Gene's shorty 4x4 conversion - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Gene · 07-10-2009, 05:15 PM

Well, here's my progress so far.... Got the diy4x front brackets installed, and am 90% finished with the front suspension. Moving to the back now, got deals for some GMC brackets and springs, along with some 4 inch lift blocks in the works!

70 beast · 07-10-2009, 05:40 PM

are you using 52's in the front or stock length springs?

Gene · 07-10-2009, 05:51 PM

52's although I havent installed all 5 leafs, because of my limited u-bolt length.

07lbz2500 · 07-23-2009, 08:05 AM

So you are putting 2wd spring hangers and shackle mounts on the rear of your truck. was your truck originally coil rear? beacuse I am doing a 4wd conversion as well and heard that the frames were the same for leaf and coil trucks and that I could use the hangers off a 2wd leaf truck on mine but I wasnt sure.

**71blksuper4x4** · 07-24-2009, 12:33 AM

well, you are on your way to being a shortie 4x4 owner. Keep up the work, it will pay off. Trevor

Gene · 08-09-2009, 09:58 PM

Well, plans have changed. Found a 4x4 SWB rolling chassis with dana44 front and 12 bolt rear. I will be using this instead of the 2wd converted frame. The PO must have had a flatbed welded to it in the past because of all the crasy welds on the mounts, i've been spending the past couple of weeks out in the 190 degree heat working on this thing!!! Getting ready for blasting and powdercoating. Wish me luck!

Gene · 08-09-2009, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 07lbz2500

So you are putting 2wd spring hangers and shackle mounts on the rear of your truck. was your truck originally coil rear? beacuse I am doing a 4wd conversion as well and heard that the frames were the same for leaf and coil trucks and that I could use the hangers off a 2wd leaf truck on mine but I wasnt sure.

From all I have read(please someone correct me if i'm wrong) these should allow you to run leafs on a coil frame.

PM sent, I have these parts listed on the parts board seeing as how I no longer need them.

Gene · 09-11-2009, 08:50 PM

Well, just got her back from powdercoating. I am very pleased with the results! It's a little dusty but you get the idea. Can't wait to get the lines run and get started installing the suspension so I can get it on the ground.

I'm on dial up or i'd put more pictures up

1985-GMC · 09-16-2009, 12:05 AM

Looks good!!! How much did the sand blasting and powdercoating cost you?

Gene · 09-27-2009, 09:47 PM

It was really reasonable, compared with sandblasting/painting. I have 400 bucks in the sandblasting/powdercoating. I am very pleased that I went in this direction. I just finished installing all new brake and fuel lines I got from inlinetube.com.

Gene · 09-27-2009, 09:57 PM

Here's a few with the new lines ran.

monte0185 · 09-28-2009, 10:26 PM

Can you post a couple of pics of the rear section of the frame by the spring mounts? Im curious about how short the frame is for the bumper on a real SWB frame. I was considering cutting down a LWB frame.

Gene · 09-29-2009, 04:37 PM

Here you go, do you need a measurement from the bracket to the end of the frame?

monte0185 · 09-29-2009, 04:49 PM

Cool I appreciate it. Yeah if i could get some measurements that would be great too. Im still pondering weather to just go LWB or Build a SWB out of my 2WD frame or Cut Down a LWB to a SWB. I have all one ton running gear and new springs and everything I just need a decent frame as mine is all jacked up. 2nd Problem is I have a nice Short bed also. If i didnt have the bed I would go LWB in a heartbeat. Oh well decisions decisions.

Gene · 09-29-2009, 05:21 PM

Looks like 4 inches 7/16th. Lemme know if you need any more measurements.

msgross · 10-10-2009, 11:53 AM

love the SWB 4x4's...

monte0185, There are multiple threads on cutting down frames, I know they take 8" and 12" out, but not sure which is middle and which is rear. Be sure that your welding is up to snuff if you go that route. I need to get back to work on mine.. this weekend is garage cleaning..

Gene · 10-10-2009, 07:30 PM

12 under the cab and 8 off the back

msgross · 10-10-2009, 07:32 PM

how did the inline tube work out? mine are still in a box

monte0185 · 10-10-2009, 07:39 PM

I have read every thread I can find but I have not seen any 4 wheel drive ones. I read something on the two wheel drive ones about the leaf spring perch interfears with cutting 8 off the back. Welding isnt really a problem. been welding since i was like 12. Dad was a certified welder and taught me. He also was an underwater welder. That would have been interesting. but anyway. Im gonna find out next weekend for sure when i pickup my long frame. Sorry for hijacking your thread. Looks great. keep up the great work.

