1962 4x4 1/2 Ton Panel Questions

[1962 Panel]

Hello, new member here. Just picked up a 1962 4x4 panel truck for a project vehicle. It has a beautiful running 1966-1968 327 small block with a four barrel Rochester carburetor and "double hump" heads. The driveline is an SM420, divorced Rockwell 221 transfer case and Dana 44 axles (closed knuckle front). The front fenders, outer floors, floor supports, kick panels, rocker panels and lower front door jamb pieces are pretty much gone but the frame is great and the body is structurally sound including the wood rear floor. Anyway, one question I have is what is involved in doing a open knuckle swap in order to get disk brakes as well as the other advantages of the open knuckle such as strength and turning radius. Another question is whether or not the body panels from a '62 pickup can are the same as the body panels that need to be replaced in the cab area of the panel truck. I'm pretty sure they are but just want to confirm. Lastly, the manual master cylinder is integrated with the clutch cylinder so it doesn't look like a power brake conversion is possible without relocation of the clutch push rod. Any comments on any of these questions would be much appreciated.

[spacedebris]

Welcome


I can confirm the the cab areas are the same as the PU's





WE NEED PIC's!!!!!!!!!!!



You'll find out that we are pic junkies around here

[padresag]

the power brake and clutch setup is possible - see captain fab on here.
http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=362375
ron

[61K10]

chevy or gmc? a panel 4x4 has to be pretty rare i would think

[1962 Panel]

Thank you for the replies, it is a Chevrolet with factory 4x4 and yea I think they are pretty rare. I will post some pictures as soon as I figure out how to.

[MitchFloyd]

Congrats on your project! An original drive train 4x4 whether GMC or Chevy will be less common for sure. It's good to see that there are orig drivetrain 4x4's still out there!
There is a lot of info on here for which ever way you decide to go. Pics! inside / outside all angles, top , bottom.. etc. Doesn't matter how rusty, different paint schemes, or condition. We like 'em.

[1963c-10]

Welcome and congrats on the new project. I'm also interested in some pics. I don't know production #'s for a 62 4x4 burb, but I'd take a good guess at probably less than 1000 for US production.

[RANDY COX]

Wow can't wait to see the pixs of this beast...

[Captainfab]

Welcome to the forum

An open knuckle Dana 44 from '70 (?) up to '79 or even a 8.5" 10 bolt will bolt right in, in place of your current 44. You will have to either find a Dana 44 that has the correct gears to mate up with your rear differential, or find a donor with a matching 44 and a 12 bolt.

This would be a good time to also upgrade to PS and PB.

[1962 Panel]

So are you saying i won't be able to swap in the gears from my current front diff. Into a different axle? And I will try to get some pics up tomorrow, I think you guys are gonna like this truck

[Captainfab]

Yes you could swap the gears from your closed knuckle 44 to an open knuckle 44 if that's what you want to do and you have the knowledge of how to do so.

[1962 Panel]

Well, now that I think about it, swapping the whole axle might be easier. Is there a good way to figure out my ratio?

[franken]

There are millions of posts on checking ratios if you have an internet connection.

[padresag]

production nbrs were pretty low on 4 x 4 panels; only 198 in 1964. that was for chev and then there was the GMC production. mine is Canadian production GMC which used a 283 instead of the US production V6 engs. I would doubt that the production nbrs in Canada exceeded 25 which would make them sort of rare in certain peoples minds, but doesn't change the value of them 1 iota.
this mine but the body was really gone and couldn't find another panel body so have put a suburban body on it.

ron

[Captainfab]

Just simple pull the cover and have a look. The tooth count is stamped on the edge of the ring gear along with the part number and the date code. For example if you see the numbers 11 41, that is the tooth count. Divide 11 into 41 which equals 3.73

Originally Posted by 1962 Panel

Well, now that I think about it, swapping the whole axle might be easier. Is there a good way to figure out my ratio?