49 Chevy on a 2000 ZR2 low buck build - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

49ZR2 · 11-16-2009, 07:18 PM

It was suggested that I start a thread on my build. I'm not sure many are interested, so if you want more let me know.

My build started out in life as a 1/2 ton, worked hard enough to enjoy a 14 year retirement in an old navy store. Now it's making a comeback as a 3/4 ton, NAPCO looking truck sitting on a 2000 ZR2 frame and drive trane.
I didn't set out to build a 4x4 but got lucky and came across a ZR2 that had been rolled over. It belonged to the owner of a scrap yard and had been sitting inside without a body since he got it in 2001 with 18,000 miles on it. He was liquidating the place and after hearing about about it at 11:00am one morning I owned it when the auction ended at 5:00pm. Here's what it looked like when I first saw it June 08. Just try and get the stock radiator to fit under those fenders! So much for my low cost build. Did I mention this is my first build. So much to learn,, so little time.

OrrieG · 11-16-2009, 07:51 PM

this is going to be interesting, can't wait to see how it progresses. Welcome

entourageguy · 11-16-2009, 09:09 PM

more please.............

49ZR2 · 11-16-2009, 09:46 PM

Within a couple of days of bringing the ZR2 home I started to realize that besides all the mechanical fitting challenges ahead of me fitting these two trucks into one, I hadn't given much thought to the wiring issues of a vortec. I quickly decided that I needed a complete cab harness (wrong) and quickly went back to the yard and bought half a truck cheep before he closed. I was told that the wiring was the same on a 2001 S10 4x4 as the 2000 ZR2, no problem (wrong again) and so I stripped the cab of its harness. After trying to mate them together I realized I had gotten poor information.
The extra half a truck showing up out back didn't get by the wife or neighbors either.

After trying to hookup the harness the challenges became soooooo obvious. And only a few extra wires.

I just kept reminding myself how much fun I was having.

Atomsplitter · 11-19-2009, 10:41 PM

Hey 49ZR2, What is the width of the rear end from that Blazer. I know a guy near me that bought 4 brand new rear ends from the ZR2 and I need to know how wide they are to see if it will fit on my original frame. Is your 4 wheel disc, 3:42 Posi?
Thanks

53GMC · 11-19-2009, 11:06 PM

MORE MORE MORE!!!!!!!!!!!

49ZR2 · 11-19-2009, 11:37 PM

Atomsplitter, I think the width of the rear end is 63". I have noticed that the wheels have quite an offset. I will have to add a 1 1/4" wheel spacers on the rear end so the wheels will clear the box sides. So they start to get close but I like the look. The pic below is without the spacers yet.

BlueJeep · 11-20-2009, 03:42 PM

ZR2 rear axle is pretty close to 63" wide. I used a regular 4wd rear axle in mine (60"), with stock 2wd s10 wheels (less backspacing than 4wd wheels) and I still need 1" spacers for the tires to clear the inner fenders. I think the ZR2 axle would be perfect for someone who doesn't want to tub the bed.

53GMC · 11-20-2009, 04:36 PM

got any pics of where you mounted your cab mounts? thanks

49ZR2 · 11-22-2009, 11:46 PM

53GMC, I'll get some for you over the holiday weekend. I know they are modeled after some I found on this forum. I hope that's soon enough.

BlueJeep, I think I'm going to try and shorten the box and running boards as you suggested. It looks like mine could go forward about 3". I'll take more specific measurements and cut it down next weekend.

BlueJeep · 11-23-2009, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 49ZR2

BlueJeep, I think I'm going to try and shorten the box and running boards as you suggested. It looks like mine could go forward about 3". I'll take more specific measurements and cut it down next weekend.

That makes sense. Your tire size (and technically cab placement) will dictate what will look the best on your truck. With the 31's, I'd expect you'd cut more than I did with my 235/75R15's to keep the front edge of the tire out from inside the front of the rear fender.

One thing to maybe consider is that the rear mount on the running board where the bracket goes to the frame won't work in "stock" location...that would send it straight into the leaf spring mounting bolt. If you remove that bracket from the running board, you could move it forward a little more and make mounting of the running boards a little easier. I haven't done that yet on mine, I only have the front 2 brackets for each board done so far.

53GMC · 11-23-2009, 01:28 PM

That sounds good 49ZR2....im lookin for where they are placed and what side and a few other things...but any and all pics will be greatly appreciated! Thanks again!

