702 GMC V-12 powered '62 GMC 1-ton

[jeffspower]

'57- '64 Olds/ Pontiac "big car" used a 9-1/4" rear, similar to a Ford 9". I think you may find 2.56 gears in a '64 98/ Bonneville cruiser.

'75- '76 Olds 98/ Buick Electra were common to have 2.42s. '71-'74 2.73s were common. Pretty stout axle too. The Olds 88/ Buick Lesabre/ etc. usually had a lighter rear end '71- '76.

I think you can find some Dodge diesels in the "NO OD" years that had about a 3.07 rear. That would make it easy for you to stay 8 bolt wheels.

[locomotive breath]

The 9" rear end from that Econoline measures 49 3/4" spring perch ctr. to ctr. and 67 1/2" overall.

[cayoterun]

I know you guys are getting tired of this, BUT I'd sure appreciated your imput.

I went shopping in my own parts cars in the pasture and found 3 Ford 9" differentials. One '62 T-bird, 2 '63 galaxies. They look like an easy fit to the '72 350 springs. Spring perchs will need to be flipped to the top, other wise a bolt up. 2.76 gears are available. Gives 75+-mph @ 2400, 60mph@ 1900 Good enough for me.

Questions:
#1: Will they hold up under that much torque with an easy foot on the throttle?
#2: Will the brakes give adequate stopping safety on a occassional gvw of 10,000#? It does have power front disc brakes.
#3: Will the five lug axle be safe with dually adapters?

Optional: I could adapt to single 16" wheels with the original 8' fleetside bed instead of the flatbed.

All opinions appreciated both pro or con.

I've already been told on this project from "your crazy" to "hey, that's pretty neat". So my hide is thicker than an alligator by now.

Thanks,
Cayoterun

[jonzcustomshop]

I would like the fleet bed better than the flat. I think 9" ford rears are pretty much indestructable, almost all racers making any sort of power opt for a ford 9"

[cayoterun]

It would be good to keep the original bed with the cab. I've never known where this thing would lead us. It's a fairly clean bed, as far as rust, wood is shot, and needs some sheet metal straightend. It's the bed in post #142. A good port-a-power and sledge hammer should make it match the rest of the truck if we need to go that route.

I just now ordered the 2.73 gears, so we'll see how we get along with this rear end and go from there.

If we can get some suitable gears under it, it will be another big hurdle overcome.
Cayoterun

[dieselarmy13]

I think a fleetside bed and single rear wheels would look great on there.

[locomotive breath]

Another way to do it is to graft the Dana 1 ton housing ends onto the 9" housing and re-spline the the axles to fit the 9" third member.

[cayoterun]

It seems this truck build follows the path of least resistance and what's available. If every thing goes like it looks, we're headed for the single wheel, fleetside.

Is there any rocket science involved in changing the ring & pinion in a 9" Ford car rear end???
Can anyone lead me to a break down view on one?

I pulled the rearend from under the '62 T-bird today. It already has 3.0 gears, but the 2.76s were delivered today, too. According to the calculator, using 265/75R15 tires, the 3.0 give 73mph and 2.76 gives 80mph.

After getting some good measurement, the T-bird rear end is 5" wider between backup plates. That's good as it allows using bigger, and wider tires on the single wheels. Spring perchs same distance, except the car perchs will need to be flipped to other side. Will need a longer driveshaft due to the smaller banjo.

I sure hope this works.
Thanks,
Cayoterun

[jonzcustomshop]

sounds neat, looking forward to seeing what comes up..

[watahyahknow]

the nice thing about the ford and the thing that makes it populair is that you can take out the whole centre section ring and pinion and either work on it on the workbench or bring it out to a specialist to work on and leave the rest of the axle under the truck , the centre secions are available completely fitted replacing the pinion is a bit of work to do right but the ford is the eaziest one to do it with check out so old hot rod issues there showing how it needs to be done

[cayoterun]

"Senior Moments"!
Disregard request for ring and pinion change instructions.

I was reminded yesterday of the story circulating here about the pastor and elderly person.

Pastor visits the elderly person, and during the visit, Pastor asks them if they ever gave any thought to the "hereafter".

They replied, "Oh yes, everyday, I'll go into another room or store, then stand there and ask myself, What am I in hereafter".

Well, I realized I had a full shop manual on '62-'63 Fords and step-by-step instructions/w PICTURES of what I needed to know.

My smile of the day based on fact.
Thanks,
Cayoterun

[cayoterun]

Not a good day.

A good friend and neighbor was killed this morning in a car wreck. A truck ran a stop sign on a county road not far from here. T-boned him in the drivers door. Killed instantly.

Prayers appreciated for the family.

R.I.P. Ronny Green, we'll miss ya, buddy.
Cayoterun

[jonzcustomshop]

It is always shocking and sad to lose someone like that.
jon

[Palf70Step]

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your friend's family.

[cayoterun]

Hope this isn't out of line:

Buried our neighbor and friend this morning. Little country cemetary on the land he had worked, grazed, and farmed for the last 35yrs.
Nothing fancy for him. No church service, just a burial out in open country. Preacher wore Levis and hat. Family and some friends were giving some favorite memories of times with him.
His son-in-law was saying how he had helped him. He said, "Any man that can raise 5 daughters and one bathroom is sure to have endless patience". Lots of tears, smiles, and memorys.
So long, Ronny,
Cayoterun

[SlowYourRoll]

Wow, I just found this thread and watched a couple of your youtube videos. That thing is AWESOME! Nicely done!

[cayoterun]

Not much progress on "Balaur" in a while, except some small stuff. Engine overheating is an obstacle since adding hoods and front clip, but we're gaining.


Bringing this back may bring the site another new member. Another V-12 project is in the making. Looking forward to what he builds.

Welcome Don,
You will find a very helpful, and knowledgeable crew on this site, if you plan to work with chevy components, too.

Cayoterun

[ratrodmiller]

All i can say is wow!! Those v12 engine are a one of a kind animal , love your build dude

[ChevLoRay]

Did you ever see the Blast-O-Lene Special? It ran the same V-12 in a super swoopy handbuilt body. Yep, these are unique animals....

[Rap'em Pappy]

This thread has brought in another member of the V12'ers Club. I have been building another V12 along with Cayoterun, just in another state. We have
been sharing ideas and problems as this thing goes along. He has been a great friend and mentor for me. There have been a lot of great problem
solving here on this thread that has helped alot. I got my V12 truck running in the last part of Aug. I used the stock 3/4 frame and just moved everything back 24". Then cut the box to fit. I have a 700r4 behind the brut of a engine. I have 2 mufflers in each pipe and it is still loud. My neighbors all know when I start it. There are 2 500 Hollys on it with old school air buckets. I put 4 point seat belts in to hold me in when this thing gets wound up. I will try to put some pictures here.

[cayoterun]

"The Wunder truck"
Awsome work, Pappy, Glad you're here and up and running.

[Palf70Step]

Great work Pappy. You bopth have a very unique and super cool pair of trucks.

[watahyahknow]

man that is nicely done

[jonzcustomshop]

It would be awesome if you two could meet with your trucks for a photo shoot, fuel $$$$ would be a huge problem though...

I like how cayoteruns truck is the "utility" version. and rap em pappys is the "passenger truck" version.

rapem: does yours have a chev or gmc grille -hood?
...and more pics please!

[locomotive breath]

Great looking truck Pappy. That is the first full side view picture I have seen, the long hood and short step-side bed give it nice hot rod truck look.