58 GMC 150 4x4 Conversion

[dyno]

My son and I just found a decent truck for our project, an all original '58 GMC 150 for 500 bucks. As mentioned in a previous post, we are planning a 4x4 conversion with newer Chevy 3/4 ton running gear. Will be doing SM465/NP205 combo, staying with the stock 326 Pontiac which still runs strong. Will be using stock frame as well.

A couple of questions to start with:

1. Springs: It seems the easiest route to go is with stock springs and have them re-arced. Has anyone bolted up later model leafs? Looks like quite a bit of work installing the newer (wider) spring brackets on stock frame.

2. Axles: There are a bunch of Chevy 3/4 ton rigs being parted out here. We are shooting for 3:73 ratio. I have read on other threads that some guys prefer 1/2 ton Dana 44 front axle with flat top for a high steering arm. Which brings me to the next question...

3. Power steering: I'm a bit spun out looking at info on power steering conversions. I've seen complete bolt up kits for 800 bucks and up that replace the inboard ps box with a power unit. I've seen guys like OrrieG bolt a Chevy truck box to an adapter plate outside the frame. Any advice here?

Thanks for your help.

[1959 Apache 3600]

Congratulations on the new truck! Would love to see pictures of it. Looking forward to see how things progress with your build.
By the way... love your signature line... "Built not Bought"

[OrrieG]

Look at my build thread, 74 K10 axles on stock springs. K20 or even K20 axles should bolt up too, don't know about the difference in width. There are much better steering solutions now including late model GM or Toyota PS boxes that mount in the original frame location. I'm too far into mine to start changing things or I will never get it on the road. 205 is a better choice for tranny, I did not know different in 85 when I did my first conversion, I have a 203 with DNE shaft part time conversion. My axle ratios are 3.73, pretty common for those years.

[dyno]

Thanks for the reply, I did read your build post. Glad you put all that info out there!

Will the 205 bolt up to the stock Spicer tranny?

If I went with a SM465, would it bolt up to the stock Pontiac 326 bellhousing?

[OrrieG]

Don't know but think it should. I swapped out the stock 3 speed for a granny 4 speed behind my 235 without any problem. Go to the 4x4 board on this site, they will. I think the 205's have different spline input shafts depending on the year. I think all the transmission have the same input shaft, and assume the the GMC would have the right bellhousing.

[dyno]

Here's the '58 and my 13 year old son, ready to go on his first project truck.

[OrrieG]

Take care with the parking lenses, they are like gold. On American Pickers last week there was rough TF gmc in the back ground but the front chrome was mint and the lenses intact. I was screaming at Mike to turn around....

[dyno]

Originally Posted by OrrieG

Take care with the parking lenses, they are like gold. On American Pickers last week there was rough TF gmc in the back ground but the front chrome was mint and the lenses intact. I was screaming at Mike to turn around....

They are like gold! I just spent the last 2 hrs trying to find a replacement for the broken parking lens on the driver's side. Nothing. We might have to fab some stainless steel bezels and put clear bullets in them.

[bajabob]

Nice truck. Love the ol skool 4x4's.....