61 GMC 4x4 1ton build

[dieseldude4bt]

Very nice, it will look factory.

[rambler]

nice work.. I am always envious that some people have this type of craftsmanship, I can turn a wrench and bolt on stuff, better than some.. but this looks like real talent..

[ky-donzi]

Thanks guys, I do have to admit I have access to a plasma cnc, and I'm pretty decent at autocad... So that explains the nice cuts
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[Jeff La]

Originally Posted by ky-donzi

Thanks guys, I do have to admit I have access to a plasma cnc, and I'm pretty decent at autocad... So that explains the nice cuts
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Man You are one LUCKY GUY, that's what I dream about

[dieseldude4bt]

Any updates on this project?
I need a photo fix!!!

[ky-donzi]

Actually took some pics today, got the body mounts complete, a/c mount built, engine degreasers and painted, And engine crossmember made, still got some work to do on the front crossmember ahead of the engine...... put some some new lift springs on the front today,,,,, sets a little high for my liking... Hope when I drop the 900lb engine in it will settle some..... Post pics later....

Thanks
Reid
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[ky-donzi]

here are the pics

[piratexpress1369a]

looking good so far

[dieseldude4bt]

How much room between the crossmember and the front axle? Photo makes it look close

[ky-donzi]

I'd say approx 4-5 inches before the engine is in it.... Going to try to reinstall the engine this weekend .... Getting close to having all the fab work done I think
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[dieseldude4bt]

Updates?

[ky-donzi]

Nothing exciting.

I have re-gasketed the 4BT, and done all the normal checks (KDP, torque rod bolts, inspect other bolts, ect) I have re-gasketed the SM465 and NP205 checking each for wear and damage. I bought a HOTZY steam pressure washer to clean parts and found that the mount between the trans/tranfer case was broke about 3/4 around the perimeter, so replaced that. I have got the 2XT (ranger) re-gasketed and finally got the shift motor to work properly.

It has been slow work, but I really want everything close to right before I reasemble it. Im not going to have the final product quality of "things" over on 4BTswaps but I dont wanta just throw it togather either.

I perdict that i should have it runing but not driving during the Christmas season.

[ky-donzi]

Progress! I will post pics later, got the frame POR15'ed, all the brake/fuel lines ran, fab up a front crossmember (the one under the radiator) mounted my sway bar. Plan on dropping the engine in for the final time, and bolting down the cab for good this week. Still got hours and hours to go, but at least now I get multiple items accomplished every time I work on it.
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[dieseldude4bt]

Good to hear progress look forward to the pics.
Sometimes you wonder if it will ever come together, just keep at it were pulling for you.

[ky-donzi]

here are the photos

[ky-donzi]

few more

[ky-donzi]

More progress.... Engine is in... Trans and transfer case CHECK.....Ranger OD...CHECK.....Cab bolted down.... CHECK.....might get to start the 4bt this weekend!!!
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[rs74]

Originally Posted by ky-donzi

More progress.... Engine is in... Trans and transfer case CHECK.....Ranger OD...CHECK.....Cab bolted down.... CHECK.....might get to start the 4bt this weekend!!!
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What did you have to do to bolt that cab and doghouse up to the newer frame? In one picture it looks like the doghouse sets up above the frame quite a bit like maybe there is a body lift on it. Where you able to take the 61 cab mounts and just fab them onto the newer frame?

[ky-donzi]

Originally Posted by ky-donzi

few more

I used a suburban frame which is much flatter when compaired to a 73-87 pickup frame.

Then I torched all the suburban mounts off the frame and searched on line, found some diamenions and fabed up new frame to cab mounts.

The cab actually sits about 1-1/2 above the frame contour... That would be close to factory I would think.

If it were a 2wd it would sit maybe a 1" higher than its suppose to
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[rs74]

Originally Posted by ky-donzi

I used a suburban frame which is much flatter when compaired to a 73-87 pickup frame.

Then I torched all the suburban mounts off the frame and searched on line, found some diamenions and fabed up new frame to cab mounts.

