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#226 |
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Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Wichita Kansas
Posts: 455
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
Thanks! Yeah, I'll get it figured out when I have time again. I sure don't like to redo things haha
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#227 |
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Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Ruskin Florida
Posts: 4,560
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
Sad to hear about your oil leak. I could give you the whole story about mine but I will skip to the end. Line honed block- new seal- one piece oil pan gasket. 3 days later and the sealant was not dry... Turned out that the brand new tube of Permatex was defective! Pissed off doesn't even come close. I know you did but I will ask anyway. You did- clock the rear seal a little off so that the split is not right in the middle?
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70 swb 4x4 406sbc 700r4 203/205 d60/14blt locker yadda yadda http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...88#post6935688 Yeller 72 Blazer 2wd conversion project "No Daggum Money" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=550804 LS1-T56 3.73 LSD super budget build Blanco-2014 Sierra SWB https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=810350 |
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#228 | |
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Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Wichita Kansas
Posts: 455
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
Quote:
Yes, I did clock the seal a little off from the bearing cap parting line. Although, I have heard several people that swear by clocking them, and several people that swear by not clocking them. I've never had one do this before, and I have built a lot of motors. I also put a bit of oil on the seal lips before assembly to keep them from a dry start, but I'm thinking maybe sitting 2 years, almost to the day, between building it and starting the motor might have not been good on the seal. I pulled off the bell housing inspection cover yesterday, and started it up. It sure does run nice and start easy! Also, the power steering must have gotten the air out, because now it all of the sudden works great. I can turn the wheels lock to lock with 1 finger, and that is sitting still in the shop with 33" tires too. I got underneath the truck with it running and the inspection cover off. The leak is the rear main seal. I was planning to pull the motor back out to replace the seal, but now I'm thinking I may try to do it in the truck. I can get the oil pan off in the truck, but might need to pick the front of the motor up about an inch to drop it past the front bearing cap, because of the cross member. As bad as it will suck to change the seal in the truck, I think it will be a lot less work than pulling the motor back out. I have to say that the US Radiator Desert Cooler triple pass core, and the high output dual Spal fans seem to be doing a great job of cooling the big block. when the fans are on and I'm standing in front of the truck, they pull my shirt up to the core of the radiator. it will sit in the shop running and cycle the fans on and off from 190 to 183. I may still do something to the hood (ports, vents or louvers) to get hot air out of the engine compartment though. Maybe this weekend I'll try to get that rear main seal replaced... ugh. ![]()
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#229 |
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Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Central OK
Posts: 521
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
You probably had a bunch of minute air bubbles in your power steering fluid. After it was allowed to settle out, no more issues.
That's a bummer about the rear main seal and you are probably right. Sitting for two years didn't do it any favors. Oil seals like to be kept warm and lubricated. Sitting causes them to get hard and dry. We'd see this in airplanes that spent too much time as hangar queens. Once we put all the parts back on that had been cannibalized for another plane, the oil leaks would start up. -Joe
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#230 | |
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Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Wichita Kansas
Posts: 455
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
Quote:
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#231 |
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Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Wichita Kansas
Posts: 455
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
I looked over the oil pan in the truck, and it looked like everything would clear to change the rear main seal with the motor in the truck. I started in on it, and I had to lift the front of the motor about 1 1/2" to get the pan off, but it all went good. The other seal came out with no problems. I compared it to the replacement Fel-Pro seal, and it was not anywhere near as pliable as the new one. The new one also had a bigger seal lip. I installed it, and could tell right away that it fit a lot tighter on the crankshaft. I got it all buttoned back up and refilled the motor with oil, then started it up. I reluctantly got back under the truck with it running to check for leaks, and I was happy to see that it stayed dry. I even took it around the block again, and there were still no leaks when I got back. The power steering works great now, too.
Now I can get back on track to finishing the truck... slowly.
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#232 |
Senior Member
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Location: Doodah Kansas
Posts: 7,773
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
looks amazing rolled outside! glad you got the leak fixed too.
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the mass of men live lives of quiet desperation if there is a problem, I can have it. new project WAYNE http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=844393 |
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#233 |
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Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Central OK
Posts: 521
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
I'm glad you were able to replace the seal without having to completely pull the engine. That tends to be the advantage of the earlier non-IFS trucks. I sure do like the tire and wheel combination you are using. That has always been a good look in my opinion.
-Joe
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#234 |
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Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Ruskin Florida
Posts: 4,560
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
That is one nice piece of art you have created sir. Just WOW!
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70 swb 4x4 406sbc 700r4 203/205 d60/14blt locker yadda yadda http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...88#post6935688 Yeller 72 Blazer 2wd conversion project "No Daggum Money" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=550804 LS1-T56 3.73 LSD super budget build Blanco-2014 Sierra SWB https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=810350 |
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#235 |
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Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Northeast KS
Posts: 1,777
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
Awesome on the "easier" fix. Nice to get a win every now and then!
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1999 GMC Suburban K2500 SLT, 454/4L80E 1991 Z/28, 6.0L/T56 1949 GMC 250, S10 Frame, 6.0L/4L80E Instagram @aceshighspeedshop |
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#236 |
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Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Wichita Kansas
Posts: 455
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
Thanks guys, yes I was very happy to get the seal replaced and fixed, and also glad I was able to get it done in the truck. The wheels, hubcaps, and tires are what I wanted as soon as I planned out the project. I had to track down the hubcaps one by one, and had them painted/ restored. The one thing I still need to do to complete that part, is installing the blue hub dials that I had custom machined and anodized by GMCGrim on here.
