Re: 55 2nd serie GMC
 

Not doing to much this past couple a weeks. Next is the rear diff work i will be replacing the axle bearings, seals and finish welding the four link brackets. I have been trying to ID this diff for a while now but i still have no idea what it came out off. It came with the truck when i purchased it so i'm trying to make it work for my build. It has 2.73 gears in it, date code is H268 which should be Aug 26 1968. How are those gears going to work out with the 5.3 and 4l60e??

Re: 55 2nd serie GMC
 

That rearend looks very wide... How wide is it from backing plate to backing plate?

The 5.3 and 4l60e will like a 3:73 allot better... IMO it is way to high of a gear...

Re: 55 2nd serie GMC
 

Ive definately never seen a diff. cover like that. Looks like you could paint the top brown.. put some googly eyes and a mouth on it, and your differential is turned into a dude with a chilli bowl!

Re: 55 2nd serie GMC
 

it is an 8.2" gm rear. not too strong, but could be ok, depending on your hp expectations.

Re: 55 2nd serie GMC
 

2.73 with od trans is great for cruising but you will spend a lot of time in 2nd and 3rd in town. Nothing off the line. My 64 Chevelle has 3.08, I upgraded to a TH350 from PG to get lower first gear and its still a dog in town. 3.73 with OD trans works well.

Re: 55 2nd serie GMC
 

Thanks for the info guys, i'm running stock 5.3 vortec /4l60E. I'm realy not building a race car here, i just want a nice highway cruiser easy on gas. i live out of town and drive 60 miles every day to go to work.

Re: 55 2nd serie GMC
 

then you will want the 3:73.. If you keep the stockers you are going to have to shove your foot through the floorboard to pass someon..

Also something to keep in mind is that the weight of the vehicle plays a roll in gear ratio's along with HP...

A lighter vehicle needs less gear... Also it has always been a rule for performace minded vehicles that 2900 lbs is max weight of a car with a glide...

Re: 55 2nd serie GMC
 

Here the latest work on engine and tranny mounts.
A few months back I had the engine set up with late model mounts with clamp shell type bracket but i didn't like the way the engine sat. It was too low I had issues with tie rod ends touching the pan, p/steering pulley touching the steering box, so i decided to start all over. Fabricated the engine bracket as per the schematic i got from LS tech, bought new early style energy suspension mounts and solid frame bracket for early camaro.
Attachment 454222
Attachment 454223
I'm much happier with this set up now. Looks a lot more professional and it raised the engine about 3/4". I now have good clearance with the steering box and the tie rod ends.
Attachment 454224
Attachment 454225
Attachment 454228

Re: 55 2nd serie GMC
 

Here the tranny crossmember. I made 1 1/2" spacer to be able to have about 4 degres of tilt on the engine.
Attachment 454233
Energy suspension mount here also, the factory rubber mount was way too flexible.
Attachment 454234

Re: 55 2nd serie GMC
 

I like those mounts better also You say you got alot of your info from LSTECH.COM? I am a member on LS1TECH.com....just curious of they were the same site...Trucks is looking good!

Re: 55 2nd serie GMC
 

Yes, I'm a member there also. Just a typo.

Re: 55 2nd serie GMC
 

Real nice truck, but I have to ask about the tractor with the loader, is that a W6?

Re: 55 2nd serie GMC
 

Picture did not come with the reply....

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1229477312

Re: 55 2nd serie GMC
 

1957 international 650, diesel. Looks like W6 but a little younger.

Re: 55 2nd serie GMC
 

Here is the latest, working on the tailgate linkage kit I got from Mar-K last week. You got to be very precise in all the measurements and cuts. Tolerances are very tight but it was very simple to install.
Attachment 458720
Attachment 458721
Attachment 458722
Attachment 458728


Last picture is the new diff i got today, 2005 Blazer 4x4 discs brake and 3:73 gears. It a little narrow for my liking but i may use a different offset for the back.
Attachment 458727

Re: 55 2nd serie GMC
 

Your project is coming around nice. I need to find one of those rear ends.

Re: 55 2nd serie GMC
 

What's the width of the 4X4 rear? Thanks!

Re: 55 2nd serie GMC
 

The blazer 4x4's are 59" hub to hub.

Re: 55 2nd serie GMC
 

Got it! Thanks GRIMSS!!

Re: 55 2nd serie GMC
 

I was actually looking for a ZR2 rear diff. I read somewhere that there even wider then the regular 4x4 . Do anyone know how wide is a ZR2 diff.

Re: 55 2nd serie GMC
 

I have 63" writen down for the ZR2 but don't know where I found it.

Re: 55 2nd serie GMC
 

What wheel should i use? front or rear one

Re: 55 2nd serie GMC
 

Here is the new rear end muck up. I don't like where the caliper sit, it touch's the edge of the box side when the suspension is all the way down.

Re: 55 2nd serie GMC
 

I would go with an old camaro rally wheel or something along those line. I just like the look of the old stock steelies

Re: 55 2nd serie GMC
 

Nice progress JML
The calipers look good.
I like the front wheels, but then I like anything that shines
BTW nice shop :metal: