The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Tons 'o Fun 1950 GMC

I have my great grandfather’s 50 GMC 1 ton sitting out back collecting snow and dust, sadly. It does run, but only gets used, if at all, in the summer to move firewood. I’d like to turn the truck into an every day driver and something that is safer on the road in all seasons. It seems like a much better investment of a good chunk of money to keep a family heirloom working hard in the family than to blow it on a modern plastic truck. Living in Wyoming, however, a 2WD truck can only get me so far.

My question is this; has anyone here successfully put 4WD onto a 1ton AD truck? If so, how? This would obviously also come at the price of an engine swap with new suspension, etc., which is what I’m looking for. I’ve heard of doing frame swaps and am not opposed to that at all. I just want to know where to start, or if someone has a better idea of how to do it.

Any help is much appreciated! Thanks.

AD's must be raised to fit transfer case/driveline under the body. Look at what was done on '55 to '58's from the factory to get an idea. Front axle sticking out of fenders is a start on results.

Ed

Unless you’re using original NAPCO, Coleman, or otherwise period correct 4x4 parts that fit right and look appropriate I think you should stick with 2wd. Those front axles may have limited gear choices, making for a slow truck.
Otherwise as Ed point out it’s a lot of work and may not look that pleasing.

If the truck has been in the family for so long drastic changes may be a mistake, it’s only original once.

If you only swapped the rear axle for a 14 bolt you’d have faster gear choices and readily available Detroit locker, might get by with 2wd just fine. Read sticky thread about that swap.

Fair enough, thanks for the info guys.

I converted to a 14 bolt rear with a locker and it helped significantly in the snow season. Daily drove for 2 years (city and highway driving) with one instance we had with over a ft of snow, was parallel parked and able to get out without shoveling. Prior I couldn't even get out of iced over pavement.

Hey WyoFlyer, take a look at the Craigslist/eBay part of the Swap Meet section here on Stoveboldt. Interesting pictures of a '55 4wd GMC.

I've wondered about using a wagoneer dana44 front under one of our trucks. I think it would be narrow enough to look stock, but I haven't seen one done yet.

Have to raise an AD pretty high to have the frame, etc., clear the front diff., spoils the lines.

Ed