4X4 Questions

[FleetsidePaul]

I recently got a place in a fairly rural area. The last storm made a mess out of the dirt roads.They basically turned into mud, and I was pretty much stuck in the house. The paved roads were flooded too.

So I thought I should look into a 4 wheel drive truck.

There's what looks to be a nice 4X4 70 71? GMC sitting on a farm near me.

I drive by it all the time.

It never moves.

I'd like to make the guy an offer, but it's a big property with a gate and I don't want a shotgun in my face.

But I want to know what to look for on a 4 wheel drive, I've never had one. I've had a few of these trucks, but is there anything specific I should watch out for on a 4X4?

I really want another GMC, and this one looks pretty good, and it's right around the corner.

But I don't want to buy a money pit. Assuming that I can actually get it.

Any information would be appreciated.

[truckster]

67-72 Chevy/GMC 4x4 trucks are pretty solid trucks. They suffer from rust in the same places as the 2WD versions, so I would check that carefully. The NP205 transfer case is bulletproof, so it's not likely to be a problem. Look for worn front end parts and front hubs that don't lock/unlock. Either of those are not too hard to fix, but they should be addressed. Steering problems tend to be a little more noticeable in a 4 wheel drive.

[El Dorado Jim]

Originally Posted by truckster

67-72 Chevy/GMC 4x4 trucks are pretty solid trucks. They suffer from rust in the same places as the 2WD versions, so I would check that carefully. The NP205 transfer case is bulletproof, so it's not likely to be a problem. Look for worn front end parts and front hubs that don't lock/unlock. Either of those are not too hard to fix, but they should be addressed. Steering problems tend to be a little more noticeable in a 4 wheel drive.

depends on what you want, 71 and 72 have front disc brakes,the transfer case could be a dana 20, or rockwell if truck is 68-70, I think in 71 and 72 they had the NP 205 trans case, best one built in my opinion....try to get pics and more info , then we can give you a better idea of what you should pay for it....1/2 or 3/4 ton?

[FleetsidePaul]

Originally Posted by truckster

67-72 Chevy/GMC 4x4 trucks are pretty solid trucks. They suffer from rust in the same places as the 2WD versions, so I would check that carefully. The NP205 transfer case is bulletproof, so it's not likely to be a problem. Look for worn front end parts and front hubs that don't lock/unlock. Either of those are not too hard to fix, but they should be addressed. Steering problems tend to be a little more noticeable in a 4 wheel drive.

I know all about the rust trust me. Been there, done that. It's just the front end that had me a little spooked. I wasn't sure if it was a big deal or not. Thanks for the info. Some parts are easy to get, and some...Eh not so much.

[jeffahart]

If it's a 70 it will have the one year only aardvark axle, open knuckle drum brake on the front. So you would maybe want to swap that for a bit newer axle. My main point would be that it's an original "K" and not a conversion. Anything else you can really fix. Unless you are looking for an all original truck, which it sounds like not. Check the front hubs to see if they are original or warn. Not that it really matters, but the originals are hard to come by these days, just a heads up. Just put it in 4wd when you test drive it. If it don't work then as you know it could be simple or who knows what.

Good luck

[jeffahart]

Also a couple other things I will add. Check the frame around the steering box. Look on the Off road design web site, I think they have picks of where the frame can crack from steering stress. And, check to see if the transfer case is using the side mount. These are know to crack the case. The mount was removed in later models due to this. Search in the 4x4 forum for details. So if you see the side mount, your antennas should go up and you should check for cracks and low T case oil.

Edit I mean the adapter. I've not had the issue, but I've read the banter... so heads up!

[El Dorado Jim]

check the thread in this section we are in, it is "post your craigslist finds" I just posted some 4x4's for sale in northern ca, yesterday some pretty good deals

[FleetsidePaul]

Thanks for the advice, I have no idea what year it is, but it looks good from the road. I hope it's a 71, or 72, but we'll see.
I just wanted to know anything to look out for, like the cracks.
It looks bone stock,it still has the hubcaps. And it just sits.
I'm going to stop and try to get a hold of the guy.
I just wanted to know what I'm looking at.
Thank you.

[Joesjunk]

Good luck getting it, and post up pictures

[special-K]

See what year grille. If 69/70 a '70 has same drivetrain as 71/72 except front drum brakes on same axle. Look to see 6 or 8 lugs. The 70-72 8-lugs will have the NP205. The earlier ones have Rockwell221. Both great transfer cases, the 205 is more replacement parts friendly. If you could get it, just figure on replacing all seals...pinion to pinion. The 70-72s have open steering knuckles. You can see the axle shaft yokes and u-joint. A good place to check condition.

[FleetsidePaul]

I just have to get near it, it's on a large property.

And I'm back in L.A. for the next 2 weeks.

And I don't know how well I'll be received.

I wouldn't want someone that looks like me on my own property.

Kind of like this. Maybe not that bad, but you get the point.



