New Member 68 SB 4x4

[Outbackfarmer]

I just became a member here. I have been doing some searching on the site, great information! I just purchased a 1968 factory short bed fleetside 4x4. It is a nice body frame and good running 350. The transmission has issues and is going to need a rebuild. I have big plans for it, a ls swap, paint, interior. Basically a complete makeover. I figured out after a short drive, the fist thing is to get disc brakes. After a little research on here, I found it is not just a simple kit install, rather an axle swap. So that is the first order of business. Got to get this thing where I can stop it. So what I am thinking is find an 4x4 suburban, as they are available and cheap in my area. I think that the 71-87 axles are a direct bolt up swap, but wanted to confirm that these year models and the suburban axles would work. Also the 88-91 were the same body style, are the axles off these year models not interchangeable?
I will see how to post pics and get one up shortly.

[kcsa75]

Hey Neighbor. Welcome to the forum.

[Outbackfarmer]

This is a link to a pic of it. Looks great in the pic, but the paint is amature quality at best. Needs minor body work. But is all there and sold body. I plan to have it painted silver and orange.
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/sh...hare_link_copy

[BlueBullet]

Sweet little truck!!

[Outbackfarmer]

Pic hopefully shows up here

[Outbackfarmer]

Last two.

[Toxic Orange]

Looks great. How does the LS look?

[Outbackfarmer]

Originally Posted by Toxic Orange

Looks great. How does the LS look?

Doesn't have an LS in it right now. It has a 350 in it. The LS is one of the planned changes.

[72 Super]

Welcome from Maryland! Your truck looks great as it is. Goodluck on the upgrades.

Ray

[cypressbog]

Welcome to the site. Nice find on that truck. Only 1449 half-ton, short wheel base, fleetside 4X4 trucks were produced in 1968.

[BLAZERMAN]

That's a sharp looking little 4x4!
It looks like someone already swapped in an auto trans over the original manual. The front axle swap is pretty easy and will also make a big difference in your turning radius.

[AKC]

Welcome! Nice lookin' truck.

[special-K]

We answered you axle question over in the 4wd section. Now you just have to find that Suburban. But, you could buy just the axle for a lot less, since you already have power steering and automatic. I guess you could end up with a 700r4 in a Suburban

[msgross]

I have a 68 K-10 as well. Any chevy solid axle will bolt right in. Dana 44's (up to 77ish?) are nearly identical as Corp 10 bolt (up to 87?). Check the axle ratio first. Brakes and rotors are cheap for these axles so go hit the junkyard and you'll probably find one for under $100. You'll also need the brake master cylinder and proportioning valve, plus new front lines. My build thread is in my signature, however i'm far from done since i've taken a long break from the build.

Nice truck

[Outbackfarmer]

Thanks for the warm welcome and advice. I did post the same question over in the 4x4 section. I did not realize there was such a section when I posted this. Got most of my questions answered about the axle swapping over there. Think I have found a 91 suburban that has a wrecked front right side. The axle looks good and from the firewall back looks pristine. So hopefully be doing the axle swap soon. Got to get this thing where it will stop. Then we can "go forward".

[SS Tim]

While properly serviced drum brakes do work well (and even better with a booster) I can see wanting discs and open knuckle axles.

Given that the truck has clearly already had a "makeover" I'd suggest giving the basics a look over to verify what is actually original and what has been added.

The automatic was added (as Blazerman pointed out) as was apparently the transfer case. The right side shifter is a clear indication it isn't the stock Timken T-221 a 68 would have been built with.

[jeh]

Nice truck, if you get tired of it let me know