Gene · 10-10-2009, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by msgross

how did the inline tube work out? mine are still in a box

Overall they fit pretty well, I messed up and ordered a set for a 71 and my frame is a 72, there is a difference. The rear where the line that runs along the frame bends down and attaches to a bracket on the frame, evidently 71 didnt have that bracket??? So I will have to run a short line to there with a union. But up front everything fit nice.

msgross · 10-11-2009, 08:22 AM

you might be able to find someone with that bracket...

Gene · 10-11-2009, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by msgross

you might be able to find someone with that bracket...

The 72 has the bracket attached to the frame with rivets, here's what i'm working with

msgross · 10-11-2009, 01:29 PM

you already powdercoated the frame didn't you? If not you could just make this little angle bracket like my 68 has.

Gene · 10-11-2009, 03:46 PM

Yep, already powdercoated it. I think i'll just extend the line down to the bracket, because i'm lifting it and that way the rubber line will for sure reach the main line.

Gene · 10-30-2009, 03:22 PM

Here's a couple of updated pics of my project. The garage is an absolute mess, I had the truck sitting on sawhorses, but the suspension proved to be more than it could handle so now it's sitting on the floor waiting on my new BF Goodrich 35 inch Mud terrain KM2's. As soon as they arrive I will get to work on trying to locate a body shop near me that specializes in these old trucks!

07-10-2009, 05:15 PM	#1
Gene Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Muskogee, Oklahoma Posts: 2,914	Gene's shorty 4x4 conversion Well, here's my progress so far.... Got the diy4x front brackets installed, and am 90% finished with the front suspension. Moving to the back now, got deals for some GMC brackets and springs, along with some 4 inch lift blocks in the works! Attached Images

07-10-2009, 05:40 PM	#2
70 beast Certified Hobbiest Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Sacramento, Ca Posts: 384	Re: Gene's shorty 4x4 conversion are you using 52's in the front or stock length springs?

07-10-2009, 05:51 PM	#3
Gene Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Muskogee, Oklahoma Posts: 2,914	Re: Gene's shorty 4x4 conversion 52's although I havent installed all 5 leafs, because of my limited u-bolt length. Last edited by Gene; 07-10-2009 at 05:51 PM. Reason: mis-spellang

07-23-2009, 08:05 AM	#4
07lbz2500 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: pittsburgh. PA Posts: 13	Re: Gene's shorty 4x4 conversion So you are putting 2wd spring hangers and shackle mounts on the rear of your truck. was your truck originally coil rear? beacuse I am doing a 4wd conversion as well and heard that the frames were the same for leaf and coil trucks and that I could use the hangers off a 2wd leaf truck on mine but I wasnt sure.

07-24-2009, 12:33 AM	#5
71blksuper4x4 SWB 4x4 Collector Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Osage City, KS Posts: 5,156	Re: Gene's shorty 4x4 conversion well, you are on your way to being a shortie 4x4 owner. Keep up the work, it will pay off. Trevor __________________ TREVOR 1970 CST swb 4x4 (speedwarning,cruise,tilt,tach,8track, original red shoulder belts,tow hooks) 1972 Jimmy (soon to be Hickey cloned) 1971 Cheyenne Super 4x4 swb (tilt,tach,buckets, original blue shoulder belts,am/fm,cruise,tow hooks, dealer 8 track) 1972 Cheyenne Super K20 4x4 Custom Camper (tilt, tach, am/fm, tow hooks, bed toolbox, aux gas tank 1972 Cheyenne Super Crew Cab K30 4x4 Duramax, Allison, np205, buckets, tow hooks (CURRENT PROJECT) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=624819 1989 V3500 Crew Cab (454tbi, NV4500, np205) 1970 Chevelle SS (LS5 454,th400,8track,buckets,tach) :2004 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (daily driver) WTB: 1968-70 Cruise Control Lever

08-09-2009, 09:58 PM	#6
Gene Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Muskogee, Oklahoma Posts: 2,914	Re: Gene's shorty 4x4 conversion Well, plans have changed. Found a 4x4 SWB rolling chassis with dana44 front and 12 bolt rear. I will be using this instead of the 2wd converted frame. The PO must have had a flatbed welded to it in the past because of all the crasy welds on the mounts, i've been spending the past couple of weeks out in the 190 degree heat working on this thing!!! Getting ready for blasting and powdercoating. Wish me luck!

09-11-2009, 08:50 PM	#8
Gene Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Muskogee, Oklahoma Posts: 2,914	Re: Gene's shorty 4x4 conversion Well, just got her back from powdercoating. I am very pleased with the results! It's a little dusty but you get the idea. Can't wait to get the lines run and get started installing the suspension so I can get it on the ground. I'm on dial up or i'd put more pictures up Attached Images

09-16-2009, 12:05 AM	#9
1985-GMC Chevy Enthusiast Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Canyon Lake Texas Posts: 2,024	Re: Gene's shorty 4x4 conversion Looks good!!! How much did the sand blasting and powdercoating cost you? __________________ Tony 1985 GMC K2500 restoration Project: Rust, White & Blue 1989 Chevy R3500 CC Cummins & 4X4 swap some day... 1989 Burb (D60, 14BFF, 12V, NV4500, NP205, 37" tires in progress)

09-27-2009, 09:47 PM	#10
Gene Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Muskogee, Oklahoma Posts: 2,914	Re: Gene's shorty 4x4 conversion It was really reasonable, compared with sandblasting/painting. I have 400 bucks in the sandblasting/powdercoating. I am very pleased that I went in this direction. I just finished installing all new brake and fuel lines I got from inlinetube.com.