The cab actually sits about 1-1/2 above the frame contour... That would be close to factory I would think.

If it were a 2wd it would sit maybe a 1" higher than its suppose to
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Thanks. I was curious because I have an 84 K30 frame and running gear that I have that about putting an older body on or taking the running gear out of the K30 and putting it into an older truck. Not sure if one would be easier over the other. Thanks

[ky-donzi]

Well IMO you have a couple opitions. First I wouldnt use the K30 frame unless it was a last resort. You didnt specify the year so I am going to assume you are talking about 60-66

I would either

get a old model 4x4 frame and use your running gear. This would be the easiest. As the cab would already be a bolt on deal, and the F/R axles wouldnt be hard to modify.

OR, if there are no 4x4 frames to be found like in my case.

Get a suburban frame and mount your cab and running gear to it like I did.

the frames on the 73-87 trucks swoop down real low under the cab and would be hard to mount too. The 73-87 suburban frames are nearly flat and have almost the same wheelbase. I believe it is 129.5 instead of 131. So proabaly wouldnt be noticible.

I had never considered a cab/chassis frame and they might have been made different.

I am installing a flatbed so wheelbase is not as important to me.

I am no expert, but these are my findings.

Thanks and good luck

[ky-donzi]

Here is the truck awaiting the rest of the hose connections and brake lines. Nice to get it on the lift. I can tell you this it about killed me and another guy getting it on there.... with no power we rolled it up the ramps... makes you really respect horsepower.... that 6" ramp that we had to roll up liked to killed us

[ky-donzi]

[QUOTE=ky-donzi;5752096]Well IMO you have a couple opitions. First I wouldnt use the K30 frame unless it was a last resort. You didnt specify the year so I am going to assume you are talking about 60-66

I would either

get a old model 4x4 frame and use your running gear. This would be the easiest. As the cab would already be a bolt on deal, and the F/R axles wouldnt be hard to modify.

OR, if there are no 4x4 frames to be found like in my case.

Get a suburban frame and mount your cab and running gear to it like I did.

the frames on the 73-87 trucks swoop down real low under the cab and would be hard to mount too. The 73-87 suburban frames are nearly flat and have almost the same wheelbase. I believe it is 129.5 instead of 131. So proabaly wouldnt be noticible.

I had never considered a cab/chassis frame and they might have been made different.

I am installing a flatbed so wheelbase is not as important to me.

I am no expert, but these are my findings.

Thanks and good


I should clarify a few things I said

You didn't specify what cab but I assume you mean 60-66

And.

Use a old model frame (I.E.) one that matches your cab and swap axles from your k30
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[rs74]

[quote=ky-donzi;5752561]

Originally Posted by ky-donzi

Well IMO you have a couple opitions. First I wouldnt use the K30 frame unless it was a last resort. You didnt specify the year so I am going to assume you are talking about 60-66

I would either

get a old model 4x4 frame and use your running gear. This would be the easiest. As the cab would already be a bolt on deal, and the F/R axles wouldnt be hard to modify.

OR, if there are no 4x4 frames to be found like in my case.

Get a suburban frame and mount your cab and running gear to it like I did.

the frames on the 73-87 trucks swoop down real low under the cab and would be hard to mount too. The 73-87 suburban frames are nearly flat and have almost the same wheelbase. I believe it is 129.5 instead of 131. So proabaly wouldnt be noticible.

I had never considered a cab/chassis frame and they might have been made different.

I am installing a flatbed so wheelbase is not as important to me.

I am no expert, but these are my findings.

Thanks and good


I should clarify a few things I said

You didn't specify what cab but I assume you mean 60-66

And.

Use a old model frame (I.E.) one that matches your cab and swap axles from your k30
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Yeah I guess I should have been more specific. I was refering to putting a 60-66 cab on the 84 K30 C&C frame. The 84 frame does swell up at the rear axle. It might just be easier to find a 60-66 C30 truck and put my running gear in.

[ky-donzi]

61 gmc 4bt cummins - YouTube

RUNNING!!!!!!!!!!!!