68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

Well, I'm getting close to having the frame blasted now. Just need to pull t-case, tranny and 292 (which is for sale on the parts forum) and then the real fun begins. Here's a couple pics so I can remember what it looked like as a GMC. From what I've been told the Rockwell T-case is pretty strong, but I don't need to upgrade to the NP205 cause I won't ever be towing or plowing with this truck. I doubt I'll even need to put it in 4WD low! The tranny I think has a granny gear so I may need to get a new tranny for this build cause this truck will be my winter daily driver. I'm swapping out the 292 for a 350 4 bolt with 59K original miles. Let me know what you think and thanks for looking!

Re: 68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

nice start, the transmission looks to be a sm465 gear ratios are 1st 6.55:1
2nd 3.57:1 3rd 1.57:1 4th 1:1 reverse 6.05:1 i also sent u pm

Re: 68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

I was told that my tranny is a sm420, due to the fact that this specific tranny has the plug directly on the top of the tranny for the reverse lights. But please tell me if that is incorrect cause the more I know the better off I am. And I sent you a PM back, that 292 is for sale on the parts board.

Re: 68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

both sm420 and 465 has plug on top at least my 465does i loaded a pic of a sm420 and a sm 465 first pick is sm420 the second sm465 the 465 has those large ribs in the side of the case as yours does and the plug for yours is in same location as the plug in pic of 465 drivers side top in front shifter

Re: 68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

292farmer, I just went out to my garage to take a closer look and YOU ARE CORRECT. Thanks for looking out!

Re: 68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

I belive the shift pattern will also identify which you have. My 67 had the SM420 and reverse was to the left and down. My 69 K20 and 68 K10 were to the right and down. I was also told that '67 is the only year they used SM420's in out trucks.

Re: 68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

Yup, that sounds about right too!

Re: 68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

Unless you just want to stay original,i would be on the lookout for a replaement for the rockwell t-case!I know they are bulletproof which is somewhat their downfall.They have straight cut gears in them which makes them fairly noisy! If you are building a cruiser you probably wont like tha much! My 69 k-20's rockwell drove me nuts!Dang thing sounded like a jet airplane takin off at 30 mph plus!!LOL

Re: 68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

Well, I really didn't want to spend any money on another T-case. I was going to have this one inspection, and if no problems was going to throw right back in. What are rebuilt NP205s going for these days? And yes I'm just building a cruiser!

Re: 68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

Since you have it i would go ahead and run it,but if you see somethin else within grasp,id grab it,lol!! I pulled my sm-465 and put in a 700r4 with a np241 behind it!Love the 3 mpg it gained me and the ability to cruise at 75 mph with no problems!Also nice and quiet!You might ask around those who are running the rockwell!I thought somethin was wrong with mine but was told by several people that was a side affect of having the super strong straight cut gears!

Re: 68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

So thats what it looked like yesterday. I assume you already got it disassembled and its at the blasters now...right! haha. Just messing with ya man. Can't wait to see this one come together.

Re: 68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

The funny thing is the more I get into this build the more I keep changing my mind on things. But I still can't wait to be finished!

Re: 68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

That's how it goes. I keep adding and subtracting from my build plans every day. And I haven't even started. Haha.

Re: 68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

If you are going to use it as a daily driver, and want a manual shift tranny then I suggest an NV4500 woth an NP205 adapted to it.

Rockwell and 205 are both gear driver, rockwell is noisy and parts aren't cheap... 205 parts are cheap and very common...

the NV4500 is a five speed tranny which will make for a nicer driver.

check out Rust Buster and Musclerodz build threads for this setup...

I'm gonna move this over to the 4x4 builds...

Re: 68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

you will find as I have / did, that the design and intent of your build will evolve as you progress. I had so many things set in stone, and then later go a total dif route after getting more ideas.

I am showing you a pic of my frame last november when I started to help inspire you.


Matt

Re: 68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

heres this last october

Matt

Re: 68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

msgross, I'm thinking that I will probably go with that drive train setup. Now I'll just need to find that stuff or hope someone will do a trade.

mstrav, nice work man. Those pics give me something to look forward too!

Re: 68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

Does anyone else thing that the tcase looks like a 205?

