New guy with conversion ?
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,365
Likes: 12
From: NW Indiana
New guy with conversion ?
Glad to have found this site and have read many threads regarding 2wd to 4wd swaps.
What I have is a 73 Camper Special 2wd(40,000 original miles), it was my neighbor and he owned it since 74. I am comitted to restoring his truck and also making it a 4x4.
I have picked up a 75 4x4 highboy with divorced transfer case but did not notice drum brakes(rookie). Body was totally shot and the frame is going to need a little tlc to be pretty again.
I also have a 79 4x4 extended cab. It came with 2 engines and hopefully the right front axle.
So I have 4 engines, 460 351 and 2 360's.Along with trannies and axles.
My measurements show the rad support will have to be moved. along with new holes for the bed. Opting for the 460 and sell the other goodies when I'm finished.
Will the 79 front axle require mods to get into the 75 frame? Does anyone have photos of their swap also pics of adapting the 79 steering box?
Please, please give me some pointers on doing this build. Any advice would be great.
Grin
What I have is a 73 Camper Special 2wd(40,000 original miles), it was my neighbor and he owned it since 74. I am comitted to restoring his truck and also making it a 4x4.
I have picked up a 75 4x4 highboy with divorced transfer case but did not notice drum brakes(rookie). Body was totally shot and the frame is going to need a little tlc to be pretty again.
I also have a 79 4x4 extended cab. It came with 2 engines and hopefully the right front axle.
So I have 4 engines, 460 351 and 2 360's.Along with trannies and axles.
My measurements show the rad support will have to be moved. along with new holes for the bed. Opting for the 460 and sell the other goodies when I'm finished.
Will the 79 front axle require mods to get into the 75 frame? Does anyone have photos of their swap also pics of adapting the 79 steering box?
Please, please give me some pointers on doing this build. Any advice would be great.
Grin
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 787
Likes: 0
From: Hattiesburg, MS
If you want the 79 style steering and axle, you should really find a 79 frame to start with.....especially, if the 75 frame is in poor shape. It will save you a lot of trouble with the steering, and the bed will bolt right up. The 79 style frames also have a stronger and more rigid front section.
If you're set on using the "highboy" style frame.....you could just keep the 75 style steering. The system actually works really well when properly setup. You shouldn't have any problems....as long as you don't wanna lift it too high. You never said if your 79 axle was a 150 or 250. But, either way, it will bolt up to the 75 frame with no problems.
If you're set on using the "highboy" style frame.....you could just keep the 75 style steering. The system actually works really well when properly setup. You shouldn't have any problems....as long as you don't wanna lift it too high. You never said if your 79 axle was a 150 or 250. But, either way, it will bolt up to the 75 frame with no problems.