09-27-2009, 09:57 PM	#11
Gene Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Muskogee, Oklahoma Posts: 2,914	Re: Gene's shorty 4x4 conversion Here's a few with the new lines ran. Attached Images

09-28-2009, 10:26 PM	#12
monte0185 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Brighton, TN Posts: 1,267	Re: Gene's shorty 4x4 conversion Can you post a couple of pics of the rear section of the frame by the spring mounts? Im curious about how short the frame is for the bumper on a real SWB frame. I was considering cutting down a LWB frame. __________________ A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing. Duct tape is like the force. It has a light side, a dark side, and it holds the world together.

09-29-2009, 04:37 PM	#13
Gene Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Muskogee, Oklahoma Posts: 2,914	Re: Gene's shorty 4x4 conversion Here you go, do you need a measurement from the bracket to the end of the frame? Attached Images

09-29-2009, 04:49 PM	#14
monte0185 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Brighton, TN Posts: 1,267	Re: Gene's shorty 4x4 conversion Cool I appreciate it. Yeah if i could get some measurements that would be great too. Im still pondering weather to just go LWB or Build a SWB out of my 2WD frame or Cut Down a LWB to a SWB. I have all one ton running gear and new springs and everything I just need a decent frame as mine is all jacked up. 2nd Problem is I have a nice Short bed also. If i didnt have the bed I would go LWB in a heartbeat. Oh well decisions decisions. __________________ A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing. Duct tape is like the force. It has a light side, a dark side, and it holds the world together. Last edited by monte0185; 09-29-2009 at 04:49 PM.

09-29-2009, 05:21 PM	#15
Gene Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Muskogee, Oklahoma Posts: 2,914	Re: Gene's shorty 4x4 conversion Looks like 4 inches 7/16th. Lemme know if you need any more measurements.

10-10-2009, 11:53 AM	#16
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: Gene's shorty 4x4 conversion love the SWB 4x4's... monte0185, There are multiple threads on cutting down frames, I know they take 8" and 12" out, but not sure which is middle and which is rear. Be sure that your welding is up to snuff if you go that route. I need to get back to work on mine.. this weekend is garage cleaning.. __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer"



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10-10-2009, 07:30 PM	#17
Gene Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Muskogee, Oklahoma Posts: 2,914	Re: Gene's shorty 4x4 conversion 12 under the cab and 8 off the back

10-10-2009, 07:32 PM	#18
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: Gene's shorty 4x4 conversion how did the inline tube work out? mine are still in a box __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer"

10-10-2009, 07:39 PM	#19
monte0185 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Brighton, TN Posts: 1,267	Re: Gene's shorty 4x4 conversion I have read every thread I can find but I have not seen any 4 wheel drive ones. I read something on the two wheel drive ones about the leaf spring perch interfears with cutting 8 off the back. Welding isnt really a problem. been welding since i was like 12. Dad was a certified welder and taught me. He also was an underwater welder. That would have been interesting. but anyway. Im gonna find out next weekend for sure when i pickup my long frame. Sorry for hijacking your thread. Looks great. keep up the great work. __________________ A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing. Duct tape is like the force. It has a light side, a dark side, and it holds the world together.

10-11-2009, 08:22 AM	#21
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: Gene's shorty 4x4 conversion you might be able to find someone with that bracket... __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer"

10-11-2009, 01:29 PM	#23
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: Gene's shorty 4x4 conversion you already powdercoated the frame didn't you? If not you could just make this little angle bracket like my 68 has. __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer"

10-11-2009, 03:46 PM	#24
Gene Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Muskogee, Oklahoma Posts: 2,914	Re: Gene's shorty 4x4 conversion Yep, already powdercoated it. I think i'll just extend the line down to the bracket, because i'm lifting it and that way the rubber line will for sure reach the main line.

10-30-2009, 03:22 PM	#25
Gene Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Muskogee, Oklahoma Posts: 2,914	Re: Gene's shorty 4x4 conversion Here's a couple of updated pics of my project. The garage is an absolute mess, I had the truck sitting on sawhorses, but the suspension proved to be more than it could handle so now it's sitting on the floor waiting on my new BF Goodrich 35 inch Mud terrain KM2's. As soon as they arrive I will get to work on trying to locate a body shop near me that specializes in these old trucks! Attached Images

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