Project Task Force 57 4x4

[gmjim4x4]

I am new on the forum. I decided to put my 57 chevy 2wd to 4wd project on a build thread. Hoping for some input as I try and finish it! The photo's I have put on are what I have done so far.

[gmjim4x4]

The pictures with the cab corners are after I welded them in and then leaded around the welding. I have an NP 205, 465 Tranny combo with Dana44 and Corporate 12 bolt all out of a 79 shortbox donor. It was a 100$ for the donor pkup and only had to replace some seals and brake parts.

[argonaut]

Looking good!

[wyomech]

I really like what you have done ,it will be cool to see this truck on the road.

[meter swinger]

Any updates on this?
Posted via Mobile Device

[gmjim4x4]

I have done some work! and I will have pics in the next couple days....

[mvitale27]

Jim, I am doing a similar 4x4 swap. Looking for a Dana 44 and Corporate 12 as we speak. I know I will have to relocate spring perches but do the lower shock mounts line up? If not, what did you do to fix this issue? Thanks

[gmjim4x4]

I did not relocate the spring perches. My Dana 44 came from a 79 chevy 1/2 ton. My 12 bolt corporate came from the same truck, and did not move the perches on the rear either.If you look at my pictures really close you can see that I left the shock brackets on the 44 and the Corp12 in the stock locations and adapted the 57 frame for the top shock brackets. The rears were simple...just stuck a new bolt in the frame. The front was a little more complicated but not very difficult. The front may be an issue if you keep the stock steering. My main issue with the whole build has been the steering. I put power steering using a saginaw box that was from 73-85 chevy 4x4's and it limits you tire size and turning right! I would suggest you go a different route. It looks to me that you can use your original steering setup and use a Toyota steering box for power steering. Orrie G has some info on that type of setup...or he knows were it is on this website. I think classic industries have the box that works for this setup. Good Luck

[mvitale27]

Thanks for the reply. I was under the impression that the perch to perch distances were different but that may have been when I was considering a different donor. Good info on the spring perches and shock mounts! I have been looking into the CPP power steering kit since it keeps the box in the stock location, although I havent been hearing too many good things about CPP lately.

[gmjim4x4]

Added some more photographs of what I have been doing.....

[gmjim4x4]

Using the 1956 Hood and grill instead of the 57....yes, that is water and anti-freeze leaking out of the radiator:

[gmjim4x4]

One more of the 57/56 4x4....and a couple of my next project.....65 chevy donor for my 64 shortbox 4x4 frame....oh boy (thats what my wife says)

[gmjim4x4]

I am going to attempt to put a jeep CJ power steering box with crossover steering on my 57 Chevy 4x4 conversion. I will start by taking the main crossover out. The Jeep box bolts on the INSIDE of the frame. I just can't live with the 73-87 box that limits the right turning radius. If any one has any suggestions or warnings, please feel free to express your thoughts

[gmjim4x4]

Have done some work on the power steering for my 57 4x4 conversion. I am using a Jeep steering box (87-95). I also got the bracket attachment that goes to the box and would bolt onto the frame of the jeep wrangler. I got both these items off e-bay and they were very reasonable. I also got the steering shaft for the jeep wrangler set up. I am utilizing all three items. This is how it looked on the first mock-up. I have since moved the box toward the engine. I found out that the radiator when mounted would not clear the box.
I moved forward a couple inches and it seems like it will work better all the way around.

[gmjim4x4]

Here is a couple photo's with the box 2" back towards the the engine. I will be reinforcing the frame as well as securing the steering box once I have got the final location. (this looks to be it)