49ZR2 · 11-27-2009, 08:33 PM

53GMC
I went back through my notes and found a drawing of the mounts I used. There made out of 3" tube cut on a diagonal. As you can see in the images of the actual mounts I have them bolted on until everything is lined up. Then I will weld them in place. I will also add a short support on top of the rail. The mounts are based on drawings I think I found on this forum by Jeff51. They are however a different size. I used the stock ZR2 rubber mounts on top of them. For the back of the cab I simply used the stock mounts and through bolted them for now.

63 & 64 Bowties · 11-27-2009, 09:08 PM

So, what about the wiring harness?
"stay focused, forget the rear end, what about the wiring??"

49ZR2 · 11-28-2009, 09:56 AM

Bill, yesterday was thanksgiving and thanks to you and other vets like you I was able to enjoy another day with most of my kids and grandkids. Thanks for all that you vets do and have done!

"Focus" -- I started out trying to reuse the entire wiring harness from the trucks. After all they had these neat little snap together plugs, who could resist. After about a year of calling and emailing --- everyone I spoke to just wanted to sell me a new complete wiring harness. While I didn't think I needed a $1500 harness. Finally I stumbled on Larrys Electric http://www.larryselectricsite.com/index.html
Larry was the first guy that took the time to listen to what I was trying to do and then try to give me some options. I decided to send Larry my motor and transmission harness and PCM. He reworked the harness ($400 I think) and re-flashed the PCM $100. I will buy or build a harness for the cab and lights. The harness worked fine right out of the box.

49ZR2 · 11-29-2009, 08:25 PM

Shortened the box this weekend

Bluejeep pm'd me with some pictures of how he shortened his box and running boards to match his wheel base. What an inspiration he was......where was he while I was trying to do it? Just kidding it was as easy as he said it was for someone who knew how to weld. I didn't so I did some research online and got started. After drilling out the welds I cut the box down 3", cleaned up the stake support brackets and welded them back on. It took most of Friday and Saturday but I'm stoked. I think it looks great! What are your thoughts? Below are the before and after.

BlueJeep · 11-29-2009, 09:38 PM

Looks much better, good job!

49ZR2 · 12-21-2009, 09:46 PM

I decided to leave my motor in it's stock location. It's a little tight upfront but I thought it was a little easier and less expensive than making new motor mounts, moving the trans mount, and making new drive shafts.

nickp51chevy · 12-21-2009, 11:56 PM

49ZR2, I'm glad to see that you have a build thread. I have some questions for you now. I've read in a couple different forums that the 4x4 frame with these body styles are a bit difficult to use. Did you have any problems with mounting your body? How high are you off the frame? It looks to me about 4". Last, are you driving it around yet? It looks like you could be.

Nice work on your build. Post a lot more pictures of you truck it looks awesome!

49ZR2 · 12-22-2009, 03:26 PM

Nick, your right it sits about 4" off the frame in the front and 3.75" in the back. Thanks for the kind words

I did have some challenges alligning the front clip but it didn't have anything to do with the 4x4 frame. It was because it had been disassembled and in pieces. I really haven't found the frame to have caused me any real challenges. In fact sometimes after reading some of the other posts on this site mine build seems to have been pretty easy.

Driving has been limited to the neighbors for a beer or two.

I still have to mount the box and running boards, install a wiring harness and gauges, then disassemble everything and weld all the brackets in place. Then I can reassemble and take it for the big test ride - this spring I hope.

53GMC · 12-22-2009, 10:52 PM

Nick -
49ZR2 is right about the 4x4 frame not actually being that difficult. I used a 1996 V6 Vortec 4x4 S10 and it did not pose any major problems for me - in fact, the height that i was able to set my on the 4x4 frame actually made the clearance for many things a little easier in my opinion....

49ZR2 -
i left my motor in the stock location also...because we both have a 4x4 suspension and frame (although yours sits a little higher because its a ZR2) i think our projects are startin to look a lot identical!

you are doing an awesome job...every picture you take really helps me out so keep em coming!!

53GMC

49ZR2 · 12-26-2009, 05:20 PM

Hood Adjustment Blues - I've been surfing the site today while recovering from Christmas and noticed a post by snoopy0775 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...77#post3693777 In the post there are some pics from Richard H and Solidaxle that make my hood alingment look like crap. I probably will have to go back and play with the cab tilt again. My front clip came in pieces so I never saw it properly assembled. If any of you have hood alingment pics and advise please post them.

Ben IV · 12-26-2009, 06:58 PM

truck is looking good, so how did you get ahold of it? every time I see one of these trucks sitting somwhere as a prop I think its such a waste.

