some advise needed

[CHEVY_FOREVER]

Looking to buy a 1972 4x4, love the look of these trucks. I currently have a 1982 4x4. Just wondering what differences other than the obvious looks I should be ready for... I don't know much about these 67-72s other than they look so nice. Just wondering what to expect. Thanks.

[mtdave2]

sence you are going with a 72, you will get the most goodies on your truck. things like front disk brakes are nice to have (they became standard in 71)

there is abolutly no computer stuff on these trucks, thats a good differance. most add an HEI distributor but thats not a big deal. so you wont have as many electric issues like the early 80s cars and trucks.

the rust spots are differant, only bad spots on use is the rockers, cab orners and floorbords.

another nice differance is very little smog crap on our trucks.. just a charcoal can! in most states thats all you need.

i guess the best things is, now youll have more class! hahahha

[lpaine]

Expect to get hooked on this web-site, for one thing. One other difference is the 67-72 uses an external voltage regulator which is probably best to eliminate and go to a one-wire internally regulated alternator. Do a search on this at the bottom of the board. Happy hunting for your "new" truck

[CHEVY_FOREVER]

I believe you when you say hooked, I am trust me. I have been checking out the other forum for my 82. I have just decided that if I am going to put my time and money into something it better be what I want. The 67-72 is what I like so I am planning on selling my 82 and getting a 72 I found not too far from me.

How does the 4wd work on the 72s do you have to get out and lock in the hubs?

[lpaine]

The 4-wd on these trucks is pretty basic, both of my 72 Jimmys I used to own used a new process 205 transfer case mounted at the back of the trans. This is a rugged transfer case cast iron (not aluminum, like the newer trucks use) Then you're half-shaft or drive shaft runs off of that to the front diff. I don't remember what the front diff mfr. was, maybe dana 44? They are not hard to i.d. though. There's a lot of guys on here with more knowledge on 4x4s than me, so you will certainly get more info on this subject. Oh yeah, the hubs on the 4wd are manual on these trucks. Hope this helps.

[CPNE]

Here is a 4wd primer. Some based on what I believe to be facts, and some based on personal observations. As with anything 67-72 someone will have seen something that will contradict this, and some things may have been mid-year changes or early year carry overs.

1. 67 and 68 had close knuckle dana 44 drum front ends. They also used different rear spring/hanger configuration than 69-72. They used a different locking hub these years too. The tcase used was a rockwell and no automatics were available. T case shift lever low bent to left. Shift pattern on roof sticker, spicer hub sticker on glovebox.
2. 69. Last year closed knuckle dana 44. Locking hubs changed to the version used throughout the 70's.
3. 70. First year of open knuckle dana 44, but still drums. First year automatics available with 4x4. First year NP205 xfer case used. T case shift lever moved to center of hump.
4. 71 and 72 went to disk brake open knuckle dana 44's. T case shift lever moved to right of hump and knob showed shift pattern.
No more stickers on roof or glovebox.

No 1 ton 4x4s were factory built.
No big block 4x4s were factory built.
3 speed column shift Blazers used a dana transfer case, all other 4x4's used either the rockwell or NP205.

Common rust areas on frame are LH side between rear cab mounts and arch for rear wheels. LH and RH side spring hangers. Watch out for frame cracks near steering box.

3/4 tons either had dana 60 or Eaton full floating rear ends. The dana is more desirable because of parts availability. Gear ratios were 3:08, 3:73, and 4:11 for 1/2 tons. 4:11 or 4:56 for 3/4 tons

I'm sure there is a lot I'm leaving out.