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#237 | |
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Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Central OK
Posts: 521
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
Quote:
Of course, this just means I get to admire yours that much more. ![]() -Joe
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#238 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Wichita Kansas
Posts: 455
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
Thanks! These 16x6.5 wheels with these tires are pretty much even with the fender lip, and I have K20 axles.
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#239 |
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Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Wichita Kansas
Posts: 455
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
Yesterday afternoon, I worked on the bed. I removed all of the cross rails, bed strips, rotten wood, etc. out of the step side bed, and also heated and scraped off the old under coating on the sides under where fenders were. Then I measured for the size to cut out the ribbed steel floor out of the 80's square body donor bed. I got it all cut to size, and ready to start lining it up and mounting it in the 57 bed. After I get it mounted, the bed and rear fenders will go get media blasted and sprayed in aircraft primer like the rest of the body. I'll be spraying the bed liner on the bottom and inside the bed, and inside all 4 fenders like I did on the cab floor and bottom. When I moved all of my parts out of the way to get the bed rolled out of the shop, I had to take a picture of the fenders and doors sitting how most people want them to sit, vs how mine sits
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#240 |
Senior Member
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Location: Doodah Kansas
Posts: 7,773
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
if you are mounting the bed floor where it fits best (fender alignment) dont forget the angle strips on the inside of the bed sides, they will hit the floor!
when I do a stock metal floor I hang the bed over the frame first then silde the bed floor across the frame till it bolts in, then raise the bed to fit with jacks. never takes more than a couple hours to get it tacked. I like your lowrider haha
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the mass of men live lives of quiet desperation if there is a problem, I can have it. new project WAYNE http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=844393 |
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#241 |
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Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Wichita Kansas
Posts: 455
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
Yep, this floor and cross sills bolt and fit directly to the 73-87 frame. I'll mount it to the frame like normal, and I'll set the bed at whatever height it needs to be for lining up the steps and the bottom of the cab. The wheels will fit in the fender wells like stock, because I already shortened the frame to the stock wheelbase to work with the long bed. It'll all look like it came from the factory when I have it done and mounted. And there is quite a difference in the lowrider stance vs my 4x4 stance haha
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#242 |
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Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Coldwater On. Canada
Posts: 551
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
Love what your doing. I'm thinking hard abt pulling mine apart this winter and putting on the same frame . Using the original frame it just doesn't drive a nice as I'm sure yours will. Going to read thru your build again to learn more abt how much you shortened frame and your cab mounts.
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56 gmc 4X4 Cummins 5 spd 60F 70R 2005 Ram 3500 DRW cummins 4X4. 2006 Conolift 9/15. 2011 F 350 winter beater New 2018 ram 3500 drw 4x4. Makes my 2005 Look as if it's been running on 4 cyl since new ! My Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=556908 |
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#243 | |
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Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Wichita Kansas
Posts: 455
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
Quote:
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#244 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Wichita Kansas
Posts: 455
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
I welded up some small splits and fixed a couple rusted spots in the mounting lips of the rear fenders. I also removed the angle strips in the bed, welded up the old fender holes from the 60's fenders, then laid out my 57 fenders and marked/drilled holes for them to mount on the bed sides. I had to cut out 2 areas of the tailgate top rail and hammer out some dents, then welded and blended it back in. I took it all to get blasted and sprayed in primer last week. I should have it all back any day now. I'll get the bed assembled and mask it off for the bed liner to be sprayed under it and in it.
I also cut out the "S" bend in the SM465 shifter, and welded it back together with 1 simple bend so it fits how I wanted it and clears my leg good. I wanted to use the flat transmission cover instead of the humped one, because I like how it looks better. I got a new steel reproduction cover, and needed a small hump made just over the shifter top of the transmission, and cut a slot for the transfer case shifter. I was getting ready to dig through my metal pile to make a small hump, then I noticed an air cleaner cover I had from a Harley-Davidson. I held it up and looked at it, and it was the perfect size for what I needed. I cut it up and welded it into the transmission cover, then cut the shifter hole. It fits great, and after I spray the cover in bed liner to match the rest of the floor, it will look pretty good. I'll get 2 small boots for the shifters, and it will be perfect.
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#245 |
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Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Northeast KS
Posts: 1,777
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
Nice work repurposing parts. One of the many reasons I don't like throwing stuff out.
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1999 GMC Suburban K2500 SLT, 454/4L80E 1991 Z/28, 6.0L/T56 1949 GMC 250, S10 Frame, 6.0L/4L80E Instagram @aceshighspeedshop |
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#246 |
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Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: upper midwest
Posts: 1,129
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
You put the Harley air cleaner to good use, this has been a fun build to watch...
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#247 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Wichita Kansas
Posts: 455
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
I hear ya... I hang on to anything that I might use later for something. Just 2 weeks ago, I hauled off a load of scrap that had steel, tubing, old parts, etc. that I've had for 15 years and didn't use, then I needed one of the pieces 3 days after I hauled it off!
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#248 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Wichita Kansas
Posts: 455
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
Thanks Black Sheep, and I gotta say your truck is absolutely beautiful! Congrats on getting it wrapped up and taking it on the maiden voyage.
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#249 |
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Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: upper midwest
Posts: 1,129
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
Thanks, I'm hoping to get some miles on it before the snow flies...
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#250 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Wichita Kansas
Posts: 455
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Re: 57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed
Does anyone have the correct distance the bed sits behind the cab? I plan on mounting it where it looks right, but I'd like to know what it was from the factory to help judge it.
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