Newbie with questions about my 66 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

HSkinner · 08-06-2010, 01:04 PM

Well, here I go again. I recently picked up a 66 long bed 1/2 ton. It's currently set up for a manual trans but the trans was removed. I'm thinking about putting a 700r4 in it. Do I have to change the pedal assembly or just remove the clutch pedal. Also, the front end already has 83 suburban front A arms and disc breaks but the rear is stock. so I have 5 lug up front and 6 lug in the rear. I have a 1/2 ton rear axle out of a mid 80's burb but is there an easiear way to change that axle to a 5 lug and keep the factory housing? Also, I read a really good right up on shortening the bed and frame on these trucks but I can't seem to find it again. Thanks, Heath

HSkinner · 08-06-2010, 10:41 PM

whats a guy gotta do to get some answers.....

forestb · 08-06-2010, 10:57 PM

I don't know about the trans swap but as far as the brakes go if you are ok with 6 lug you could pick up some 6 lug front rotors and not have to deal with it. That is of course if your ok with the stock rear end. Or you could get 5 lug rear axles. I think CPP sells them both.

geezer#99 · 08-06-2010, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HSkinner

whats a guy gotta do to get some answers.....

You gotta be patient!!! Only us old retired guys are around all day.

C10Slim · 08-06-2010, 11:15 PM

Just remove the clutch pedal and linkage. You will also need a new trans crossmember. I just made this swap my self.

HSkinner · 08-07-2010, 12:53 AM

Any info on the frame and bed shortening? Sorry, I'm a little impatient.

**Captainfab** · 08-07-2010, 01:10 AM

You can purchase aftermarket 5 lug conversion axles from, CPP, ECE and Summit racing. Or you can install the mid 80's rear end you have, but it will require cutting and welding to accomodate the trailing arm suspension. Plus that rear end is 1.5" wider (.750" per side)than your original rear end. That may or may not be an issue depending on what tires and wheels you plan to run. You can also convert to 6 lug front discs if you would like to stay with 6 lugs.

You can use an auto trans crossmember from a '66-'87 pickup, 2wd Blazer or Suburban. You will have to remove the original bellhousing crossmember when converting to an automatic transmission. Just remove the clutch pedal.

Sorry but I don't have a link to the thread on shortening a frame and bed. I would imagine that markeb01 will have it saved, an will likely post it. Basically you remover 12" of frame from under the cab, and trim 8" off the back. On the bed you remove 12" just behind the front of the bed, and 8" from behind the wheels. Right at the tailight panel at the rear of the bedside would be best.

HSkinner · 08-07-2010, 01:27 AM

Is there a specific year or 6 lug rotors that I would use for the front if I was to leave the rear axle as it is? Thanks again for all of the help. I've benn putting alot of thought inot this and I think I want to start tomorrow. I don't usually build 2wd trucks. I just finished a square body eighties style chevy crew cab that I shortened to a short bed and put a cummins in. I'm ready to build a poor boys hot rod and it appears this is the site for info. Thanks

skysoldier173rd · 08-07-2010, 07:23 AM

On the bed shortening, the TV show "Trucks" on Spike TV did a 66 bed shortening project on their show last year. They did it all live and quite detailed. Their videos can be had by episode via spike I believe for a nominal fee. A lot better than pictures or written directions.

www.picturetrail.com/skysoldier173rd

**Captainfab** · 08-08-2010, 12:48 AM

This thread will tell you most anything you want to know about converting to front disc brakes......including what factory 6 lug rotors to use.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ght=disc+brake

Quote:

Originally Posted by HSkinner

Is there a specific year or 6 lug rotors that I would use for the front if I was to leave the rear axle as it is? Thanks again for all of the help. I've benn putting alot of thought inot this and I think I want to start tomorrow. I don't usually build 2wd trucks. I just finished a square body eighties style chevy crew cab that I shortened to a short bed and put a cummins in. I'm ready to build a poor boys hot rod and it appears this is the site for info. Thanks

HSkinner · 08-09-2010, 12:58 AM

I wish I could find that link to the classic truck site where they shortened a 64. Anyway, any recomendations on the most cost effective way to lay frame with a 64 swb. It just so happens that I live about 2.5 hours from porterbuilt street rods. I new nate porter long before he became the "go to" suspension guy that he is now. I would rather not spend that kind of money if possible but I may go to his shop and get a look see...

chevy_mike · 08-09-2010, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HSkinner

I wish I could find that link to the classic truck site where they shortened a 64.

