Our 72 build pics...

[azsmokey]

I am fairly new to the board but have been given a lot of good advice and ideas. I have been keeping detailed pics of every phase of the tear down and will create a build journal when we are done. Here are a few pics of where we are so far. Our donor truck is a 2003 Silverado SS that took a hit in the passenger side. A bonus to the deal was a Vortech blower on the 6.0L.

[jrdv]

Looks like the start of a great project!
Can't wait to see more pics and details.

[SactoJim]

Nice fricken donor truck!!

If you don't mind me asking.....how much did you have to give for it (donor)?

Gonna make a helluva fun ride!

[azsmokey]

Thanks! I was happy to find that truck with only 20k and a great interior that I want to use in the build. It was just under 10k, which I thought was a great deal for just the motor, trans, blower, PCM, etc... Lots of work ahead now. I cant wait to fire up the 6.0L in the 72!

[68GMCCustom]

Nice project! I'm going to be building an LS based myself but won't have the benefit of the Vortech!


don't know if you plan to work it in along with the '03 IFS front axle....but that SS has the NVG-149, a full time, viscous type AWD that splits torque at something like 38% front and 62% rear, but can move torque front or rear as needed for up to 0/100% or 100/0% split. It will handle all kinds of horsepower (I know of a twin turbo 438 LSX Sierra Denali being built now using a NVG-149 and looking for 1000hp/1000tq and it had a radix 6.0 w/meth inj. and about 500hp before that, just to name one). Best AWD system made by far.

nothing like a 4wheel powerslide!

[azsmokey]

To: Sactojim

I went through your build thread on the blue truck! I must say that is a really nice ride!!! You have done a lot of things that I would like to do/hope to be able to do! When the time comes, I will have questions for you!

On another note, I have been daydreaming about using the suspension and AWD setup from the 03 SS and grafting it into a 2WD C-10. I dont want to use it in the K-10 because of the lift and the desire to build stout front and rear axles. Does anyone have a C-10 for sale??? Well, I guess I better do one project at a time. I get ahead of myself sometimes. Maybe I should put a 67-72 body onto the 03 frame? Maybe I could create an extended cab 67-72 to match the longer wheelbase... Hmmmmm

[azsmokey]

I must attribute the new idea, listed above to 68GMCCustom! Thanks for the idea!!!

[68GMCCustom]

You bet! You really wouldn't want to use it in a 4WD application I don't think. It's plenty tough, but not designed for rock crawling.

Maybe you could........graft the '03 IFS onto a '67-'72 LWB 2WD frame and wind up with a considerably shorter wheelbase then the 143.5" wb the SS has. You'd just wind up with a short driveshaft.
I owned a '01 Sierra C3, the 1st Denali truck (and nearly the same as the SS)...and I have to say that AWD system is amazing. Traction all the time, on any surface, and they are tough too. That's not saying you can't break it loose on purpose, but it isn't easy. And with roughly 38% of the power pulling the front of the truck through a corner....well getting sideways is almost a thing of the past (unless REALLY hauling A). Makes for one heck of a street truck. I want another one some day...but the 143.5" wb isn't easy to park.

I'll be staying tuned! I will be building a LSX powered '68 shortstep with modern suspension and brakes.

[franky69c10]

good fine....

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Holy cow nice donar truck......

[SactoJim]

Thanks!

.....and go for the AWD thing.....pretty sure you'd probably be the only one on the planet to have one!

Originally Posted by azsmokey

To: Sactojim

I went through your build thread on the blue truck! I must say that is a really nice ride!!! You have done a lot of things that I would like to do/hope to be able to do! When the time comes, I will have questions for you!

On another note, I have been daydreaming about using the suspension and AWD setup from the 03 SS and grafting it into a 2WD C-10. I dont want to use it in the K-10 because of the lift and the desire to build stout front and rear axles. Does anyone have a C-10 for sale??? Well, I guess I better do one project at a time. I get ahead of myself sometimes. Maybe I should put a 67-72 body onto the 03 frame? Maybe I could create an extended cab 67-72 to match the longer wheelbase... Hmmmmm

[franky69c10]

any updates

[68GMCCustom]

seems like since the IFS under the '03 SS is a torsion bar setup (no "springs")....that might even make it easier?

