The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline '65 GMC 4x4 with '72 steering box & front axle ???

Just bought a pristine '65 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4. Owner said a '72 front axle (with the matching gears)and power steering were swapped in.
There is a 3/4" shim on the back side of the steering box (end closest to the firewall).
I don't see a clearance issue if it's removed. Ummmmmm the shim is a 1"x4" piece of pine. If it's needed, I'll get a proper shim and tac weld in place. And YES, it will be thick wall tubing (steel).


ALSO if we decide to get a lift kit, what year do I get????

[IMG]http://i44.tinypic.com/246qbl1.jpg[/IMG]

Cool truck! Can't answer the shim question but I would go out on a limb and say a piece of pine isn't good to have holding your steering together!

I would think the lift kit would be for a 65, not a 72 if that is what you were worried about. Those truck look good with an additional 2-3 inches, after that it starts looking like your compensating for something...

Chevrolet used wood blocks on factory NAPCO 4x4's from '57-'59. They used them as spacers on the front rubber bump-stops. I don't know what kind of wood they used, but I've never seen them rot out.

Now there is an interesting tid bit. They used wood spacers under the bed wood on pre 55.2 Chevy's.

May we see a pic if steering gear set up Trying to do the same to a 62 with a 85 front member nice truck !

Sorry Dado, didn't get notification that you replied.

The truck is at our Washington property tore apart. We had to fly back to our daily jobs in Alaska. Heading back Friday (May 4th) to get painted , assemble, and taken to the ferry. I ordered the conversion plates from a vendor here. (4-5-6 Chevy trucks).

I'll post pictures to this link: http://tinypic.com/useralbum.php?ua=%2FsWM6d3EfQSJyURn0xCUhg%3D%3D
(Disregard the picts of the orange parts. Not mine.)

Here it is all finished. Time to enjoy it!!
[IMG]http://i48.tinypic.com/157ci21.jpg[/IMG]

That is a sweet looking truck! Enjoy it!

Sounds like they didn't want to buy or build an adapter plate to mount the steering box. Be sure keep an eye on the bolt torques! Since there is constant load fluctuation against the frame where the box mounts the wood will eventually compress and wear resulting in loose bolts, and then cause bigger problems! Good looking truck! like the color choice, it looks right on there.