Here you go...

http://www.classictrucks.com/tech/cl...uck/index.html

HSkinner · 08-09-2010, 02:10 PM

Thats the one, Thanks

08-06-2010, 01:04 PM	#1
HSkinner Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Snowflake Az. Posts: 86	Newbie with questions about my 66 Well, here I go again. I recently picked up a 66 long bed 1/2 ton. It's currently set up for a manual trans but the trans was removed. I'm thinking about putting a 700r4 in it. Do I have to change the pedal assembly or just remove the clutch pedal. Also, the front end already has 83 suburban front A arms and disc breaks but the rear is stock. so I have 5 lug up front and 6 lug in the rear. I have a 1/2 ton rear axle out of a mid 80's burb but is there an easiear way to change that axle to a 5 lug and keep the factory housing? Also, I read a really good right up on shortening the bed and frame on these trucks but I can't seem to find it again. Thanks, Heath

08-06-2010, 10:41 PM	#2
HSkinner Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Snowflake Az. Posts: 86	Re: Newbie with questions about my 66 whats a guy gotta do to get some answers.....

08-06-2010, 10:57 PM	#3
forestb Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Burbank, CA Posts: 3,619	Re: Newbie with questions about my 66 I don't know about the trans swap but as far as the brakes go if you are ok with 6 lug you could pick up some 6 lug front rotors and not have to deal with it. That is of course if your ok with the stock rear end. Or you could get 5 lug rear axles. I think CPP sells them both.

08-06-2010, 11:15 PM	#5
C10Slim Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Needville, TX Posts: 283	Re: Newbie with questions about my 66 Just remove the clutch pedal and linkage. You will also need a new trans crossmember. I just made this swap my self.

08-07-2010, 12:53 AM	#6
HSkinner Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Snowflake Az. Posts: 86	Re: Newbie with questions about my 66 Any info on the frame and bed shortening? Sorry, I'm a little impatient.

08-07-2010, 01:10 AM	#7
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,252	Re: Newbie with questions about my 66 You can purchase aftermarket 5 lug conversion axles from, CPP, ECE and Summit racing. Or you can install the mid 80's rear end you have, but it will require cutting and welding to accomodate the trailing arm suspension. Plus that rear end is 1.5" wider (.750" per side)than your original rear end. That may or may not be an issue depending on what tires and wheels you plan to run. You can also convert to 6 lug front discs if you would like to stay with 6 lugs. You can use an auto trans crossmember from a '66-'87 pickup, 2wd Blazer or Suburban. You will have to remove the original bellhousing crossmember when converting to an automatic transmission. Just remove the clutch pedal. Sorry but I don't have a link to the thread on shortening a frame and bed. I would imagine that markeb01 will have it saved, an will likely post it. Basically you remover 12" of frame from under the cab, and trim 8" off the back. On the bed you remove 12" just behind the front of the bed, and 8" from behind the wheels. Right at the tailight panel at the rear of the bedside would be best. __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE Last edited by Captainfab; 08-07-2010 at 01:12 AM.

08-07-2010, 01:27 AM	#8
HSkinner Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Snowflake Az. Posts: 86	Re: Newbie with questions about my 66 Is there a specific year or 6 lug rotors that I would use for the front if I was to leave the rear axle as it is? Thanks again for all of the help. I've benn putting alot of thought inot this and I think I want to start tomorrow. I don't usually build 2wd trucks. I just finished a square body eighties style chevy crew cab that I shortened to a short bed and put a cummins in. I'm ready to build a poor boys hot rod and it appears this is the site for info. Thanks

08-07-2010, 07:23 AM	#9
skysoldier173rd Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: jackson, michigan Posts: 246	Re: Newbie with questions about my 66 On the bed shortening, the TV show "Trucks" on Spike TV did a 66 bed shortening project on their show last year. They did it all live and quite detailed. Their videos can be had by episode via spike I believe for a nominal fee. A lot better than pictures or written directions. www.picturetrail.com/skysoldier173rd Last edited by skysoldier173rd; 08-07-2010 at 07:25 AM.

08-09-2010, 12:58 AM	#11
HSkinner Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Snowflake Az. Posts: 86	Re: Newbie with questions about my 66 I wish I could find that link to the classic truck site where they shortened a 64. Anyway, any recomendations on the most cost effective way to lay frame with a 64 swb. It just so happens that I live about 2.5 hours from porterbuilt street rods. I new nate porter long before he became the "go to" suspension guy that he is now. I would rather not spend that kind of money if possible but I may go to his shop and get a look see...

08-09-2010, 02:10 PM	#13
HSkinner Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Snowflake Az. Posts: 86	Re: Newbie with questions about my 66 Thats the one, Thanks



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