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Build It Big!

65Matt

65Matt

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Joined
Dec 29, 2006
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Location
Edmond, OK
It's my first time on today and you guys have lots of great info. I recently bought a 65 long bed stepside 2wd and want to beef it up to 4wd. Was wondering the "easiest" route to get there-frame swap w/ 4wd already on it or replacing what is already on this frame. If a frame swap is better what would work? Also it has a 292 that runs well-will it work w/ 4wd or will I need to go bigger in that as well. Thanks in advance, Matt.
 
Welcome,
I did a little research into building a 4x4 out of a 2 wheel drive. I was looking into puting my 65 body onto a early 90's chevy pick up frame and using the modern fuel injected drivetrain. My conclusion was that by modifying the body mounts and a little modification to the bumper mounts it could be done but it was tonns of work. Mine is a short box step side and I planned on using the engine and drivetrain from the 90's reg cab short box parts truck. They had the same wheel base and axle width. Your 292 will mount up the modern transmission just the same but you might have to fab up some engine mounts to fit your 292 into the newer frame as the 292 uses different engine mounts than any other inline chevy six cylinder. (offset) BEWARE.. THIS INVOLVES TONNS OF WORK

It would be easier to find a mid 60's 4x4 parts truck and swap out parts... who knows you might even be able to recover some of your expense selling off extra parts. Less work and more original truck...

I ended up just Rodstoring my original 2 wheel drive and left the 4 wheeling up to another project.

Good luck, I hope this helps.
 
" Was wondering the "easiest" route to get there-"

Sell the one you have and BUY a 4X4 !!! ;) ( no kidding !! )

Val
 
dvalentine said:
" Was wondering the "easiest" route to get there-"

Sell the one you have and BUY a 4X4 !!! ;) ( no kidding !! )

Val
Click to expand...

So true. it will be easier and maybe cheeper to buy one.But if you are up to a "project" go for it!! Post pics of it if you do .
 
Thanks for the info. I guess I am a glutton for punishment. Got lots of time to work on it. Need to get front brakes up to speed to get her back on the road. Would like to switch to disc-is that an easy feat? Also is a split bench seat a possibility in a truck this old? Thanks
 
Yes you can put a split bench in there. I've been told that the 1999 and up bench will fit. It might touch the doors though. As for disc brakes it is a bolt on upgrade. On all the kits I've looked at they are all based on an 87 pickup. You can easily find a 73-87 pickup in the local junk yard. What you really need off of it is the spindles. I would get everything else at the parts store. Your other option is to just by a kit from CPP.
 
" Your other option is to just by a kit from CPP."

OR,, Early Classic Ent. http://www.earlyclassic.com

Chevy/GMC 60/40 split bench seats from mid-70's thru 2000's will fit, and with very little work. Drill a few new holes, seal the old holes, and bolt it in.
I originally has a split bench from a late 70's chevy, then switched to a mid-90's last year. I like the flip down arm rest/console.

Val
 
yes sell your "ahum" dream truck or keep it to put around and buy a factory 4x4 because the frames are stronger and theres about 1/100th less work to do!! O by the way i just happen to have a 68 4x4 call me 417-334-0589....
jeffery I'm into 67-72 chevys......
 
OK how about this. Some friends said to replace the rear axle w/ posi trac and that would make some difference. Is this true and if so how do I find out my rear diff ratio to get a new axle? I would also want to raise up the front to make it look a little more level. Is that an option?
 
Hey guys, Jeffery has a 68 4x4 for me. I was wondering if the frame lengths, cab/bed mounts, and bumper mounts are the same. Does anyone know? Thanks, Matt.
 
"I was wondering if the frame lengths, cab/bed mounts, and bumper mounts are the same. "

In a word ? NO.
 
You will have to do alot of fab work to put the body on that frame. I know because I thought about doing it myself. I just dont have skills or time to do this, thats why I sold my 62 short step and bought a true 4x4, a 61 4x4. But dont get me wrong, it can be done if your willing to do it. Thats just my 2 cents.
 
Does it matter what make/model of posi trac rear axle I put on my truck. Found several but don't know if they would fit on my truck. Also, call me clueless but what does the gear ratio mean and what's the best one to use? Thanks for the advice. One of these days I might actually know something and be able to return the favor.
 
i got a 12 bolt from a 72 gmc i have a 66 gmc. it bolted right up.the perched were exactly alike.i put a new posi unit in it and new ring and pinion gears.i put new axles,bearings and seals.i know that the axles on a chevy are shorter than a gmc for some reason.gmc is leaf spring and chevy is coil spring that may be the reason.just be shore to measure every thing. the 12 bolt posi made a huge difference in my truck.one thing i had to do is fabricate traction bars for it.whell hop was MAD.i love dumping the clutch and it launches instead of throwing me out of the seat from wheel hop.
 
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