1966 GMC K10 Suburban Project

[Ol Blue K20]

I just found this build. I'm on board to watch.

[aotte1]

Dale,
Glad to have you onboard.

Les

[aotte1]

66’ GMC K10 Axles
Following are photos from 1966 GMC Suburban K10, FWD. Dana 44 closed knuckle front axle, and Dana rear axle. Gear ratio is 3.54. Some photos may be repeat, providing as a summary of axle information. The last photo shows a unique feature on GMCs, it is the bracket, that the front axle u-bolts attach to. This GMC bracket is much taller, then the same on chevrolet 4WDs.

[aotte1]

More axle photos;
The close up photo of front axle shows brakes have adjusters.

[aotte1]

Additional photos on axles. The first photo shows front Dana 44 axle being checked out. Going to need total rebuild. Going to take some time to acquire the needed parts. More on rebuild later. Photos 2,3, and 4 are of 1977 Dana 44, that will be used until original is rebuilt. Dana 44 front axle component were upgraded over the years, 1976 was one of those upgrade years. The rear axle backing plates in photos 3 and 4, are 1/2 ton HD brakes with 2 3/4” shoes, they were standard on later 4WDs. Last photo shows original lock out hubs, with dirt on them, from 65’ 4WD.

[aotte1]

Frame Powder Coated

Picking up frame at powder coater, home in driveway, and in the garage, with a few parts for fitting out. The project is divided into two parts now, the frame and associated parts, and the body resting on a temporary suburban 2WD frame. Using extra 2WD frame to support/align body as sheet metal is repaired.

[aotte1]

Couple more photos, frame home and starting to fit out. Springs are next to be installed.

[72cs20]

I used to own one of these. It was a 65. So I'm looking forward to see how this one comes together. Nice work! Here is a pic of mine on a camping trip in the late 90's.

[aotte1]

72cs20,
The photo of your 65 GMC suburban 4WD is really nice, used camping, sure it was fun. How did you like driving it, especially on trails? Welcome aboard. It looks like a really nice suburban. Hoping to get many years of use out of this one, once back on the road. The body on this one is not nearly as nice as yours.
We had a new 1976 Chevy Blazer, used for camping too. Three of us, our young son loved camping. Blow up air mattress in back.
Enjoyed your 62’ C20 build thread, is their a write-up on your 66’ K20?

[72cs20]

Here is a post I made about my Suburban several years back -

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=722578 - Post number 4 and 6 in the thread.

Even though the body was straight, rust was really taking over. Especially above the windshield. Regarding the drivetrain, I went the modified route and it turned out to be a real nice driver on and off the pavement.

I have a build thread going for the K20 called " 1966 K20 adventure rig ". Should still be on Page one.

[aotte1]

[SIZE="5"]1966 Chevy/GMC Light Green PPG Paint Code 43523[/SIZE]

Trip to local PPG automotive paint store today, to purchase paint for 66 GMC Suburban, light green, code 43523. Doing this as my internet paint came, and color did not look correct. It look close to 1964 light green vs 1966. It was coded as 1964 color, ordered 1966. Technical discussion with internet company representative on correct 1966 color for “light green”. They used code 43244.
PPG chart uses 43523 for 1966. Will update color after spray some. New paint photo too.

[aotte1]

T221 Transfer Case

Rebuilding the Rockwell T221, generally in good condition for setting about 30 years. Their is some surface rust on certain surfaces of the gears, with a little light pitting, on a couple of spots. They easily cleaned up with light blasting with aluminum oxide 120 grit. Overall the gears/ shafts show little wear. Replacing the bearings and seals. With the gears and shafts fitting tight and not easily sliding on, during reassembly. The gears and shaft cogs were cleaned with emery paper wrapped around a file. Followed by the shaft being stored in freezer overnight. Next morning they easily went together.
Photos show some of the progress, along with couple of originals.

[aotte1]

Rockwell transfer case T-221 back together and painted. Used two different paints together for attempt at matching original color. Sprayed base first and let flash, then lightly misted second color. Certain parts in photo are not correct color, over spray on shift lever, and will be changed. Will add additional information on necessary modification to this cushion kit, when covering installation in the the frame.

Note: added a couple of diagrams 1). Showing exploded view of TC ; and 2). Shift range location.
Sorry for I-pad photo rotating.

[Ol Blue K20]

Transfer case looks good. Nice job!

[The Rocknrod]

Your doing a great job, thanks for the updates.

[aotte1]

Ol Blue K20 and Rocknrod,

Thanks for the support, appreciate the following.
Hope to get the 4WD springs and shackles rebuilt soon.

Les

[aotte1]

Springs, Shackle, and U-bolts
1966 GMC K10 suburban suspension information for springs, shackles, shocks, and U-bolts. History on suspension parts, appears to be fairly complete, without to much damage from use, or modification. Likely not used for past 30 years, and from south east. Some of these photos below are likely repeats from earlier post, contained here for suspension subject. A few of photos for subject completeness will be from 1964 Chevy K10. Last photo shows penetrating oil that works, and very worn rear shackle from 1964 K10.
Showing before photos, as reference that may help.

[aotte1]

Some close up details of rear shackle, its retaining pin, and pin removal. Last photo shows punch/hammer used to drive pin out, after nut removed, DRIVE OUT FROM NUT END!

[DPowers]

Always top notch work Les. Will have to get up that way and check it out again.

[aotte1]

Photos rear front spring eye pin and rear shackle/spring pins. First photo is from 1964 K10. Second photo shows shackle pin, starting to be driven out with brass drift from inside of frame. Drift and hammer used shown in first photo. Both driven out from inside frame. Arrows in last photo shows rear spring shackle pin. Like to soak all parts for days with penetrating oil before removal attempt.

[aotte1]

DPowers, always welcome. Look forward to getting together again.

[aotte1]

Front spring and parts cleaned, coated, and new parts. Will add details for each photo soon.

[aotte1]

Original springs cleaned and coated. Goes to use them for now, may replace after driving with stock modern design ones from Alcan Spring.

[aotte1]

Frame and several parts that go on frame cleaned and coated.

[Ol Blue K20]

Looking good...