The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts 4x4 conversion

Anybody convert one of these big bolts to 4x4? If so what type axles and running gear did you use? I think these trucks would make great monster trucks. thanks

Amber,
the Grave Digger is cool ! ..but a panel ..never seen a MONSTER TRUCK AD ..would be neat ..

What are your plans; do you want it streetable or strictly show? If you want to build the biggest street truck you first need to find out what the laws are in your state. A few states now do not allow any suspension modifications some don't care what you do as long as it falls in with the federal rags most have height restrictions some with bumper height some with lighting height. Washington State has bumper height laws that change with the GVW purchased for the vehicle, witch tells me that my state is more interested in laws to generate revenue than safety (That is why I drive a lifted S-10 that I buy 8000lds for, not that I would put 8000lds in it but it‘s not legal here at 6000lds) but that is beside the point.
But first you must decide what it is that you want. Then find out if it is legal, it would suck to put your hart and sole in to something to find out you can't drive it. Once you know where you are going with the project then you can start panning what running gear is going to suit you best.

Possible axles for a 4X4 big bolt can be found in a new 4X4 Chevy medium duty truck, like a 4500. I am told the fronts are Dana 70's, they are high pinion axles and do have nice disc brakes.
The rears are usually Rockwell axles, same disc brakes.
Bolt pattern for the smaller GVW trucks is a metric hub piloted 8 lug, but it's pretty big. Wheels are available in 19.5 or 22.5". I had a rear axle like this that I put under a 61 ford, nice axle.

Depending on what truck you use the axles may need to be narrowed, takes some work, but its not impossible.

If you install four wheel drive, will you then want more power than your old Stovebolt 6 can provide? What are your engine plans?

Grigg

I was thinking of building up a working truck usable for hauling, pulling, and some off road type work like fire wood and getting up into the snow. Utility is what im looking for. Im thinking of using modern 1 ton running gear with a 55-57 44oo body and frame.

You might be able to find what you need on an old military truck. That will be cool, as you already have the bigger fenders, and heavy duty frame.

John

I am getting ready to do the same thing with my 49 2ton.I have spent the last 2 years saving money and collecting parts.I have my truck apart and stored ready to go back together.Keep us posted on your progress.As soon as weather breaks here in indiana I will be on here alot with HELP ME questions.Good luck and keep truckin
Brent

I have a WW II military frame and drive train. I believe it may have been a military ambulance. It is a 2 ton dually, but it has a short frame. It had a 48 Chevy carryall body put on it in the 1950's, but was never finished. I have photos of the carryall body on it and it fit very good. It was set up for an Olds V-8. Will sell drive train and frame for $600. I have a cousin going to California soon and he could deliver. I also have photos of the frame as is now. 785-738-8714 cell

It's been done before. My 56 4400 has a Napco drivetrain. You can see it in the gallery.

I'll be looking at a couple of Ford Napco converted ex-road maintainence trucks later this spring. They're from the mid 50's era and should supply me with a better truck for plowing snow. The cool factor would be a bonus too,
Scott