Let's Build A 1 Ton Crew Cab 4x4

[NastyBuzzard]

Let's start out with what I have and what little I know.

Here are some of the trucks I have. I will start with the prettiest one.

1988 GMC R20 SRW Crew 3+3 350TBI/TH400 4.10 gears - Runs

Current State





Here is my 1987 GMC R20 Crew 3+3 That has had the frame shortened to a short bed and a 5 lug conversion up front and one started for the rear.





This is what I picked up yesterday.

1978 GMC 1 Ton 4x4 350/th350 SRW 3+3 Crew Cab - Gears(Unknown) Runs..








As ugly as that truck is, I was still giggling pretty good when I got it to the house yesterday. $500 is what I spent on the 78. My plan was to just do a straight body swap and swap the 88 TBI setup onto the 78 frame and attach it to that th350 and just use it around the house while I actually build it up.

However, the frame on the DS under the bed is pitted pretty badly and real thin in some places, so there is that to be dealt with. Also the rear spring hangers are junk

I am not sure if I need to swap the 4x4 stuff onto the R20 frame or what exactly.

Also the 78 is currently all time 4x4, that will need to change. I am assuming a dana 60 can be converted to lock hubs or something else.


My short term plans is to figure out if I am cab swapping and fixing the rear frame or if I am making a bastard of the two. I would love to keep the bigger 1 ton frame if possible.

Medium term plans is to get it swapped and the frame shortened for a short bed which I already have ready for it and running/driving/street legal with a lift and tires.

Long term is cummins/duramax NV4500 set up or 4L80e.


I know it is going to be one hell of a struggle to get that rusty body and bed off.

I will be able to sell the 78 350 out of it since it does still run.


Any advice or insight would be appreciated. This will be a budget conscious build considering I have my 1987 GMC V1500 LS Swap in its final stages prior to paint and what not and the engine blew up in my 01 TA that I now need to build an engine for and find a T56 trans to swap in it.