab 4x4 5.7 72' Chevy LWB K10, 350, SM465, NP205 Project "Daily Driver"

03-06-2011, 11:31 PM	#5
McNugget Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 42	Re: How to make my 71 chevy a 4x4? Well the tranny I have now is a 350 small block auto. and The one that came on the truck, I was told is the exact same. I am going to have it looked at of course, but I'm hoping for the best...

03-07-2011, 12:04 AM	#6
onebadbowtie Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Parsons, KS Posts: 357	Re: How to make my 71 chevy a 4x4? well you wont need the clutch assembly then...just the high hump transmission tunnel __________________ James 94' Chevy K1500 Extended Cab 4x4 5.7 72' Chevy LWB K10, 350, SM465, NP205 Project "Daily Driver"

03-07-2011, 12:26 AM	#7
McNugget Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 42	Re: How to make my 71 chevy a 4x4? Is the tunnel hump something I can find aftermarket or something ill have to buy off of the parts page? Posted via Mobile Device

03-07-2011, 12:37 AM	#8
63chevyll gets board easy....... Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 717	Re: How to make my 71 chevy a 4x4? You can look on here or check local wrecking yards. As for the body mounts, you can buy a new set or try and reuse your old ones. Does your frame have steering box and steering. Also, are you planning on any kind of lift Posted via Mobile Device

03-07-2011, 10:48 AM	#9
McNugget Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 42	Re: How to make my 71 chevy a 4x4? Well I know ill have to get new cab mounts which I know I can get LMC. I do have power steering and brakes and the 72 frame has a 4 inch lift already on it. Posted via Mobile Device

03-07-2011, 04:04 PM	#11
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: How to make my 71 chevy a 4x4? PM boardmember joesjunk, he has done several body swaps and they turn out very nice. He is in Indepence, MO so he is fairly close to you too. Here is one: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=313007 __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

03-07-2011, 04:58 PM	#12
swampfox Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: nw arkansas Posts: 41	Re: How to make my 71 chevy a 4x4? Unless I read it wrong, if the cab is set up for a automatic the hump will not need replaced . __________________ 69 gmc 4x4 lwb 327 4sd not running

03-07-2011, 06:05 PM	#14
swampfox Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: nw arkansas Posts: 41	Re: How to make my 71 chevy a 4x4? I should have said that unless you go to a 4 spd the floor hump will clear . I swapped a cab that was set up for a auto ,to a frame with a 4 spd and had to install a taller hump. __________________ 69 gmc 4x4 lwb 327 4sd not running

03-07-2011, 08:31 PM	#15
onebadbowtie Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Parsons, KS Posts: 357	Re: How to make my 71 chevy a 4x4? i was under the impression that any 4x4 had to have the high hump to help clear the transfer case also not just the tranny but i may be wrong __________________ James 94' Chevy K1500 Extended Cab 4x4 5.7 72' Chevy LWB K10, 350, SM465, NP205 Project "Daily Driver"

03-07-2011, 09:45 PM	#18
trevrolet65 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Venus Texas Posts: 217	Re: How to make my 71 chevy a 4x4? It's a good bit of work transfering all your parts onto that frame. Your truck will be down longer than you think, it always happens due to I need to fix this first. Sounds like you have most of the parts, sounds like a cool build. Last edited by trevrolet65; 03-07-2011 at 09:49 PM. Reason: spelling

03-08-2011, 08:54 AM	#19
duallyjams Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Deale Md Posts: 4,663	Re: How to make my 71 chevy a 4x4? Is the pic in your profile your truck that you are converting ? __________________ James 63 GMC V6 4speed carryall 65 chevy swb bbw V8 auto 68 K20 327/4 speed, buddy buckets 2002 GMC CC Dually Duramax 64 GMC lwb 3/4 V6 4speed SOLD 66 GMC swb bbw buddy buckets SOLD IG duallyjams The only thing that stays the same is constant change!



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03-08-2011, 09:10 PM	#20
McNugget Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 42	Re: How to make my 71 chevy a 4x4? Yeah its a teal and white colored truck but I am planning to eventually paint it red. I know it will be a lot of work, but I'm hoping, with fingers crossed that it wont be much more than a couple weeks at most. I don't have to actually do the 4x4 parts yet because it is summer time soon and I wont need them til next winter, so that gives me all summer to find them!

03-09-2011, 09:43 AM	#21
duallyjams Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Deale Md Posts: 4,663	Re: How to make my 71 chevy a 4x4? Can you post more pics of your 4x4 so we can see exactly want you need and don't need to do. __________________ James 63 GMC V6 4speed carryall 65 chevy swb bbw V8 auto 68 K20 327/4 speed, buddy buckets 2002 GMC CC Dually Duramax 64 GMC lwb 3/4 V6 4speed SOLD 66 GMC swb bbw buddy buckets SOLD IG duallyjams The only thing that stays the same is constant change!

03-09-2011, 06:26 PM	#22
72longbed Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: PA Posts: 1,411	Re: How to make my 71 chevy a 4x4? Like duallyjams said, we could use a whole bunch more pics of your 4x4 frame, front to back, and that will tell the story. From what I can see of your 4x4 frame, you may already have most of the "parts" that will make that baby go .... Of course, you need to swap in your engine. I have done a couple of 4x4 builds from 2WD trucks to 4x4 frames, and it isn't that difficult. I am going to say that most of what you may still need can be found right here on this site. The correct 4x4 Turbo 350 and transfer case is already in your 4x4 frame. You will just want to verify the condition of both. NP205's are pretty much hard to kill, but that Turbo 350 could have some issues. Drop the pan and inspect the fluid that comes out and also whats left in the pan (shavings, small parts, etc.), and have it (the transmission) flushed thoroughly including the torque converter. The cab mounts ARE different for a 4x4 truck vs. a 2WD truck. They are also different for a 3/4 ton 4x4 vs. a 1/2 ton 4x4. Did my homework on that one. If you truly have a 1972 4x4 frame, you've got the best setup that Chevy put under these trucks. But as stated before, . (not really worthless ... but pictures sure are worth thousands of words!!) It's going to be a fun project for you and we'll all help. 72longbed Last edited by 72longbed; 03-09-2011 at 06:30 PM.

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