Re: Sum Old Parts -72- 2wd conversion
 

Wow Ed......Looking good! Glad to see it coming together.

Re: Sum Old Parts -72- 2wd conversion
 

Thanks Richard and also Pete and Jim for the kind words...Its been a trial, got a few bugs mostly self inflicted. Working on smoothing and painting the Hard top now.

Re: Sum Old Parts -72- 2wd conversion
 

Ed....how hard was it to do the trailing arms? Thinking of doing the same, any hints

Re: Sum Old Parts -72- 2wd conversion
 

Hey Jim Trailing arms are not too bad, all the extra's make it worse than it should be. Parking Brake cable, axle saddles and Spring perches need to be different. Shocks I moved the stock mount back a couple inches and it seems to work. I have an extra set of trailing arms and cross member if you decide to go this route...Ed.

Re: Sum Old Parts -72- 2wd conversion
 

Thanks Ed. for the info., i may take you up on the offer, the only part i m having a problem wrapping my head around is the transverse arm. I found a rear end outta a '96 tahoe for 150.00, so all i have to work out is the coil overs. Were there OEM holes in the frame for the cross member, i see you have demension sheet, and did you work off of that

How s the truck running.....

Re: Sum Old Parts -72- 2wd conversion
 

Spec sheet is a big help, maybe a couple holes line up. Not a simple bolt it right up kind of deal. Blazer Runs very well, needs some weight in the back, and maybe some drop springs to level it out.

Re: Sum Old Parts -72- 2wd conversion
 

Thanks alot for the info. and past help, got me past a sticky situation. I think i ll go down the trailing arm road after i get the engine running, lots and lots of wiring right now

Re: Sum Old Parts -72- 2wd conversion
 

What did you find the easiest way was to install that front crossmember in the correct spot? What did you measure off of?

I might be converting my blazer.

Re: Sum Old Parts -72- 2wd conversion
 

Some of the bolt holes lined up, took as many measurements as possible off of spec sheet, center of radiator support 21 7/8" to center of 2wd cross member. I used cross member from an 1982. LMK if you need other measurements.....Ed

Re: Sum Old Parts -72- 2wd conversion
 

Thank you. Any photos of the front crossmember installation you can provide?

The measurement of 21 7/8 is that measuring straight across or somewhat diagonal following the frame line?

Re: Sum Old Parts -72- 2wd conversion
 

Photos are not a great help on placement...All layout should be done strait and level with the frame, keep in mind wheel base 104" so you have a starting point in the back. Mark the center of the rear axle and measure forward on each side, scribe a line on the frame. Double check across with a square on each end, and diagonally if possible someone here said 105" looks to be better for centering wheels, matter of preference. But may give you more room in the engine placement. I also used 1/2" blocks on top of frame for engine stands.

Re: Sum Old Parts -72- 2wd conversion
 

Thanks for the help.

I was thinking of getting the frame level. Then use a laser plumb-bob to precisely measure the lengths on the floor transferring them up onto the frame

Moving the front cross member forward, wouldn't that cause issues with other stuff lining up? Or were you talking about the rear?

Re: Sum Old Parts -72- 2wd conversion
 

Keep as close to 104" is the best bet, Layout on the floor would work well then transfer measurements up. If you do a rear axle flip, it would greatly simplify your build. Rear leaf springs and shocks ready to go

Re: Sum Old Parts -72- 2wd conversion
 

I will be swapping In rear trailing arms. Probably use the no limit shock relocater kit.

Re: Sum Old Parts -72- 2wd conversion
 

Bump - any updated pics Ed? Best, Pete

Re: Sum Old Parts -72- 2wd conversion
 

Not a big fan of the 1973 front ends.If your don't have a press its not a do at your house job I like the screw in bushings only press or air hammer needed is for the upper ball joints and the bottom ball joints

Re: Sum Old Parts -72- 2wd conversion
 

Been almost 2 yrs, completely changed out the drivetrain. 3 speed Saginaw was decent, my old left knee complained about the clutch. ......Donor, 1993 Caprice wagon 5.7 TBI 4L60. rear 273.....Electronic fuel pump modified from original tank into a Boyd side fill.

Re: Sum Old Parts -72- 2wd conversion
 

Cleaned up the frame, bought a used shock cross member made adjustments to add drop brackets, also added trans cross member in new location.

Re: Sum Old Parts -72- 2wd conversion
 

Cut, and reused poly fuel lines, they were just long enough and worked well for the 1st 25 yrs, new poly body bushings. Set the body back on the frame. Wiring for the TBI was a Howell H242....reused as much of the donor parts as possible. Computer, dash etc...

Re: Sum Old Parts -72- 2wd conversion
 

Different trans requires new drive shaft. Electronic OD trans means electronic speedo....Built a custom dash bezel out of the Caprice, Modified glove box door, cut fit most of the original piece behind it.

Re: Sum Old Parts -72- 2wd conversion
 

Added a oil pressure gauge and amp meter,

Re: Sum Old Parts -72- 2wd conversion
 

Also eliminated the duel exhaust...X pipe and all, too much low rumble vibration. Reused 2.5 stainless pipe, tucked up in the frame as much as possible. 2 stainless mufflers, 1 in the back as the resonator. Quiet ride still has a nice sound to it...Been driving regularly for about a year. Not much I would change about it, smooth, reliable, easy to drive, about 17mpg.....Cheers....Ed.

Re: Sum Old Parts -72- 2wd conversion
 

Your truck is one nice looking build. One day I hope to have another car that can go topless. Used to have a little Wrangler, but these full sized trucks are fun

Re: Sum Old Parts -72- 2wd conversion
 

Found this when searching GOOGLE:

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=617703

Re: Sum Old Parts -72- 2wd conversion
 

This build checks all the right boxes: year, make, model, 2WD, No X pipe ha ha, quality work, clever solutions, etc.

but hey the 90's called and want their SBC back, time for an LS Swap (or let us guess, you done did it already but are waiting 2 years to post the pics, ha ha)

seriously fantastic rig, and such good good work! love it