'69 ES5500 4wd build ("Bob")
 

Here goes,,,,,,,,
I've had this truck for awhile and am getting close to starting a BUILD
What I know (some info from p.o.)
1969 GMC ES5500 ES = butterfly hood,etc.
292 HiTorq L6 (LMAO, right?!?!?) 5 speed np540 single-speed rear
Divorced transfer case
4WD Eaton? axles approx 7.20 gears NapCo?
Originally was USAF auger truck
Shaft drive 30 ton Garwood winch up front
Hydraulic drive 30 ton Garwood winch mounted midships
900-20 x6 widowmakers
mileage = 18k
16' utility body which isn't in very good shape
'CREW' seating in the utility body

Going to build it (probably) into:
Bobbed ES-K5500 with dually bed from squarebody
Gooseneck & pintle & ball hitch systems
24v CityBus Cummins with Allison slush-o-matic
Refurbed original winches
ReGear front & rear pumpkins to be interstate capable
New wiring completely
Modern tires & wheels


Original ad and photos:
http://www.craigslistadsaver.com/view.php?name=USAF5500

Nothing is set in stone as problems arise, the plans may have to be revised.
More narrative and photos as it progresses. I'll have ?s as I go, and hope for input and opinions as well.
Thanks for looking!

MODS: Please move this if I posted in the wrong spot

Re: '69 ES5500 4wd build ("Bob")
 

i remeber you getting this .

cool build .

only problem i see is getting gear sets for them old axles . but good luck .

Re: '69 ES5500 4wd build ("Bob")
 

Thanks sweetK30,

3 alternatives to that ratio come to mind:
a.) Overdrive unit (selective, for rear only) would effectively take it to 5.05 gear
($,$$$)

b.) Swap in the nice K30 axle sets I have in an '89 roller (14FF/D60)
(a lot of work if they would even fit right, plus BIG wheels/tires/adapters
even bigger $,$$$) :barf:

c.) BB motor and forget the interstate capability.
(about 3400 rpm @55 mph)

Re: '69 ES5500 4wd build ("Bob")
 

Interesting truck. I seem to remember it too. I may have already commented, but I never can remember seeing a 5500 with Wide Fenders. They usually have the Narrow ones. Maybe because of the 4-WD?

Re: '69 ES5500 4wd build ("Bob")
 

Man! There was a 72 dump bed about 10 miles from my house that looked just like this but everything was different. It started off at $2k then dropped to 1200 the last time I seen a price. I really thought about buying it just because I like the front end. I decided not to since my C60 still needs my cash too badly.

Re: '69 ES5500 4wd build ("Bob")
 

Well, been digging around and then some. Axle ratio is limited to either 6.13 or 7.17 - ONLY. Very specific setup... that redlines me at 55mph with the Cummins @1.1 (not good news)
I'm removing the 292 and swapping it into my '80 K20 due to losing a hose and overheating.
Maybe I should just swap in a 366 I have (41K on the dump truck motor), at least be able to pull hard and not blow up a big $ diesel.
Opinions/recommendations/guidance still welcome!

Re: '69 ES5500 4wd build ("Bob")
 

This is the first thing that comes to my mind. https://www.scsgearbox.com/product-c...ransfer-cases/
Or some other transfer case. The SCS you can pretty much get any gearing you want it to have in it to get you where you want to be speed and rpm wise without getting into the front and rear axle. They're not cheap but neither is doing an axle swap, regearing 2 diffs.
Just an option from one guy

Re: '69 ES5500 4wd build ("Bob")
 

i dont think there made for ext road use .

and there locked 4x4 all the time if i recall . and fixed ratio so no high or low .

Re: '69 ES5500 4wd build ("Bob")
 

Fixed ratio, yes. There is a version of it that allows 2wd and 4wd. If I recall correctly they've never had a failure. It was worth mentioning as a possible option or find a different transfer case with a lower ratio.

In any case trying to be able to go faster here will be no cheap option since gear sets are limited on his truck of he wants to stay with the stock axles. If not.. still not cheap.

Re: '69 ES5500 4wd build ("Bob")
 

Appreciate the input, for sure! The SCS setup is super cool and would be a contender if I keep the original axles under.
Been looking at "Drill Sergeant" as a model of sorts. I have a '89 K30 roller with low mileage that could be donated; for MY purposes the 14FF and Dana 60 (4.10) combo would work,,,, and then come the wheels/tires so as mentioned, $$$ either way.
Plan to remove the front clip extract the 292 in the next week or so, and figure out if I have to cut the box into pieces for scrap or crane the whole thing off and send it. Either way, condition isn't good enough to reuse it.
Looks like about 5' can come off the frame, putting new wheelbase at nearly pickup length.
These 2 pics are from the front axle. Napco?