63 Chevy SWB converting to 4x4
 

Just starting this build thread so other guys can help with ideas, or get ideas for their own trucks.I traded for this truck last summer and also purchased a 87 chevy suburban that was wrecked in the frontend.I am doing this on a tight budget for now so I am trying to use as many parts off the donor as possible.I started in october by removing the rear end and replaced it with the one from the suburban so I had to cut off the spring perches and build some that were angled to fit below the trailing arms.At that point I got sick went to the doctor and ended up having stomach and intestine surgery so everything got put on hold for about 3 months.Now that the weather is warming up and I am feeling better I'm trying to get going on this project again I haven't taken many pictures but will try to get more as I go.

Re: 63 Chevy SWB converting to 4x4
 

I then removed the front spring mounts and shackle hangers from the suburban and I was going to try and use the rear 52 inch springs under the front as it should give give me at least 4 inches of lift but discovered the springs were broken so I got some from a friend.I temporarily clamped them to the frame so I could set the front clip back on and make sure the axle was where I wanted it in the wheel opening

Re: 63 Chevy SWB converting to 4x4
 

well I built some front spring hangers for my 52 inch springs.I had some 3 inch by 1/4 angle that I used and they turned out heavier than I had planned, but I guess overkill is a good thing with suspension parts. My daughter is graduating this weekend so the truck is on hold for a few days. Next I need to figure out the rear shackles and mounts, I am going to try and use the ones off the suburban, I'm not sure if I can grind them down shorter to match the narrower springs or if I need to build new ones?

Re: 63 Chevy SWB converting to 4x4
 

Nice work!!!! I have an extra set of rear leaf spring mounts. IIRC they are from a 73-87 1/2 ton truck. I can snap some pics if you want or they can be yours if you want.

Re: 63 Chevy SWB converting to 4x4
 

Thanks for the offer but I should have the mounts I need ,just a matter of figuring out how to make them work.This is my parts donor so I should have everything I need, just need lots of time !

Re: 63 Chevy SWB converting to 4x4
 

spent the afternoon pulling the 350 ,700r4 ,and 208 out of the donor ,it needs a good cleaning !

Re: 63 Chevy SWB converting to 4x4
 

I got the holes in the frame welded shut, ground the shackle hangers down so they would match the spring width better and got them mounted on the frame.Next I need to mount the steering box, it looks like I will need to use a dropped pitman arm. Does anyone know of any other type vehicle that uses a dropped arm that I could find at a salvage yard that would fit my 87 steering gear ?

Re: 63 Chevy SWB converting to 4x4
 

I got the crossmember and motor mounts cleaned up and test fit. I had to cut about a 1/2 inch off the top as the 63 frame is not as tall as the 87.

Re: 63 Chevy SWB converting to 4x4
 

next I am going to try and get some of the tar or undercoating off the firewall. I dont think its original and I am going to try a heat gun as its a 1/2 inch thick in spots

Re: 63 Chevy SWB converting to 4x4
 

I walked out the door this morning and it dawned on me that I might have a slight addiction to old chevys HAHA ,probably should get some counseling !

Re: 63 Chevy SWB converting to 4x4
 

It took quite a while but I finally got most of the junk cleaned off ,the heat gun got the most of it and the 85 octane got the rest of it .

Re: 63 Chevy SWB converting to 4x4
 

Nice work!!! Can you snap some pics of the engine mounts you had to modify? I'm going to be using the same set up from an 86 burb I scavenged some parts off of too. Unfortunately, my 63 is on hold while I take care of some other things. Thanks!!!

Re: 63 Chevy SWB converting to 4x4
 

All I did was cut them off with a air saw then I took the top piece and beat it flat then I trimmed it off till it fit on top and welded it back on.I am going to clean the front of the frame and firewall and then just spray bomb them as it will be a daily driver but I want them cleaned up before I install the engine.

Re: 63 Chevy SWB converting to 4x4
 

Awesome, Thanks!!!

Re: 63 Chevy SWB converting to 4x4
 

I cleaned and painted the frame with rustoleum and painted the firewall behind the engine and set the crossmember and mounts in the frame loose. Then decided to set the engine in as I was really curious as how everything is going to line up. I was worried that I wouldnt be able to install the whole thing as one unit,but it went in fairly easily

Re: 63 Chevy SWB converting to 4x4
 

Well I finally got all of my cross member bolt holes drilled and bolts installed.Next thing I want to do is hook up the steering box and swap in the column from the 87.After looking at it today it looks like I am going to need a raised steering arm. I looked at some on Ebay and there is a lot of difference in prices does anyone know if there is lot of difference in quality? I would like to find one that's reasonable but not at the risk of loosing my steering !

Re: 63 Chevy SWB converting to 4x4
 

Tonight after work I removed the original steering column and brake master cylinder,next I need to remove the brake and clutch pedals and then I can swap in the tilt column and brake booster from the suburban

Re: 63 Chevy SWB converting to 4x4
 

This morning I made a template for the steering gear and cut one out of 1/4 inch plate.I used the factory spacers that go on the inside of the frame and cut off 3/8 of an inch and welded that piece to the plate.I used the lower front hole that was in the frame and drilled the other 3 holes

Re: 63 Chevy SWB converting to 4x4
 

I got the steering gear mounted and lined it up with a broom handle where the column goes It worked out pretty good as I could use the factory lines.

Re: 63 Chevy SWB converting to 4x4
 

Well I spent the afternoon replacing the steering arm with one from pro-comp it was just as big of a pain as I remembered them to be,working in 100 degree heat with a big hammer is just not a lot of fun!

Re: 63 Chevy SWB converting to 4x4
 

Nice work. I wish the weather was better so I could make some progress on my 63.

Re: 63 Chevy SWB converting to 4x4
 

it has been extremely hot here for the last two weeks ,around 100 everyday.We have a forest fire burning just west of us that has burned over 90,000 acres,our visibility is only about a 1/2 mile because of the smoke !

Re: 63 Chevy SWB converting to 4x4
 

You are getting some counseling! You are here with your fellow addicts discussing your problem. LOL
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Re: 63 Chevy SWB converting to 4x4
 

Here are some pics to compare the steering columns and the brackets for the pedals,I haven't decided whether to try and remove the support brace from the suburban firewall yet,it looks like it might be welded and glued

Re: 63 Chevy SWB converting to 4x4
 

It will come off. It will work for keeping your steering column in the right place and if you add the brake booster it really works nice. If you are going with an auto transmission with single brake pedal, I would go with it and bolt the pedal attachment to it also. Just my 2 cents. I added it to my 57 4x4 build and I think it helped.