Grandpa's 66 GMC SWB

[jrbynf]

I primed the chasis and cab with Chasis Saver. I ended up sanding nearly all of it off the cab in favor of a epoxy primer eventually. The fumes in the house were terrible with the chasis saver. Turned out very nice tho

[jrbynf]

Engine, transmission and rear end arrived.

Engine: SP350/357 ordered from JEGS
Transmission: Tremec TKO 600 ordered as a kit from SilverSport
Rear End: Ford 9 inch made by Currie Transmissions, 3.7 rear end ratio

Engine and transmission mated easily with new bellhousing provided by SilverSport. Their pressure plate and clutch were easy to install. My runout specs for the transmission alignment were within spec for Tremec. I chose to use a mechanical clutch for simplicity.

[jrbynf]

Engine and transmission mounted to frame. I used the rear engine mount holes which was stock for this year truck. Pros for this was weight distribution, shorter drive shaft, and near ideal shifter location. Cons are proximity to firewall.

I had re-used by upper and lower control arms. They were all blasted, painted, new ball joints were placed. I used heavy duty springs at original ride height.

[jrbynf]

Rear end installed. Again I had Currie make it special. 3.7 ratio, with a detroit trutrac. Since GMC's for the most part have leaf springs the hangers were added by them. Everything fit perfectly. I purchased the leaf springs through General Spring locally here in Kansas City. They are actually for 3/4 ton trucks from 67-72. They are rated for 2725lbs. The original springs were rated at 1500lbs. Here is a link to the springs. https://www.generalspringkc.com/product_p/22-409.htm

I used shakles from a 3/4 ton truck slightly modified. I used 5/8 u bolts and u bolt pads from RuffStuff. The pads are sold for 3 inch axles for Ford Broncos. All came together very well.

The fuel tank is aluminum from Brothers

[doobiebro]

Saweet! Keep up the good work!

[jrbynf]

Brake lines run using 3/8 inch steel tubing. Master cylinder was wilwood and all brakes were Wilwood. Front calipers/rotors and spindles (stock height) were bought from Performance Online as a package. These were 2 piston calipers. Rear brakes were part of package from Currie. These were 4 piston calipers.

[jrbynf]

Wheels were cheap steel 15 x8. Tires are Michelin. I would have use the original steel rims but they would not fit over the disc brakes. Front sway bar is from CPP and the largest they make. Rear sway bar is from Hellwig and also the largest they make. The rear had to be modified slightly as I did not like the mounting hardware. Shocks are from CPP

[jrbynf]

Fuel tank, rear brakes, rear end and Hellwig sway bar. Drop hitch rated for 8k pounds