53GMC · 12-26-2009, 10:54 PM

I will work on gettin you some pics 49ZR2.....i had mine all mocked up and had some motor fabbing to do so the moment i get it all back on i will post pics to this thread...ill try to hurry haha

49ZR2 · 12-26-2009, 11:11 PM

Thanks 53GMC, i'll watch for them. I thought I was really close until I saw what some of the other guys were able to do. So now before I start welding the mounts in place I should try adjusting the fit one more time. I think it's probably down to adjusting the cab front up or rear down 1/4" or so. Any close up pics of how the hood fits into the fenders is appreciated.

11-16-2009, 07:18 PM	#1
49ZR2 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Posts: 85	49 Chevy on a 2000 ZR2 low buck build It was suggested that I start a thread on my build. I'm not sure many are interested, so if you want more let me know. My build started out in life as a 1/2 ton, worked hard enough to enjoy a 14 year retirement in an old navy store. Now it's making a comeback as a 3/4 ton, NAPCO looking truck sitting on a 2000 ZR2 frame and drive trane. I didn't set out to build a 4x4 but got lucky and came across a ZR2 that had been rolled over. It belonged to the owner of a scrap yard and had been sitting inside without a body since he got it in 2001 with 18,000 miles on it. He was liquidating the place and after hearing about about it at 11:00am one morning I owned it when the auction ended at 5:00pm. Here's what it looked like when I first saw it June 08. Just try and get the stock radiator to fit under those fenders! So much for my low cost build. Did I mention this is my first build. So much to learn,, so little time. Attached Images

11-16-2009, 07:51 PM	#2
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: 49 Chevy on a 2000 ZR2 low buck build this is going to be interesting, can't wait to see how it progresses. Welcome __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project

11-16-2009, 09:09 PM	#3
entourageguy Yellow truck club Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Barrie Ontario Posts: 2,080	Re: 49 Chevy on a 2000 ZR2 low buck build more please............. __________________ ................................................................ Brian ...... My hub garage address http://www.hubgarage.com/mygarage/59apache I gue$$ everything has it'$ price ALL GONE NOW *59 Chev Apache* *PRAISE THE LOWERED* 350 700r lokar shifter power MII front end, shockwaves tilt, 4 wheel discs 4-link and bags 10 bolt limited

11-16-2009, 09:46 PM	#4
49ZR2 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Posts: 85	Re: 49 Chevy on a 2000 ZR2 low buck build Within a couple of days of bringing the ZR2 home I started to realize that besides all the mechanical fitting challenges ahead of me fitting these two trucks into one, I hadn't given much thought to the wiring issues of a vortec. I quickly decided that I needed a complete cab harness (wrong) and quickly went back to the yard and bought half a truck cheep before he closed. I was told that the wiring was the same on a 2001 S10 4x4 as the 2000 ZR2, no problem (wrong again) and so I stripped the cab of its harness. After trying to mate them together I realized I had gotten poor information. The extra half a truck showing up out back didn't get by the wife or neighbors either. After trying to hookup the harness the challenges became soooooo obvious. And only a few extra wires. I just kept reminding myself how much fun I was having. Attached Images

11-19-2009, 10:41 PM	#5
Atomsplitter Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Ontario Posts: 514	Re: 49 Chevy on a 2000 ZR2 low buck build Hey 49ZR2, What is the width of the rear end from that Blazer. I know a guy near me that bought 4 brand new rear ends from the ZR2 and I need to know how wide they are to see if it will fit on my original frame. Is your 4 wheel disc, 3:42 Posi? Thanks

11-19-2009, 11:06 PM	#6
53GMC Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Washington, GA Posts: 319	Re: 49 Chevy on a 2000 ZR2 low buck build MORE MORE MORE!!!!!!!!!!!

11-19-2009, 11:37 PM	#7
49ZR2 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Posts: 85	Re: 49 Chevy on a 2000 ZR2 low buck build Atomsplitter, I think the width of the rear end is 63". I have noticed that the wheels have quite an offset. I will have to add a 1 1/4" wheel spacers on the rear end so the wheels will clear the box sides. So they start to get close but I like the look. The pic below is without the spacers yet. Attached Images

11-20-2009, 03:42 PM	#8
BlueJeep Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Waukee, Iowa Posts: 1,608	Re: 49 Chevy on a 2000 ZR2 low buck build ZR2 rear axle is pretty close to 63" wide. I used a regular 4wd rear axle in mine (60"), with stock 2wd s10 wheels (less backspacing than 4wd wheels) and I still need 1" spacers for the tires to clear the inner fenders. I think the ZR2 axle would be perfect for someone who doesn't want to tub the bed. __________________ build threads: 86 Suburban 88 Jeep 6.0 swap 49 Chevy truck 54 Chevy wagon 86 Suburban lowered 4/6 54 Chevy wagon 49 Chevy/s10 mix 88 Jeep Wrangler rockcrawler

