72 4x2 to 4x4???

[red wasp]

I just bought a 3/4 ton 72 2wd and am wanting to make it 4wd...my question this. I have a 1980 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4 and was wondering if the front leafs, axle, trany and transfercase would just swap over to the 72??? I was wondering if anyone else had done something like this befor and might have some advise on problems or cross over information. I was planning on using the original 350 in the 72 and just swapping over the rest of the running gear minus the rear axle from the 80, I know im crossing two different body styles but it seems to me that the running gear should match up...any input would help a lot

Thanks

[dwaite72lnghrn]

I think the 80's spring perches have wider centers than the 72 front frame. Also most '72 were not leaf rear suspensions so that would be a big issue as 4x4 conversion. I think the 80's had a longer wheelbase than the 67-72 series.

[LONGHAIR]

"Conversion" can be done, but IMHO it does not make sense to do to a vehicle that was already available as a 4 wheel drive....start with a 4x4 truck or at least chassis.
If you are really set upon doing this, swapping the body of the '72 onto the chassis of the '80 is a far better way to go about it.

[red wasp]

Originally Posted by LONGHAIR

"Conversion" can be done, but IMHO it does not make sense to do to a vehicle that was already available as a 4 wheel drive....start with a 4x4 truck or at least chassis.
If you are really set upon doing this, swapping the body of the '72 onto the chassis of the '80 is a far better way to go about it.

Yes actually I was giving it some thought today and that is what I decided to do...I think that this will work out much cleaner with less need for modifications.

Thanks for the input

[msgross]

Originally Posted by dwaite72lnghrn

I think the 80's spring perches have wider centers than the 72 front frame. Also most '72 were not leaf rear suspensions so that would be a big issue as 4x4 conversion. I think the 80's had a longer wheelbase than the 67-72 series.

nope, 80 will have the same spring width on the front axle, about 31.5" or so I think... I have an 82 axle on my 68...

diy4x.com has all the parts you need but it won't be easy... A body swap onto a 72 4x4 frame would be eaiser, but that's a given... Plenty of frames for sale out there...

[drunkbus]

I have all the 4x4 frame brackets posted in the for sale section if you do go that route.

Here they are:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=395689

[skoffice]

Gotta also build an engine cross member. I doubt the one frome the 80's will work? Or get lucky and find someone selling the 4x4 one. If you're gonna do this then all that bracketry looks like the right way to go

[drunkbus]

Originally Posted by skoffice

Gotta also build an engine cross member. I doubt the one frome the 80's will work? Or get lucky and find someone selling the 4x4 one. If you're gonna do this then all that bracketry looks like the right way to go

I have the engine crossmember also.

[red wasp]

I think im just going to take the 72 cab and bed and put it on the 80 frame, would be much easier!!! Doing this I am asuming that the four speed that is in the 72 will bolt up to the transfer case in the 80??? any ideas??

[msgross]

It probably won't... the tranny and transfer cases usually have a specific adapter between them. I would modify the 72 frame since everything can bolt on... does it have rear coils or leafs?

[red wasp]

Originally Posted by msgross

It probably won't... the tranny and transfer cases usually have a specific adapter between them. I would modify the 72 frame since everything can bolt on... does it have rear coils or leafs?

Leafs

[drunkbus]

It would be way easier with the brackets I have. Especially since it already has rear leaves.

[drunkbus]

Here's what you would need for the front along with the engine crossmember pictured above.

[msgross]

that would be easier then...

[drunkbus]

Originally Posted by msgross

that would be easier then...

Easier than fabricating new body mounts and swapping everything over to a 1980 frame. If he plans on running a lift he could even use his 2wd steering box and run crossover steering or just swap out the box with the one off of the 1980. Just my opinion but bolting up a few brackets seems easier than moving a cab, bed, and front clip then trying to make it all fit on something it doesn't belong on.

[red wasp]

Originally Posted by drunkbus

Easier than fabricating new body mounts and swapping everything over to a 1980 frame. If he plans on running a lift he could even use his 2wd steering box and run crossover steering or just swap out the box with the one off of the 1980. Just my opinion but bolting up a few brackets seems easier than moving a cab, bed, and front clip then trying to make it all fit on something it doesn't belong on.

Now it seems like my only dilema lies with the transfer case, If I change brackets on the 72 to make it accept the leafs and a straight axle I need to know what kind of transfer case to be looking for that would work with the factory four speed. Also does anyone know if the front leaf springs are the same length on the 80 as they are on the 72??

[red wasp]

Originally Posted by drunkbus

Easier than fabricating new body mounts and swapping everything over to a 1980 frame. If he plans on running a lift he could even use his 2wd steering box and run crossover steering or just swap out the box with the one off of the 1980. Just my opinion but bolting up a few brackets seems easier than moving a cab, bed, and front clip then trying to make it all fit on something it doesn't belong on.

PM sent on the brackets

[skoffice]

You would have to smog the 80! Dont do that! Lol smog = The Devil. That means no fun engines allowed

[msgross]

not sure if the springs are the same length. I would roll the axle (with springs attached) under the front, center the wheel in the wheel well, and check for shackle and spring mount location... There might be an area on your frame that helps to place the rear shackle mount.