Project Cheap Date, 1992 GMC G3500 4x4 camper/ bug out

[kennyw]

Moving tires around to check fit. This is the set that will go on this van in the end, LT285/75R16 on GMT400 wheels.

Not 100% sure they will work with the 2wd suspension but probably manageable. It is the rear heat and AC lines that will be the bigger issue on the passenger front.

 

[kennyw]

Both front tires hit the sway bar at full lock, both will hit the rear lower fender opening when starting to turn. Looks like i can tap in the lower fender for clearance the same as a squarebody pickup.

I'll need to see the suspension loaded to see how it does near the rear heater lines. I'm most likely pulling those systems when it is converted to a camper anyway and replacing them with an electric or Propane heater system.

 

[kennyw]

Rear brakes halfway complete. Need to finish the driver side and turn drums tomorrow.

 

[max 02]

I think 81 up used the SF. 80 down would have been FF since the SF wasn't around yet. But I'm not an expert on them.


Yes, a 1986 Chevy 4x4 G30. Looks like a pathfinder conversion.
View attachment 383241

Is that a 60 or 44?
High pinion? Cool either way!

 

[kennyw]

Is that a 60 or 44?
High pinion? Cool either way!

I'll have to double check now but I think it is a low pinion, driver drop, Dana 44.

 

[82355]

I'd say ditch the sway bar, but you might want it on this top heavy beaut.

Martin

 

[kennyw]

I'd say ditch the sway bar, but you might want it on this top heavy beaut.

Martin

It will all work out once I swap to the 4x4 suspension. But until then, it stops the tire from catching the steering box.

 

[kennyw]

As a great CK5 philosopher one said, "I'm already in here so I might as well..." new axle seals and refilled/resealed the rear differential tonight. Now I wait for RTV to cure so I can tighten the rear cover again.

 

[kennyw]

Finishing up for the night with the van sitting on all four tires again. Clearance looks tight on the rear of the front wheel well but I'll make more clearance tomorrow. I also need to bleed brakes and refill the rear axle gear oil.

 

[swettysblazer]

This thing is rad.

 

[ZooMad75]

Nice plate number. Needs an Iron Maiden sticker in the back window for the number of the beast.

 

[mrk5]

Looks good with the wheels and tires.

 

[Lolz_cats]

Now that you've already rebuilt the rear end I've got a matching set 14FF and dana 44 you can have. Not sure the 44 would work for your application but you might be able to use the gears if they were different?

 

[warrpath4x4]

Now that you've already rebuilt the rear end I've got a matching set 14FF and dana 44 you can have. Not sure the 44 would work for your application but you might be able to use the gears if they were different?

if he doesn't I know someone else who might... this guy lol

 

[Lolz_cats]

if he doesn't I know someone else who might... this guy lol

That's a little bit of a trek lol. Do you come over to the West side often?

 

[warrpath4x4]

That's a little bit of a trek lol. Do you come over to the West side often?

not often, but now and again.

 

[kennyw]

Now that you've already rebuilt the rear end I've got a matching set 14FF and dana 44 you can have. Not sure the 44 would work for your application but you might be able to use the gears if they were different?

I already have a donor with the axles to convert this one. It won't see anything hard core to worry about a FF either.

I do have a 67 K20 that could use a disc brake front axle eventually but nothing I'm going to have time to work on for a couple years.

 

[kennyw]

Finished up the brakes a couple weeks ago and it runs and drives great going forward... transmission slips in reverse though. The dog approved though.




So what else could I do but buy a parts rig. 15 passenger 1993 G30 former church van. It will donate seats and some interior. If I get it running enough to test the transmission is good, that too.

 

[mrk5]

Seems like a lot of times the best/cheapest way to get a replacement part is to buy an entire vehicle.

 

[kennyw]

Seems like a lot of times the best/cheapest way to get a replacement part is to buy an entire vehicle.

That has been my philosophy for a long time. It does cost me more in time though.