My dog isn't much better



So we'll see, I have this sign on my own property. Kind of hard to just walk up.



But I really like this truck and hope I can get it. I'll try to get pic's if I can get in.

And maybe get it

[Ironhorse]

I can't add much more than what has already been said in reference to things to look for. That said would love to see you have some good results in picking it up. I love the 67-72 4x4s. When I bought mine ('71 Chevy 4x4) it had been rode very hard and put up very wet several times. We replaced every body panel section on it except the cab. Did not know much about them at the time but I am glad I got a '71 with the disc brakes and power steering. Have since added several original options to it but sure wish it had factory air here in Kansas in the summer, LOL.

Good luck in meeting with the owner. Just a thought, might possibly try to find a phone number for the property by asking around, "Who lives at such and such address on such and such road" ? Local grocery stores, gas stations, drug stores, farmer's markets, parts store, etc. may be a place to ask such. If you get lucky and find a good number/name combo that may be a way to ask about the truck without staring at the business end of a double barrel. Been there, done that, not a pleasant sight.

[special-K]

Yeah, I am very mindful of treading on other people's land. Especially to wander up to their stuff to take a closer look. I guess go straight to the house and don't be all hunched over like Aqualung .

[outfield]

To add to some info mentioned here, the front axle on the truck will be a Dana 44, these are very basic to service, wheel bearings, replacing seals. etc. if the locking hubs don't work, replacements are available too.
If the truck is the odd ball year, and is the open knuckle drum brake style, and you want disc brakes, it is easy to swap in a newer Dana 44 from a 1973 to 1978 Chevy 4x4, they are inexpensive and it would not be too tough to find one with the same gear ratio if it came down to this.

[FleetsidePaul]

Originally Posted by special-K

Yeah, I am very mindful of treading on other people's land. Especially to wander up to their stuff to take a closer look. I guess go straight to the house and don't be all hunched over like Aqualung .

I just put Aqualung in there because that's what my wife says I look like when I get up in the morning.

The trouble is she's right, but sometimes people look at you and don't take you seriously.

Like when I bought my Model A, the guy selling it was indifferent towards me until the stacks of dead president's came out.

Then he took me seriously, and I drove it home.

I would just never walk up to the truck. I don't like people on my land either.

I guess I could leave a note on the gate, I'm just not sure how effective that would be. I'd rather have a conversation with the guy.

And I wouldn't be hunched over unless my wife was with me...because she would be on my back about it.

[jeffahart]

I still upload the "Thick as a brick" album to all my vehicles.

[davischevy]

I was on board until you made the money pit comment.

I'm not sure you can discuss these trucks and thrift in the same room.

[Jarvis-69 GMC 1500CK]

n/a

[FleetsidePaul]

Originally Posted by davischevy

I was on board until you made the money pit comment.

I'm not sure you can discuss these trucks and thrift in the same room.

I know, but I'm knee deep in money pit's already.

If I was knee deep in money. Another story.

[FleetsidePaul]

What do you think about this one, the guy is local.

I'm not a fan of the blacked out grille, or the wheels.

And I wish it still had the GMC front clip and with a salvage title it makes me wonder if it didn't get the front end smashed at one time.

Primer paint scares me a little too.

But it looks like a solid truck.

What do you think about the price?

https://bakersfield.craigslist.org/cto/6070718953.html

[fatbass]

This might be a gem. Claims it's a '69 but has '71-2 grille. Really good price.

http://www.ksl.com/auto/listing/3618906?ad_cid=19

[FleetsidePaul]

Originally Posted by fatbass

This might be a gem. Claims it's a '69 but has '71-2 grille. Really good price.

http://www.ksl.com/auto/listing/3618906?ad_cid=19

Price is right, but it's a long way from me, so I have to figure that cost into the mix, plus those rusty rockers give me the heebe jeebies. Makes me think there's more where that came from.

But that is a damn good price.

[franken]

If you can see the front, 71/72 had the part/turn lights in the bumper and a plastic grille.

[FleetsidePaul]

Originally Posted by franken

If you can see the front, 71/72 had the part/turn lights in the bumper and a plastic grille.

I cant tell from the back, and unfortunately that's all I can see from the road.

I'm back next week, and I'm going to stop by.

Hopefully I won't get a bad reception.


"Excuse me sir I just wanted to talk to you about your truck'.

[El Dorado Jim]

are you looking for 1/2 or 3/4 ton? my opinion is 3/4 tons are better obviously you can haul and tow alot more with them, I don't own any 1/2 ton fullsize trucks for that reason....on that one in Bakersfield, it isn't a bad price with the gear vendor...they are around $3000 new....the salvaged title wouldnt bother me but it does need paint...probably well worth what he is asking.....wait and see what that old GMC is like and let us know ,if the farmer even wants to sell it....but decide if 1/2 or 3/4 ton is what you want, dont settle for a 1/2 ton if it's not what you really need...