[72BlckButy]

This is going to make for one heck of a build, I'm definitely subscribing to this.

Nice donor truck.

[greasy68]

That is going to be some work but that thing is going to haul a** when it is done. I'll be keeping an eye on this thread. Keep up the good work.

[azsmokey]

To all that have commented on this thread, I appreciate your comments! I have been looking forward to this build for a while but just haven't found the time to dig into it. Now that I have a little more time to work, I will be doing a lot more.

Next, I have to get the cab and bed off the frame and remove the suspension. I have planned on sending the frame, front and rear diffs, core support and misc items to powdercoat. The cab and doors are going to get media blasted and prepped for some body work. The hood and bed also need a little body work but they should not be too bad. The tailgate on the other hand is going to need to be replaced.

I will keep detailed pics and post them as I go. I am really looking forward to the LS transplant!!!

[franky69c10]

Originally Posted by azsmokey

To all that have commented on this thread, I appreciate your comments! I have been looking forward to this build for a while but just haven't found the time to dig into it. Now that I have a little more time to work, I will be doing a lot more.

Next, I have to get the cab and bed off the frame and remove the suspension. I have planned on sending the frame, front and rear diffs, core support and misc items to powdercoat. The cab and doors are going to get media blasted and prepped for some body work. The hood and bed also need a little body work but they should not be too bad. The tailgate on the other hand is going to need to be replaced.

I will keep detailed pics and post them as I go. I am really looking forward to the LS transplant!!!

are u keeping it 4wd or make it 2wd

[Ol'Rover]

that things gunna haul!

[rodstored-72]

azsmokey,
i was wondering where you found the donor truck? i try to make it by the yards along buckeye rd area, but they usually don't have that new by the time i get out there. would you mind sharing the place.....

thanks!!

[franky69c10]

Originally Posted by rodstored-72

azsmokey,
i was wondering where you found the donor truck? i try to make it by the yards along buckeye rd area, but they usually don't have that new by the time i get out there. would you mind sharing the place.....

thanks!!

have you check'd on 35th ave and broadway, there's alot of junkyard's...

[azsmokey]

Originally Posted by franky69c10

are u keeping it 4wd or make it 2wd

I am going to keep this project a 4WD. This truck is in great shape overall for a 72 with only one small area of rust. I am going to use either a 4" or 6" lift and 18" wheels wrapped in 35's. I am still trying to decide what transfer case to use. I like the idea of an electronic shift t-case, so I am trying to work out the details with that issue. If anyone has any input I am always open to ideas and suggestions

Originally Posted by rodstored-72

azsmokey,
i was wondering where you found the donor truck? i try to make it by the yards along buckeye rd area, but they usually don't have that new by the time i get out there. would you mind sharing the place.....

thanks!!

I actually bought the truck from my neighbor who was going to rebuild it. I guess his now ZO6 put a hold plans to build another toy. His gain is my gain I guess! It was exactly the type of donor I was looking for. His brother actually owns a local wrecking yard, which is why he got the first pick. I am not sure which one it is though. I will ask him to keep an eye out for another one if you are interested. PM me with specifics.

[azsmokey]

I worked on the trucks today and got quite a bit done. The 72 is almost completely stripped with only the cab and bed still attached to the frame. The 12 bolt and Dana 44 are off and disassembled. The frame, diffs, core support and misc items are getting ready for powder coat. There is some body work that needs to be done and a lot that I would like to do. I would really like to do a lot of body smoothing and filling. That will take time! Anyone want to help??? I will supply the refreshments...

The fun begins when I start mocking up the LS motor and new trans. I decided to keep the manual shift tcase instead of an NP243 or similar. Then mocking up the wiring...the fun begins!

[68GMCCustom]

ah hell....just leave the NVG-149 behind that 4L65! No floor shifter needed for the t-case since it's AWD, all the time.

[Sir Fisher]

i have a LQ4 all wheel drive drivetrain that i'm going to install in my truck, minus the t-case; i'm replacing it with a np241, because it has the same side drop as my current front axle and it bolts right up to the 4L60E; i don't need the all wheel drive, i just need the 4x4 to pull my boat out of the ramp.

are you doing anything to your suspension?? i'm looking for options... the ride is a bit too rough for me right now.

[franky69c10]

any updates