64 panel 2 wheel upgrade to 4 wheel

[72 5500]

I got a 64 panel and I'm kicking around the idea of turning it into 4 wheel drive. I'm thinking of using a 70's 80's short bed frame and drive line. I'm sure I will probably have to shorten the fame a bit. Anybody here done this or have any pointers. This will be a daily driver.

Thanks

[Captainfab]

Keep your original frame and just add the 4wd suspension, and motor mount crossmember, etc. Changing the frame is a lot of work if you use a '73+ frame.....BTDT.

[GMCBURB]

Captainfab is probably right that it would be easier to keep your frame and swap over parts. But, so you can make an informed decision, here's how my frame swap went.

I used a '76 lwb donor truck. It lined up really well front-to-rear and side-to-side but kicked up too high in the back.

[GMCBURB]

To level the body to the frame I used square tube spacers under the core support and the front cab mounts.

[GMCBURB]

The frame was too long so I had to shorten it to match the wheel base. I also notched for the rear cab mount crossmember, otherwise I would've had to raise the body a couple more inches.

[GMCBURB]

The cargo area mounts fall on top of the frame and only require spacers. Frame horns also line up perfect in the rear but are slightly inboard up front.

[GMCBURB]

If I were to do things differently, I would look for a suburban frame because I think they are flatter than truck frames and would fit the body better. I would also spend a little more time making my fab work look pretty.

Before and after...

[perro13]

Nice work, good looking Burb

[jonzcustomshop]

check out my suburban build in my signature, I kept my sub frame, just swapped the suspension...

[GMCBURB]

Thx Perro13, your burb has caught my eye on here before as well. I think the lowered ones look nice but my preference is 4wd.

[GMCBURB]

Jon, just read through your burb build -- impressive work! What is that, about $300 in grade 8 bolts? jk

Your build reminded me chassis geometry is important to consider in a 4wd conversion. Depending on the axle donor vehicle, there may be a need to correct for changes in caster, pinion and driveshaft angles (because bump steer and driveshaft vibrations suck.) Not hard to account for these when swapping axles but an added benefit of a frame swap is everything will already be as GM intended.

Just something else for '72 5500' to consider when deciding which route to take.

[72 5500]

Thanks for the input. Think I will stay away from using a pick up frame due to the high hump in the rear of the frame. The newer suburban frame idea might be worth looking into.

[Captainfab]

This whole frame swapping question gets asked quite frequently, and my answer is usually the same......I don't recommend it. Yes I have done it, about 25 years ago. Not only due to the work involved in building all your body mounts, but also in consideration of the possible legal issues that may result from using a frame with a different VIN than your body and title. Check what your state, county or city requires to make it all legal.

[72 5500]

If I do end up converting this truck to 4 wheel, I definitely want to make sure I'm able to register it.

[Captainfab]

Then I would suggest checking with your local DMV to see what they require for a frame swap.

Here in Idaho, if you don't follow the rules and get caught, the Idaho state vehicle inspector can consficate your vehicle and crush it.

Originally Posted by 72 5500

If I do end up converting this truck to 4 wheel, I definitely want to make sure I'm able to register it.

[72 5500]

Here in the wonderful state of Connecticut we are allowed to register what they call a composite vehicle. Home made vehicles or a vehicle made from other parts of vehicles to make one. in order to register a composite vehicle, it has to be towed to the main DMV office and inspected. When it passes inspection, a new Vin number is issued.

[72 5500]

As you can see, I got along way to go before I have think about how change it over to 4 wheel drive. You did a nice job on your frame GMCBURB, not sure if that is the way I want to go. I like what jonzcustoshop is doing with his 64 panel. The more I think about it and the info I'm getting, using the original frame is probably the way to go. Thanks for your input guy's

[padresag]

Originally Posted by 72 5500

As you can see, I got along way to go before I have think about how change it over to 4 wheel drive. You did a nice job on your frame GMCBURB, not sure if that is the way I want to go. I like what jonzcustoshop is doing with his 64 panel. The more I think about it and the info I'm getting, using the original frame is probably the way to go. Thanks for your input guy's

the other chassis in Jon's thread is also a panel that was converted to 4 wheel using the orig. frame (red 350, black frame)
ron

[GMCBURB]

Originally Posted by 72 5500

As you can see, I got along way to go before I have think about how change it over to 4 wheel drive. You did a nice job on your frame GMCBURB, not sure if that is the way I want to go. I like what jonzcustoshop is doing with his 64 panel. The more I think about it and the info I'm getting, using the original frame is probably the way to go. Thanks for your input guy's

Thx and good luck with your swap