Re: 68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

That I'm positive about. Its a rockwell, you can tell by the linkage and also it still has the name plate right on top of the T-case.

Re: 68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

Donor body, well sort of. I just sold the bed today to shortbedbob, but I'm using the cab and some of the front clip and definitely the engine.

Re: 68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

You might sriously consider keeping the 292.

They run forever, and are cheap to rebuild.
The amount of torque you get at low RPM is matched only by a big block.

And, you are not like everyone else.

Problems are low RPM make it a low speed car.
I top out around 55 MPH, but hey, it was never built to go fast was it?

Mike

Re: 68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

Just keep an eye on the level of the Rockwell's gear oil and you will be fine. The are a bit louder than an NP205 but not loud enough to be a major issue IMO. An NP205 with the correct adapter to mate to your SM465 will run between $200 to $400, at least around Kansas.

Re: 68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

I'm up in the air about switching. I think it will all depend on the condition of the rockwell when I break it open. If its in good shape and doesn't need an overhaul, I'll use it. If it's trashed I'll probably upgrade to the setup msgross suggested. Thanks for the look Jack!

Re: 68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

subscribed... just picked up a 69 k10 roller and will need ideas/inspiration......

Re: 68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

this is a cool build,

Re: 68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

I got the powertrain out on Wednesday, now it's a completely bare frame. Wait to you guys see the custom motor mounts that were made to fit the 292 in the SBC crossmember. It's interesting! I'll have more pics tomorrow including the mint driver fender I got and the Satinless West Coast Jr. mirrors!

Re: 68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

Nice man! Keep at it. Haha. Its always funny some of the stuff you find done to these trucks.

Re: 68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

Ok, powertrain is officially yanked! Check out the mount job for the 292!

Re: 68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

Here's the driver fender and satinless West Coast Jr. mirrors I picked up. msgross, are you looking for a set of mirrors like these also?

Re: 68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

good progress.

Re: 68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

Progress is slow but steady. When I can work on it I get alot done in big chunks. These couple pics are right after I had the frame blasted and epoxy primed in my drive way. Paint was still tacky but had to get it back in before the rain came.

Re: 68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

Pulling the 350 from the donor. Supposed to have originally 59,000 miles. Looks like stock intake and heads and wasn't converted to HEI yet. Will know for sure once I degrease engine and run the part #s.

Re: 68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

Nice project you've got going! Any progress lately?

Re: 68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

Progressing slowly but check this out:

Re: 68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

I'd like to thank member seadonkey (Nick) for sending me a superb set of transfer case shafts. Your a live saver man!
I'd like to thank Terry from T&B Trans out of Washington for tracking down a rebuild kit for this Rockwell transfer case, I know it wasn't easy man.
And finally Mike from Pine Rock Auto in Shelton, CT. He's the dude that totally rebuilt the SM465/Rockwell combo for me. It's as rebuilt and brand new as it could possibly be. I just topped both of them off with gear oil and are ready to install...AWESOME!

Re: 68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

Are you keeping the same springs and axles under it? You are farther along then me. I still have to remove cab, motor, tranny, tc, and passgener fender. I'am at a crossroads now. Should i continue the build with a LWB or look for SWB, which is what i really want.

So far your project is turning out nicely. What will it be when you are finished, Chevy or GMC?:gmc2:

Re: 68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

This is turning into a great build!

Re: 68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

Yes I am keeping the original spring and axles. This frame had relatively low miles and when I pulled the diff. covers the gears were in absolutely perfect condition. I have an 87 GMC 2500 and love it with the long bed but my true love is this little beefy shortbed. If a SWB is what you really want then go for it!

The finished project will be a 70 Chevy K-10 body on a 68 GMC frame.

Re: 68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

I just got the donor chassis and cab into my garage today. The sandblasting guy is coming Thursday morning to let me know how he wants to get the ball rolling on the cab. The windshield and rear window come out next Wednesday, goes to get blasted and epoxy primed and then off to the fabricator. Slow going but I consider myself more then half way now.

Re: 68 GMC 4x4 chassis being built to be a 70 4x4!
 

Thanks for the input. I'll have to wait until i finish my 6 weeks of in school training for carpentry. Than i'll start looking for a SWB truck to work on.

When you refer to mods, are you takling about the rusted parts being replaced, or something else?