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-   -   '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build (https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=816443)

superchevy 01-02-2021 07:43 PM

'78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
 
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restoring a nice '78 GMC Sierra Classic...plans are tu cut it down to a short bed, new paint, refresh the interior, reseal the 454, add tbi and a 4L80e...maybe some other mods. Here's a pic of it as found in the backyard of the original owner in San Antonio about 3 years ago...and back at my place.

superchevy 01-02-2021 07:48 PM

Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
 
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I traded the bed off it for a set of 67-68 buddy bucket seats.

superchevy 01-02-2021 07:53 PM

Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
 
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about 6 months ago I took the 78 to buddy's chassis shop, where we cut it down to a short bed.

superchevy 01-02-2021 08:02 PM

Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
 
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now it's Jan 2021 and time to build it...rolled into the shop...working on the rear of the truck first...I still need to trim off 5" of the rear of the frame so the short bed will fit...i did get the rear crossmember relocated forward...here's a pic of the 1" lift shackle...that's right, I'm going up instead of lower on this one....now for a new diff cover, brake lines ordered, new rear brakes, some paint

superchevy 01-03-2021 07:47 PM

Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
 
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Got a little done today...cut 5.25" off the rear frame rails so the short bed will fit ....removed the diff brake lines...waiting on new ones from inline tube...removed the 2 piece driveshaft and carried bearing support...removed an exhaust hanger that's in the way of relocating the rear fuel tank...

evan 01-03-2021 09:01 PM

Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
 
Looks cool. How much did you take out of the center of the frame? 14"? Do you have any pictures of the inside of the weld? I'm thinking of trying the same thing and wondering about options for reinforcing it.

Edit: What I mean is, do you have any pictures of the inside of the frame where it was welded? Any more of the measuring/cutting process would be great too.

Willowrun 01-03-2021 11:53 PM

Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
 
Interested in watching your progress.

SCOTI 01-08-2021 11:53 AM

Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
 
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Quote:

Originally Posted by superchevy (Post 8858179)
now it's Jan 2021 and time to build it...rolled into the shop...working on the rear of the truck first...I still need to trim off 5" of the rear of the frame so the short bed will fit...i did get the rear crossmember relocated forward...here's a pic of the 1" lift shackle...that's right, I'm going up instead of lower on this one....now for a new diff cover, brake lines ordered, new rear brakes, some paint

Curious about this.... What brand did you use? Did the shackle fit the leaf properly?

superchevy 01-09-2021 06:01 PM

Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
 
Hey SCOTI, not sure yet as haven't installed it yet. I've got to rebuild the front suspension and install some new front springs with coil spring spacers...I need to see what the front end height is before I do the rear....limited options on the front for 2wd

SCOTI 01-10-2021 01:42 PM

Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by superchevy (Post 8861497)
Hey SCOTI, not sure yet as haven't installed it yet. I've got to rebuild the front suspension and install some new front springs with coil spring spacers...I need to see what the front end height is before I do the rear....limited options on the front for 2wd

I bought/used some Western Chassis units that required 're-shaping' so they would work. Was curious if it was isolated or if it was more common.

superchevy 01-17-2021 09:07 PM

Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
 
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Got a little time to work on her today....what do you do when the shoes are up in the drums and the adjuster hole plugs are rusted in? You get the angle grinder out and some access to the shoes/springs/retainers....

superchevy 01-17-2021 09:10 PM

Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
 
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after getting the drums off, I could get the axles so I could replace the bearings and seals...simple right? mr. cross shaft pin said not so fast....ugh

superchevy 01-17-2021 09:13 PM

Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
 
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finally got the new bearings and seals installed....now to get some new brake hardware and finish the rear...

superchevy 01-24-2021 06:20 PM

Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
 
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with the new axle bearings and seals in, and a new diff lock bolt installed, I was able to get the new diff cover on and filled this weekend....also got the new shoes and brake hardware installed....getting closer

superchevy 02-24-2021 09:28 AM

Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
 
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Got the rear brake lines run, rear leaf springs and u bolts back together, new shocks and hardware

superchevy 02-24-2021 09:30 AM

Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
 
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the rear of the chassis is now complete and detailed...time to move to the front

superchevy 02-24-2021 09:32 AM

Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
 
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Finally got nearly all of the new suspension and steering parts in

superchevy 02-24-2021 09:34 AM

Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
 
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time to get the front clip disassembled...got a start on it last night

JJH Jimmy 02-24-2021 01:25 PM

Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by superchevy (Post 8865805)
after getting the drums off, I could get the axles so I could replace the bearings and seals...simple right? mr. cross shaft pin said not so fast....ugh

I think every open diff that I took apart that bolt was broke? The work on the back end looks great!

superchevy 02-24-2021 04:07 PM

Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
 
Thanks! I got lucky on that bolt, lol. I was able to use a pick and rotate it out. Should've bought a lottery ticket that day!

superchevy 02-28-2021 06:16 PM

Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
 
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got the front clip fully disassembled and the 454/T400 out to rebuild

superchevy 02-28-2021 06:20 PM

Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
 
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today started stripping the interior...

superchevy 03-02-2021 09:35 AM

Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
 
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I got the passenger door disassembled yesterday evening. I think I'm going to reuse the lower carpet/panel trims as both sides are near mint.

superchevy 03-02-2021 09:36 AM

Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
 
1 Attachment(s)
door panel carpet

SCOTI 03-02-2021 10:15 AM

Re: '78 GMC SC 454/T400 long to short bed build
 
This is coming completely apart :eek:


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