60-66 Frames: Can you do a 4x4 front end from a 2 wheel front?

[gmjim4x4]

I am thinking about taking a 62 chev shortbox 2x4 and converting to 4x4. I would like to use the original frame and put a Dana 44 up front and whatever in the back. I know the back will not be an issue, but can I take the stock front off with the springs and A arms and put stock 4x4 leafsprings on for the dana with out alot of fabricating? any suggestions would be appreciated!

[wyomech]

I am in the process of doing the same to a 63 short box.I am using a wrecked 88 suburban as the donor. Im using the rear coil spring trailing arms and moved the axle under the arms.I dont have the front end in yet but the frames look and measure pretty close,just waiting for warmer weather as I am working outside

[rcbildr]

Yes, not a lot of fabrication but just work. This weekend I'm getting a 63 chevy long bed that my friend and I started converting to 4x4 and I'll try to post up some pics of the front. If you have a donor truck, it makes life a little easier finding the brackets for the springs.

[gmjim4x4]

I had just got this 62 shortbox and didn't realize it had coil springs in the rear! I just assumed they were leaf ! Thats how much I know about 2wd trucks from 1960 to 1987! I am converting a 57 sb to 4wd and just lifted the rear with 4" blocks. I have been searching past threads on this forum and have come to the conclusion that as you say rebildr that you use the spring brackets from a 73-87 4x4 and mount those on your 60-66 frame and go from there. I am finally seeing the light! It would be great to see your photos rebildr while you do the conversion. I appreciate all the info I can get from all you guys! Please keep it coming!

[andrewmp6]

60-72 had the rear trailing arms under 2wd but i think gmc and like a 1ton had leafs.Also gm used the same body tell 91 for the crew cab the blazer/jimmy and the suburban.

[rcbildr]

I got the truck home yesterday, and the weather was terrible today. If it's nice out tomorrow, I'll try to snap some pics of what's been started so far.

[gmjim4x4]

that would be great! I appreciate your help. Are you going to have a build thread for this? It would be good information. I see lots of guys on this forum must be changing from 2wd to 4wd. looking forward to the pics.

[rcbildr]

Originally Posted by gmjim4x4

that would be great! I appreciate your help. Are you going to have a build thread for this? It would be good information. I see lots of guys on this forum must be changing from 2wd to 4wd. looking forward to the pics.

I probably should start a build thread on this, I do plan to take a lot of pictures. The hard part for the suspension has all been done. My friend did all the measuring and figuring on where things should be, I just have to go back and make it permanent...lots of drilling and bolting.

[rcbildr]

Here's a couple pics of what was done for the front. IIRC the front bracket is off a 67-72 4x4 and so is the back cast iron piece that's on the inside of the frame.





Everything is loosely pinned together, I need to go thru and tighten it all down and drill some more bolt holes. Then do it all over again on the passenger side. The front springs are 4" lift springs. Gonna start the axles swap tomorrow. I have an 83 chevy 4x4 that's donating the front and rear axles...figure it would be easier to get parts for them and I know what gears are in there. I found the front shocks he bought for it in the bed of the truck too.

[gmjim4x4]

Are the 73-87 4x4 brackets basically the same as 67-72? Please keep the pics coming! Thanks for all your help. Jim

[rcbildr]

I beleive they are different, I'll look closer tomorrow and try to see if my phone can get a good pic.

I started the axle swap today. Got the front axle off the 63 and just have to undo the u-bolts on the 83. I'll try to get some pics tomorrow.

[rcbildr]

I forgot to compare the spring hangars...lost track of time working on the truck. However, I did start a build thread.

[padresag]

the standard 62 2whl frame is more of a pain to build a 4 x 4 out of due to the x frame
std 62 4 x 4 had straight frame rails same as 63 and up
ron