4x4 upgrade using jeep jk frame\ suspension on 1949 3600 P/U

[TornadoT]

Hey guys,

I am new to the site and this is my first post so bare with me. Last year I bought a 49 Chevrolet 3600 5 window sitting on an 88 1/2 ton chevy pickup frame. The work done to this truck was a nightmare. Period. Although the cab and bed were in very good shape, the Frame swap was done terribly and didn't have the correct dimensions for what the guy was trying to do. So, I decided to buy the truck and start over from the ground up. I want to do a Napco style 4x4 on this AD, but was questioning frames until I saw this...

1949 1/2 ton pickup- (which is the wheel base I want for this 3600) is 116"
2007-2015 Jeep Wrangler (JK Frame) 4-door: 116 in (2,950 mm)

Wait whaaaat? independent coil suspension, Multilink bar set up, modern fully boxed frame. If I wanted to go 4x4 this would be a dream set up right? Well I found an 07 frame a guy I know had and bought it. sure enough the wheel base is perfect, but my question is why has no one done this conversion? I know the s10 swap is popular for 2wd air ride set ups, but I cant find anything on a jeep jk frame swap. Anyone have any ideas or suggestions? Just wanted to know if there was a reason it hasn't been tried (to my knowledge) or if it would possibly work.


T.W.1949

[dubds10]

More value in 2wds hence why most go that route and it's still new. The JK is a good platform though and can be built up depending on what you want. Everything is run through their CANBUS system though and can't be tapped into for ABS brakes. Ideally you'd get the frame and swap the D35 front and D44 rear out for some older D60s that'll handle the abuse if you want to wheel it. We just sold our 2010 JK last year and it was built on 37s.

[TornadoT]

Im going to have to run the brake lines and get axles. I basically just have a bare Jk frame and the suspension without the axles. I was debating going back with the D44 and D35 just because they are readily available due to Jeep guys doing swaps and having the Stocks laying around. I would like to run
37s for the size and stance. I am running 37 swampers on my 03 ford and the stance is nice. Starting from just a bare frame will be nice, but I am just worried about clearance with the shock towers in the front. everything from the Daytum back seems fine. May have to raise the floor in the beed to compensate for the frame hump in the rear, but im not too worried with that. I just haven't seen any one attempt this swap yet and its crazy to me! wheel base is right, width is almost spot on and you have the linkage/ coil suspension to work with. Im just afraid im not seeing something that may cause this swap to not work smooth.

[dubds10]

Nothing wrong with the dimensions as any skilled welder fab guy can raise or lower where ever to get it right. Being a 4x4 you have it easier as placement of items wont be as critical as a slammed 2wd truck. For 37s go big, the JK parts are weak. All the brackets for the suspension need to be redone with aftermartket. Actually the entire suspension system should be aftermarket, that's the main issue with them. They were built cheap & poorly from the factory.

[TornadoT]

Any recommendations on aftermarket suspension set ups for Jeeps? I know there are "goods" "bads" and "uglies" out there. ive seen variations of lifts, some done poorly and some that turn out great.

[OrrieG]

I don't recall anyone doing it. You might look A Bbeeps Envoy thread to get a feel for what an AD on a modern chassis entails. he had to use big truck front clip to work with the wheel turning radius and keep the tires under the fender.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...348244&page=15

[Coach529]

I have owned a couple of this series of JK's...............think it would be an awesome chassis.

[TornadoT]

Man, Interesting read and build by bbeep! I wondered about front clip becoming an issue in this build, but so far I haven't found any reason I should run into turn radius issues as he did. I am debating an after market mid arm suspension lift over stock suspension to give the truck a mild "Napco inspired" look with a little modern suspension and still be able to clear 35's or 37's. You never know though!


The stance I am shooting for...just with ajeep jk Long arm suspension upgrade.

[ghettoluxury]

Look at Rusty's for jeep suspension parts. They are one of the best and the owner has a 4 door JK that he loves to beat on.

[TornadoT]

Here are some pics of the 3600 on the 88 frame for now. If you look close you can see the measurement issues and see the wheel base is off. The picture of the rear wheel wont upload, but that is the one that is offset badly. Frame was not shortened making the frame hump behind the rear axle. Ill try to get a pic soon of the body mounts that the previous owner had... whew!

[Wt195713]

i used a 4.5 inch kit from rough country and it cleared 35's no rub. i don't know what the turn radius will be like with your ad, or how high you really want to take it but rough country makes a pretty nice kit.

[Wt195713]

and a side note the 2007's are notorious for hitting the death wobble after 50,000mi. just something to look into, also the v6's that came in the 07 is infamous for engine problems too. mine threw a rod..... I am assuming you were probably going to beef up under the hood anyways...... turbo diesel would make this build even more awesome. can't wait to see this build come to life

[TornadoT]

Thanks for the info Wt195713. I will definitely look into the "death wobble issue. Did they ever find what the issue causing this concern was? I am planning on dropping a solid 350 into the mix followed by the Nv4500 tranny. still hunting the Dana's I want for the project. I picked up a hell of a deal on a 2 post 9000lb lift over the weekend to make matters easier on my future builds.

Im hoping to clear 35's, possibly even 37's. I like the aggressive tires on the jeeps and 4x4 and im thinking running the pitbulls or the swampers would be a good look on the ole' 49. keep the comments and suggestions coming!
Any input is helpful on this build!

Tornado

[dubds10]

The death wobble is caused by improper suspension setup & usually from a loose track bar. The JK parts are weak & the bolt sizes are all metric & smaller than the joints causing them to wear. They should be standard to fix the issue & there are bolt kits at Northridge4x4. If you run an aftermarket longarm kit with new track bars k mounts you wont have any issues. It's the same for all JKs. But a full susp kit is $3-4gs if you want one that will last lol The cheap ones just don't last. Synergy & Metal Cloak are the top two right now then Rock Krawler.

[TornadoT]

I like it.

[Wt195713]

Dubds10 is right. Suspension was a big problem, my rough country never had this problem. I also upgraded to dual shock bilstein stabilizer because I read that lack of performance from the stock single stabilizer was also linked to the problem. This also made it more tame at high speeds, which mad it very much worth the investment. One of my friends 4dr Jk's had this problem. It was scary to say the least.

[Wt195713]

And are you in Longvie, tx?

[TornadoT]

yes I am in Longview, tx