4 wheel mags and information - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

DennyB · 02-10-2004, 11:40 PM

I'm looking to build a 4wd chassis for my 56.
I would like a low nice riding frame to work from.
I owned over 100 autos and trucks but oddly enough none have been 4wd.
What are some good sources for information.
I need to sponge up as much as I can.

I have been considering 71-72s and 73-87s

Ideas?

Thanks,

Scrub · 02-12-2004, 01:42 AM

Petersens 4wd and off road is great

You can get it at most newstands and it will have subscription info

**JIMs70GMC** · 02-12-2004, 07:11 AM

Does your 56 have a mono beam front axle and leafs up front now?

DennyB · 02-13-2004, 02:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by JIMs70GMC
Does your 56 have a mono beam front axle and leafs up front now?

Its on a 71-72 2wd, rear coil, IFS chassis now.
I'm in the hunt for a 4wd chassis to fit under it.
I doubt I'll find one that fits perfect so I will probably need to alter its length. I was thinking of a later model torsion bar IFS 4wd frame????
Any input would be appreciated

race2c · 02-13-2004, 06:32 PM

DennyB-- If you plan on doing some off road wheelin, I would recommend you get 73-87 4x4 frame. They were the last years for solid axles and are easier to lift if you plan on doing that. If you plan on getting 88-up lift kits get more expensive and you may have trouble with stock parts up front.

Just my $.02

Cam

DennyB · 02-13-2004, 11:57 PM

Cam,
This truck is not going to be use for any heavy off roading.
I'll use it to launch my boat drive in the snow etc.
I actually want it to be lower and handle well.
And haul stuff every now and then.

Any one know anything about the 88 and up 4wd chassis?

Nice ride? dependable?
I plan to build a SBC stroker through a TH700R4 .
Not decided on the transfer case yet.

race2c · 02-14-2004, 11:30 PM

DennyB-- The truck in my sig, 89 z71, has a good ride being it is a 15 year old truck. The ride is realivity good one but sometimes you feel every bump in road it seems like. The truck doesn't like railroad tracks in any way and this is with new shocks and springs all the way around. Dependability for the truck is great ever since I've had it got it, about 3 or so months ago. It starts up on the first crank and that is when it has been below 10 degrees fareinheit. The gas mileage and acceleration isn't so great. Miles per gallon is about 12-14 in the city but that is what it should get around the city. One thing I told by members of my family is "You gotta pay to play." The truck takes a few seconds to get going from a dead stop or idle, even with the TBI.

Sorry about the unnessecary info in there, and some of the stuff you probably already knew.

Cam

DennyB · 02-14-2004, 11:38 PM

Cam,
How does it handle?
Corner well?
Perhaps air suspension will help the ride?
Thanks for the info.

Denny

race2c · 02-15-2004, 08:55 PM

DennyB-- The truck handles well, but you can tell when you corner with the body roll or lean, if going to fast around corner or turn. It has overload springs in the back and helps when hauling a load but not as much as air bags or helper bags. If I was going to tow stuff I would put air bags on the back just to increase payload capacity. Since this is my daily driver I don't tow very often, if any and only haul stuff every once in a while. Also, I have the tires airred up as the max, which would probably increase a rough ride. I may decrease the pressure in the tires to see if it gives a mushier ride.

Cam

Dan72cst · 02-17-2004, 11:08 AM

I have a couple ....a 91 swb z71 and a 93 burb. The burb has a rear sway bar and they both corner really well for a 4wd. The ride in my opinion is good compared to the straight axels, but they are 4wd trucks and don't compare to a passenger car. Also both mine are half tons.

As "race2c" said the torsion bar gives it a unique feel. Its hard to explain, it kinda like a kite flapping in a big gust of wind. It has complete control but it has small rapid vibrations.

I just reread that and it confused the heck out of me....oh well. Maybe go test drive one and the local dealer.

Dean · 02-17-2004, 06:12 PM

Practice up on changing CV joints....... I'm a pro now......lol

DennyB · 02-20-2004, 01:24 AM

Thanks for the input guys.

Dan72cst
What do you meen by"small rapid vibrations"?

Dean
Are the CV joints weak? do they wear out from lots of use of 4wd or do they also wear when in 2wd?

