2x4 To 4x4

[Hittman]

I finally got the cab and box switched over to the 4x4 frame this weekend with the help a few friends. Now the body sits up in the air pretty good. Unfortunately the differences are now becoming quite apperant between a 2 wheel drive and a 4 wheel drive.

As I am sure you all know the engine/tranny sits further back on these 4x4's for whatever reason. Now my speedo cable is too short, the clutch linkage wont line up right, the brake lines have different fittings to the master cylinder, and my steering shaft is now too long and the power steering unit drive shaft has a bigger diameter thus the coupler won't fit on it. Right now my biggest concerns are the speedo cable and the clutch linkage. In the second picture I shot the clutch linkage issue in hopes one of you guys might know how to correct this. The bracket that attaches to the block determines the position of the linkage bracket. Do I need another bracket to reposition it forward or is there a different linkage set up for these 4x4's? Any idea where I can get a hold of one of these?

Also it looks like I will need to buy another speedo cable - any idea how much that will set me back? Mine was actually starting to make noise in the cold weather anyway so it was probably on its way out.

Is there an effective way to shorten the steering shaft? I understand they have a couple of "shear pins" in the event of a frontal collision that will collapse upon impact. Do I just need to locate one for a 4x4 also?

Once again thanks for your input and help. I am finally starting to see the light now - hope to have this back on the road soon!
Attached Images

__________________
1970 C20 350 4-Speed no options but only 56K original miles
2002 Impala LS (wife's car)
1984 Volvo (hate it but it just won't die - pushing 400K miles now)

[msgross]

not sure on the clutch linkage issue but I can tell you that a few guys have shortened their steering shafts by popping out those sheer pins. They did it so that they could make more room inside the cab.

Here's a speedo cable for $15, not sure how long yours is...
http://www.truckandcarshop.com/trucks60_72/t60_034.html

[Classic Heartbeat]

The steering column and rag joint are the same for both 2x4s and 4x4s. If the steering gear on the 2x4 had a small diamiter input shaft it is from a late model truck. (given that both are power) If the column is too long then something is wrong with the way the cab is mounted or the column one. The clutch rod, bellcrank, clutch push rod all should be the same, it is the stud that is on the engine that is different. Bolts directly to the block and not on a plate like the one you have pictured. The speedometer cable has to be longer, because it goes now to the transfer case in stead of the transmission. WES

[msgross]

those looks like 2WD exhaust manifolds... is it all original??

[va_tlc]

i had to buy another ram horn manifold on drivers side mine was like yours (angled)back, your probally gonna have to get one that dumps straight down to miss your linkage, but like wes said everything else is basically the same

[Hittman]

Hey guys, thanks for all your responses. I did determine that the steering shaft is actually the right length, it's just the coupler that won't fit on to the power steering unit shaft. I did add the power steering to the 2x4 previously and who knows what model that came off of but the same coupler fit on to the manual gear box that was in it originally. I will just have to locate a coupler to fit the bigger shaft.

I figured the linkage would be the same - I just need the right bracket to mount to the engine block to bring the linkage forward. I now see that the exhaust manifold is going to be a problem too. Thanks for pointing this out. Just another set back it appears.

Thanks again fellas.

[Burt4x4]

I found an old pic that might help:

This is my 72K5 with 350 and manual linkage.
You can see the frame braket, that is factory. I did move the Z-arm mount hole toward the firewall to clear my HedmenHedders, you can see the nut is just to the right of the original mounting location...
I have all the old stuff I took off when I converted to Hydro..
I will post up more pics if I can find any.
Burt

[Burt4x4]

I just re-read your post.
On mine there was no bracket on the block. The Z-bar's bolt/ball (whatever you call it) simply screws into the block, slip the Z-bar over the ball then secure the other end on top of the frame to that bracket I posted above..

[Hittman]

I have searched all over trying to find this "ball stud" that threads directly to the engine block. None of the area parts stores can seem to locate this item for a '71. They located a ball stud for a '73-up but it appears it needs to be used with a separate bracket. I've even been to the GM dealer here and looked through old archives for pics and part numbers to see if I can learn anything. No luck so far. Any idea where I can go to find one of these other than a donor truck?

It does appear that a ball stud would mount to the forward hole of the 2 on the side of the block. This looks like it would be the best location for the z-bracket. I just need to find this stud.

Good news is I located the correct manifolds. Really the only thing holding me up right now is this clutch linkage thing. Really itchin' to get this old girl back on the road!

[Burt4x4]

I have one you can have

[Hittman]

Thanks again Burt - I will attempt to try a couple other avenues locally before I trouble you with sending yours. I am beginning to get a little desparate here but I would like to think I can find something around here. I have a couple other avenues to try out....

[Burt4x4]

No prob, long time ago I had to get a new Z-bar and I bought it from Chevy-Duty, that place is gone now but this place has what you need:
http://www.classicparts.com/searchpr...t_on=&sort_by=

Check it out they have Z bars and linkage rods too....
Good Luck

[Burt4x4]

Here is a pic

[70rs/ss]

NAPA sells them, they just thread directly into the block, no bracket.

[Hittman]

Ok so I haven't had a chance to return to this site for a number of days and now I see you Burt sent a pic of these and 70 rs/ss claims these can be had at NAPA. Thanks for keeping me posted...

Burt - the pic you sent is for what Classic parts calls a "clutch bellcrank block stud". I also see that they have "clutch bellcrank frame stud" which looks similar. Are you in agreement that the first one is what I need? This is the one that threads into the engine block, right?

I do want to check out Napa as well but the po-dunk little town I live in doesn't have one so I will have to call the nearest store to locate one of these. I tried their online site but no luck. At least I now have something to go on here.

Thanks again guys for keeping me informed! BTW - I would love to see any pics of the "70 RS/SS"!

[Burt4x4]

Yup that sounds right to me. If you choose to use that website to get the parts you need I would call them and confirm with them directly if needed.
Good Luck
Burt