11-20-2009, 04:36 PM	#9
53GMC Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Washington, GA Posts: 319	Re: 49 Chevy on a 2000 ZR2 low buck build got any pics of where you mounted your cab mounts? thanks

11-22-2009, 11:46 PM	#10
49ZR2 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Posts: 85	Re: 49 Chevy on a 2000 ZR2 low buck build 53GMC, I'll get some for you over the holiday weekend. I know they are modeled after some I found on this forum. I hope that's soon enough. BlueJeep, I think I'm going to try and shorten the box and running boards as you suggested. It looks like mine could go forward about 3". I'll take more specific measurements and cut it down next weekend.

11-23-2009, 01:28 PM	#12
53GMC Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Washington, GA Posts: 319	Re: 49 Chevy on a 2000 ZR2 low buck build That sounds good 49ZR2....im lookin for where they are placed and what side and a few other things...but any and all pics will be greatly appreciated! Thanks again!

11-27-2009, 08:33 PM	#13
49ZR2 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Posts: 85	Re: 49 Chevy on a 2000 ZR2 low buck build 53GMC I went back through my notes and found a drawing of the mounts I used. There made out of 3" tube cut on a diagonal. As you can see in the images of the actual mounts I have them bolted on until everything is lined up. Then I will weld them in place. I will also add a short support on top of the rail. The mounts are based on drawings I think I found on this forum by Jeff51. They are however a different size. I used the stock ZR2 rubber mounts on top of them. For the back of the cab I simply used the stock mounts and through bolted them for now. Attached Images

11-27-2009, 09:08 PM	#14
63 & 64 Bowties and a few others Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Blue Ridge Mountains of VA Posts: 5,638	Re: 49 Chevy on a 2000 ZR2 low buck build So, what about the wiring harness? "stay focused, forget the rear end, what about the wiring??" __________________ Bill US Army Vet -193rd Infantry BlueRidgeMuscleCars.com “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated” Gandhi

11-28-2009, 09:56 AM	#15
49ZR2 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Posts: 85	Re: 49 Chevy on a 2000 ZR2 low buck build Bill, yesterday was thanksgiving and thanks to you and other vets like you I was able to enjoy another day with most of my kids and grandkids. Thanks for all that you vets do and have done! "Focus" -- I started out trying to reuse the entire wiring harness from the trucks. After all they had these neat little snap together plugs, who could resist. After about a year of calling and emailing --- everyone I spoke to just wanted to sell me a new complete wiring harness. While I didn't think I needed a $1500 harness. Finally I stumbled on Larrys Electric http://www.larryselectricsite.com/index.html Larry was the first guy that took the time to listen to what I was trying to do and then try to give me some options. I decided to send Larry my motor and transmission harness and PCM. He reworked the harness ($400 I think) and re-flashed the PCM $100. I will buy or build a harness for the cab and lights. The harness worked fine right out of the box.

11-29-2009, 08:25 PM	#16
49ZR2 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Posts: 85	Re: 49 Chevy on a 2000 ZR2 low buck build Shortened the box this weekend Bluejeep pm'd me with some pictures of how he shortened his box and running boards to match his wheel base. What an inspiration he was......where was he while I was trying to do it? Just kidding it was as easy as he said it was for someone who knew how to weld. I didn't so I did some research online and got started. After drilling out the welds I cut the box down 3", cleaned up the stake support brackets and welded them back on. It took most of Friday and Saturday but I'm stoked. I think it looks great! What are your thoughts? Below are the before and after. Attached Images __________________ My build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=372267 49 4x4 build 51 Willys frame off beer getter.



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11-29-2009, 09:38 PM	#17
BlueJeep Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Waukee, Iowa Posts: 1,608	Re: 49 Chevy on a 2000 ZR2 low buck build Looks much better, good job! __________________ build threads: 86 Suburban 88 Jeep 6.0 swap 49 Chevy truck 54 Chevy wagon 86 Suburban lowered 4/6 54 Chevy wagon 49 Chevy/s10 mix 88 Jeep Wrangler rockcrawler Last edited by BlueJeep; 11-29-2009 at 11:23 PM.

