I think Im gonna make the jump to a GMT400...

[Stomis]

So a few months back I decided to keep my truck and start building it again. After seeing Russ' decesicion to switch to a new truck and seeing as how I've really wanted to for quite some time I think Im just gonna go for it when the time comes.

Ive still got loads of work and money to put into my 442 but I think when the truck goes back under the knife its gonna get stripped of all its pieces as theyre gonna get put in an extended cab gmt400 with a bobbed bed.

This is what I'll be shootin for

The best part is I have a 241 passengers side with VSS and a SYE to convert the truck....

 

[dfl701]

I love the idea. My plan is a 96 extended cab with an isuzu diesel in it. Gonna be my DD and expo rig.

 

[hd44blazer]

awesome! 3rd gen FTW! there's a lot of cool things about these body style trucks that makes them a good build platform

 

[Russell]

Yeah, I still like the old K5s better, but these GMT400s just have way too much good to offer for an offroad rig. That, and they are not quite antique yet, so finding parts is way easier

 

[Stomis]

Yeah i figured I could probably get a high miles roller for real cheap. Plus since Im gonna keep the bed and cut it down I can get a long bed which are much cheaper than the desirable ext cab short bed.

O is there a huge difference between 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton and 1 ton frames from this generation?

 

[dfl701]

The frames are different on the different platforms.

What are your plans for drivetrain?

 

[Stomis]

The frames are different on the different platforms.

What are your plans for drivetrain?

I know the frames are different from 81-87 to 88-98 but I mean in the 88-98s is there a huge difference in 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton to 1 ton frame thickness/beef?

Drivetrain will start out 355 TBI from my 87, sm465, passenger side np241 w/ SYE.

Eventually it will be 355/ranger OD/sm465/241 or maybe even a 4bt.

Axles will be 3/4 tons to start and 1 tons when funds allow.

 

[howdiy]

I had the thought at one point

 

[Stomis]

I had the thought at one point

Yep I think Im actually gonna keep the bed!

 

[Russell]

You may want to consider going with a driver's side drop axle for your truck. While everything fits just fine, the transfer case shifter is on the wrong side of the t-case as compared to the stock DS drop NP241. Its doable, but kind of a pain to move the shifter or make a linkage to use the stock one.

 

[sweetk30]

plus if no dana 60 yet find a ford 60 and get drivers drop axle and high pinion diff got much better driveshaft angles.

 

[hd44blazer]

I had the thought at one point

that's some nice photoshop work, very cool

 

[Stomis]

You may want to consider going with a driver's side drop axle for your truck. While everything fits just fine, the transfer case shifter is on the wrong side of the t-case as compared to the stock DS drop NP241. Its doable, but kind of a pain to move the shifter or make a linkage to use the stock one.

Yeah but I have everything to set it up for passenger drop. Plus fod D60s are even more money than GM/Dodge 60s.

 

[sweetk30]

Yeah but I have everything to set it up for passenger drop. Plus fod D60s are even more money than GM/Dodge 60s.

not the mid 80's wide spring perch style. and still kingpin setup.

yes the 78-79 ford 60 = big bucks.

thay make sas swap kits for each 32" or 36.5" width perch setups.

 

[Stomis]

not the mid 80's wide spring perch style. and still kingpin setup.

yes the 78-79 ford 60 = big bucks.

thay make sas swap kits for each 32" or 36.5" width perch setups.

Im not gonna buy a kit. Just gonna use the new front hanger I was gonna put in my truck and will french the 81-87 HD front shackle hangers I got for my truck into the newer frame.