Denny

1969 GMC · 02-20-2004, 06:55 PM

I would stay away from the IFS 4x4's...they do go thru CV joints and other front suspension pieces like crazy. Maybe I have just had bad experience, but I helped my dad work on a '9? light duty 3/4 ton 4x4 (6 lugs) with a snowplow on it, and you had to change the CV's at least once every 2 weeks when plowing. That is unacceptable. That truck also broke a stub shaft while plowing light powder across a parking lot, which was puzzling. I have never heard of something like that with a solid axle. IMO, solid axles are cheaper in the long run. There are some advantages to running an IFS (great for jumping the truck, ie in sand, and ride *can* be better- but if you are going with a 4x4, then you will always get a bit rougher of a ride).

DennyB · 02-27-2004, 07:44 PM

A neighbor of mine has one with a 4" lift in the rear and the front t-bars cranked up to match (done by a GM service tech).
His has over 100K on it with the orig CV's.
He did have to rebuild the front and rear "rears" though.

02-10-2004, 11:40 PM	#1
DennyB Led Sled! Discs R 4 ME! Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Toms River, NJ, USA (Transplanted Hoosier) Posts: 7,327	4 wheel mags and information I'm looking to build a 4wd chassis for my 56. I would like a low nice riding frame to work from. I owned over 100 autos and trucks but oddly enough none have been 4wd. What are some good sources for information. I need to sponge up as much as I can. I have been considering 71-72s and 73-87s Ideas? Thanks, __________________ "Never ride faster than your Angel can fly" I.M.O.M,W,J&C Patriot Guard Rider

02-12-2004, 01:42 AM	#2
Scrub Collector of rusty Items Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Sisters,Oregon USA Posts: 731	Petersens 4wd and off road is great You can get it at most newstands and it will have subscription info __________________ Scrub Sisters, Oregon - Home of the Sisters Rodeo. 70 GMC 1,000,000 + miles 72 K-20 project, 456 Dana60 front, Corp14 rear w/locker, 265R19.5 tires 20-ply. Warn 12k winches both ends, Cross-over steering with raised tie-rod, Powerbox steering, 4500 watt 120-AC power, Air, Hydraulic aux power, 4 inch lift, 5000 lb air-bags both ends.

02-12-2004, 07:11 AM	#3
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	Does your 56 have a mono beam front axle and leafs up front now? __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

02-13-2004, 06:32 PM	#5
race2c <--Thanks 86 Red Bowtie Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Mt. Zion IL (Home) Stillwater, OK (School) Posts: 140	DennyB-- If you plan on doing some off road wheelin, I would recommend you get 73-87 4x4 frame. They were the last years for solid axles and are easier to lift if you plan on doing that. If you plan on getting 88-up lift kits get more expensive and you may have trouble with stock parts up front. Just my $.02 Cam __________________ race2c@aol.com 1941 Willys Coupe--Currently being put together. Willy Works fiberglass car. 1969 Chevy K10 SWB--SOLD!!! 1989 Chevy Silverado Z71 RCSB--SOLD!!! 1993 Pontiac Grand Prix--College Commuter

02-13-2004, 11:57 PM	#6
DennyB Led Sled! Discs R 4 ME! Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Toms River, NJ, USA (Transplanted Hoosier) Posts: 7,327	Cam, This truck is not going to be use for any heavy off roading. I'll use it to launch my boat drive in the snow etc. I actually want it to be lower and handle well. And haul stuff every now and then. Any one know anything about the 88 and up 4wd chassis? Nice ride? dependable? I plan to build a SBC stroker through a TH700R4 . Not decided on the transfer case yet. __________________ "Never ride faster than your Angel can fly" I.M.O.M,W,J&C Patriot Guard Rider

02-14-2004, 11:30 PM	#7
race2c <--Thanks 86 Red Bowtie Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Mt. Zion IL (Home) Stillwater, OK (School) Posts: 140	DennyB-- The truck in my sig, 89 z71, has a good ride being it is a 15 year old truck. The ride is realivity good one but sometimes you feel every bump in road it seems like. The truck doesn't like railroad tracks in any way and this is with new shocks and springs all the way around. Dependability for the truck is great ever since I've had it got it, about 3 or so months ago. It starts up on the first crank and that is when it has been below 10 degrees fareinheit. The gas mileage and acceleration isn't so great. Miles per gallon is about 12-14 in the city but that is what it should get around the city. One thing I told by members of my family is "You gotta pay to play." The truck takes a few seconds to get going from a dead stop or idle, even with the TBI. Sorry about the unnessecary info in there, and some of the stuff you probably already knew. Cam __________________ race2c@aol.com 1941 Willys Coupe--Currently being put together. Willy Works fiberglass car. 1969 Chevy K10 SWB--SOLD!!! 1989 Chevy Silverado Z71 RCSB--SOLD!!! 1993 Pontiac Grand Prix--College Commuter