12-21-2009, 09:46 PM	#18
49ZR2 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Posts: 85	Re: 49 Chevy on a 2000 ZR2 low buck build I decided to leave my motor in it's stock location. It's a little tight upfront but I thought it was a little easier and less expensive than making new motor mounts, moving the trans mount, and making new drive shafts. Attached Images __________________ My build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=372267 49 4x4 build 51 Willys frame off beer getter.

12-21-2009, 11:56 PM	#19
nickp51chevy Registered Chevy Owner Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Snohomish, wa Posts: 1,557	Re: 49 Chevy on a 2000 ZR2 low buck build 49ZR2, I'm glad to see that you have a build thread. I have some questions for you now. I've read in a couple different forums that the 4x4 frame with these body styles are a bit difficult to use. Did you have any problems with mounting your body? How high are you off the frame? It looks to me about 4". Last, are you driving it around yet? It looks like you could be. Nice work on your build. Post a lot more pictures of you truck it looks awesome! __________________ Love is fleeting, but Chevy trucks are forever!!!! 1970 Chevy CST C10 long box 350/400 2008 Chevy Silverado short box 4x4 Had; 1951 Chevy short box 307/T5 1988 Chevy shot box 4x4 350/350 1971 Chevy C10 long box 4x4 350/350 1971 Chevy C20 long box 350/350 1971 Chevy C10 long box 350/350

12-22-2009, 03:26 PM	#20
49ZR2 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Posts: 85	Re: 49 Chevy on a 2000 ZR2 low buck build Nick, your right it sits about 4" off the frame in the front and 3.75" in the back. Thanks for the kind words I did have some challenges alligning the front clip but it didn't have anything to do with the 4x4 frame. It was because it had been disassembled and in pieces. I really haven't found the frame to have caused me any real challenges. In fact sometimes after reading some of the other posts on this site mine build seems to have been pretty easy. Driving has been limited to the neighbors for a beer or two. I still have to mount the box and running boards, install a wiring harness and gauges, then disassemble everything and weld all the brackets in place. Then I can reassemble and take it for the big test ride - this spring I hope. __________________ My build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=372267 49 4x4 build 51 Willys frame off beer getter.

12-22-2009, 10:52 PM	#21
53GMC Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Washington, GA Posts: 319	Re: 49 Chevy on a 2000 ZR2 low buck build Nick - 49ZR2 is right about the 4x4 frame not actually being that difficult. I used a 1996 V6 Vortec 4x4 S10 and it did not pose any major problems for me - in fact, the height that i was able to set my on the 4x4 frame actually made the clearance for many things a little easier in my opinion.... 49ZR2 - i left my motor in the stock location also...because we both have a 4x4 suspension and frame (although yours sits a little higher because its a ZR2) i think our projects are startin to look a lot identical! you are doing an awesome job...every picture you take really helps me out so keep em coming!! 53GMC

12-26-2009, 05:20 PM	#22
49ZR2 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Posts: 85	Re: 49 Chevy on a 2000 ZR2 low buck build Hood Adjustment Blues - I've been surfing the site today while recovering from Christmas and noticed a post by snoopy0775 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...77#post3693777 In the post there are some pics from Richard H and Solidaxle that make my hood alingment look like crap. I probably will have to go back and play with the cab tilt again. My front clip came in pieces so I never saw it properly assembled. If any of you have hood alingment pics and advise please post them. __________________ My build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=372267 49 4x4 build 51 Willys frame off beer getter.

12-26-2009, 06:58 PM	#23
Ben IV Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Glenpool OK Posts: 255	Re: 49 Chevy on a 2000 ZR2 low buck build truck is looking good, so how did you get ahold of it? every time I see one of these trucks sitting somwhere as a prop I think its such a waste. __________________ 70 GMC custom short bed conversion 69 GMC panel truck

12-26-2009, 10:54 PM	#24
53GMC Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Washington, GA Posts: 319	Re: 49 Chevy on a 2000 ZR2 low buck build I will work on gettin you some pics 49ZR2.....i had mine all mocked up and had some motor fabbing to do so the moment i get it all back on i will post pics to this thread...ill try to hurry haha

12-26-2009, 11:11 PM	#25
49ZR2 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Posts: 85	Re: 49 Chevy on a 2000 ZR2 low buck build Thanks 53GMC, i'll watch for them. I thought I was really close until I saw what some of the other guys were able to do. So now before I start welding the mounts in place I should try adjusting the fit one more time. I think it's probably down to adjusting the cab front up or rear down 1/4" or so. Any close up pics of how the hood fits into the fenders is appreciated. __________________ My build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=372267 49 4x4 build 51 Willys frame off beer getter.

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