68 Duramax 4x4 Build

[68Duramax]

Hey everyone. I picked up a 68 Chevy K20 4x4, traded a beat up 89 step side for it.
Also picked up a 2004 Chevy LB7 Duramax with only 160,000km!
Im swaping the 68 body on the 04 Duramax frame.
My goal for this build; Build a badass, fast, fuel efficient, nice driving truck that can haul anything...

The 68




And the 04 Duramax




Also picked up a rust free ready for paint box.

[68Duramax]

Mocking up the body on the 04 Duramax frame.






The 68 frame and drive train - sold

[68Duramax]

Got the pedals and steering column mounted.

[Dale_Brown]

Awesome Ill be watching you progress. Looks cold out!

[72 tigger]

Looks good! Do you plan on using the 04 gauges? How much did you have to take out of the frame to get a 127" wheelbase?

[68Duramax]

Originally Posted by 72 tigger

Looks good! Do you plan on using the 04 gauges? How much did you have to take out of the frame to get a 127" wheelbase?

Yes I'm going to use the 04 gauges and all the wiring. Next on my list is to move the rear axle forward 7" and that will give the 127" wheelbase also have to chop 4-6" off the back of the frame so the box will sit down to the height I want.

[72 tigger]

I did a similar project 11 years ago with a 02 dodge with a cummins. I cut the frame to get the 127" WB. I also used the stock (dodge) gauges & mounted them in a old glove box door (the glove box door is the same size as a gauge bezel). If I can help with any advise, just let me know. The truck has been my daily driver for the past 11 years & works great

[flashed]

This is going to be a neat build to follow along ,Im in .

[Orange67]

I'm in.

[schwoch1]

Watching!

[swamp rat]

Would like more details on the cab/frame mockup, did you have to fab and move engine mounts, what about the core support ect..

[68Duramax]

Originally Posted by swamp rat

Would like more details on the cab/frame mockup, did you have to fab and move engine mounts, what about the core support ect..

I don't have to move the engine. I can leave the rad support where it is, then mount the fenders and grill to it. With leaving the rad support where it is I need to cut a bit out of the underside of the hood because of clearance issues. Going to use hood pins. I'm trying to keep the body as close to the frame as possible. The box ribs are going to be cut out to get the box down low enough on the frame and then re-support the box. I'm building all new cab mounts on the frame and body. I will post more detailed pictures when I get there.

[68Duramax]

Finished shortening the wheelbase, I took 6.5" out of it and now have the 127" wheelbase. Moved the fuel tank forward 5" and built new tank straps out of 1/4" x 3" plate. Also cut 7" off the back of the frame. Tomorrow i'm going to start working on the box and get it mocked up on the frame and start building body mounts.

[68Duramax]

Body mocked up.


Finished all the fab work on the frame and spent hours and hours cleaning everything up.


Frame is all painted. I lowered the truck 2-3" with a rear drop shackle and cranked down the torsion bar bolts.
Installed a MBRP 3" down pipe, magnaflow 5" exhaust.

[redbaron]

Cool build. I'm in

[68Duramax]

Finished all the metal work on the cab, fixed a few rust spots on the underside and got it painted.


Started doing the body work on the cab.


The dash is starting to take shape.

[68Duramax]

[68Duramax]

Runs and drives great. Loaded on the trailer and off to paint.

[mjensen]

Wow, that seems like it went together pretty well! Here I am fighting the fact that I added a torque splitter to mine.

[flashed]

Cant wait to see it in color ,still watching this amazing build .

[cooperhw]

^^I Agree^^^

Awesome build. I am building a 68 dually and would LOVE to install a Duramax and an Allison like I have in my 06 DD. What a sweet truck that would be.
Maybe someday.
Anyhow, great work. Can't wait to see it when it comes out of paint prison.

[schwoch1]

What did you do to get the box to set lower?
Starting my late model HD frame swap on my '69 GMC crew cab truck, have the frame, just need to tie up odds and ends on another project before I venture into another one!!!

Mike

[68Duramax]

Thanks guys! really appreciate it!

[68Duramax]

Originally Posted by schwoch1

What did you do to get the box to set lower?
Starting my late model HD frame swap on my '69 GMC crew cab truck, have the frame, just need to tie up odds and ends on another project before I venture into another one!!!

Mike

The box ribs were 3" tall if I rememebr correctly, I cut out what I had to and replaced it with 1/4" plate. The box is bolted down in a few extra places now to keep everything solid. The body sits on the frame really good with the ribs cut out. When you look in the wheel well there is no gap between the frame and box, looks clean and I'm really happy how the body sits on the frame.

This is a photo before I painted the underside of the box.

[stenbrin]

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