02-14-2004, 11:38 PM	#8
DennyB Led Sled! Discs R 4 ME! Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Toms River, NJ, USA (Transplanted Hoosier) Posts: 7,327	Cam, How does it handle? Corner well? Perhaps air suspension will help the ride? Thanks for the info. Denny

02-15-2004, 08:55 PM	#9
race2c <--Thanks 86 Red Bowtie Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Mt. Zion IL (Home) Stillwater, OK (School) Posts: 140	DennyB-- The truck handles well, but you can tell when you corner with the body roll or lean, if going to fast around corner or turn. It has overload springs in the back and helps when hauling a load but not as much as air bags or helper bags. If I was going to tow stuff I would put air bags on the back just to increase payload capacity. Since this is my daily driver I don't tow very often, if any and only haul stuff every once in a while. Also, I have the tires airred up as the max, which would probably increase a rough ride. I may decrease the pressure in the tires to see if it gives a mushier ride. Cam __________________ race2c@aol.com 1941 Willys Coupe--Currently being put together. Willy Works fiberglass car. 1969 Chevy K10 SWB--SOLD!!! 1989 Chevy Silverado Z71 RCSB--SOLD!!! 1993 Pontiac Grand Prix--College Commuter

02-17-2004, 11:08 AM	#10
Dan72cst Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Lake Stevens,WA 98258 North of Seattle Posts: 833	I have a couple ....a 91 swb z71 and a 93 burb. The burb has a rear sway bar and they both corner really well for a 4wd. The ride in my opinion is good compared to the straight axels, but they are 4wd trucks and don't compare to a passenger car. Also both mine are half tons. As "race2c" said the torsion bar gives it a unique feel. Its hard to explain, it kinda like a kite flapping in a big gust of wind. It has complete control but it has small rapid vibrations. I just reread that and it confused the heck out of me....oh well. Maybe go test drive one and the local dealer. __________________ Marysville, WA (Dan72cst@hotmail.com) 72 4wd Blazer CST 350/350 72 4wd Chevy LWB 350/350 68 2wd Chevy LWB 327/400

02-17-2004, 06:12 PM	#11
Dean Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 1,492	Practice up on changing CV joints....... I'm a pro now......lol

02-20-2004, 01:24 AM	#12
DennyB Led Sled! Discs R 4 ME! Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Toms River, NJ, USA (Transplanted Hoosier) Posts: 7,327	Thanks for the input guys. Dan72cst What do you meen by"small rapid vibrations"? Dean Are the CV joints weak? do they wear out from lots of use of 4wd or do they also wear when in 2wd? Denny

02-20-2004, 06:55 PM	#13
1969 GMC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: The Rubber City Posts: 5,498	I would stay away from the IFS 4x4's...they do go thru CV joints and other front suspension pieces like crazy. Maybe I have just had bad experience, but I helped my dad work on a '9? light duty 3/4 ton 4x4 (6 lugs) with a snowplow on it, and you had to change the CV's at least once every 2 weeks when plowing. That is unacceptable. That truck also broke a stub shaft while plowing light powder across a parking lot, which was puzzling. I have never heard of something like that with a solid axle. IMO, solid axles are cheaper in the long run. There are some advantages to running an IFS (great for jumping the truck, ie in sand, and ride can be better- but if you are going with a 4x4, then you will always get a bit rougher of a ride). __________________ 1969 GMC K2500 1996 Honda Accord 2007 Kawasaki KLR 650

02-27-2004, 07:44 PM	#14
DennyB Led Sled! Discs R 4 ME! Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Toms River, NJ, USA (Transplanted Hoosier) Posts: 7,327	A neighbor of mine has one with a 4" lift in the rear and the front t-bars cranked up to match (done by a GM service tech). His has over 100K on it with the orig CV's. He did have to rebuild the front and rear "rears" though. __________________ "Never ride faster than your Angel can fly" I.M.O.M,W,J&C Patriot Guard Rider



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.