This 3/4 ton GMC was found and purchased by the current owner in 2019 out of the southwest, where the truck had reportedly been since new. As such, the frame and body both were in incredible shape overall with zero rust or rot. The previous owner had began to convert the suspension to a "prerunner" set-up, while maintaining the 4x4 components. The original engine had been replaced with a carbureted 454, and some of the rollcage structure had been installed. Once transported to it's new home in North Carolina, the truck was road tested (read: jumped!), and the prior aftermarket steering linkage failed. Repaired and re-tested, and the steering failed a second time. At this point, the owner decided to take the truck down to a bare frame and rebuild from scratch.
The frame was stripped, a number of unused holes welded shut, suspension pick-up points added, reinforced and/or boxed, then fully painted. A custom 4-link rear suspension was designed and fabricated to replace the 3-link that was in place. A cross-over steering linkage was built with .250 wall tubing, fully adjustable arms, and greaseable tie rods, linked to a new intermediate shaft with Precision joints. A close-ratio steering gear box, and new tilt-able steering column rounded out the steering components. The 1-ton axles were removed, stripped, and fully rebuilt: A Dana 60 king-pin up front, and 14-bolt rear, trussed and reinforced. New 4.10 gears, and Detroit lockers installed in both axles. An adjustable Anti-Rock rear swaybar was installed on fabricated mounts. Beard Suspension limiting straps and Bilstein adjustable bump stops were installed, and now with the long-arm suspension, and long-travel Fox coilovers with their custom mounts, the truck retains a 12" front, and 16" rear usable travel!
The old 454 was discarded, and a 6.2 liter LS3 engine sourced. The engine was torn down to a bare block, machined and honed, then fully rebuilt. The standard bore was kept, but new rod and main bearings installed with ARP hardware. Cylinder heads were worked over slightly with some porting. New GM Performance hydraulic roller lifters and performance valve springs were installed, and a Chevrolet Performance Hot Cam added. The FiTec Engine management was chosen for it's programming versatility, and to aesthetically work in the bay, as at a glance, it looks like a carburetor. An Edelbrock/MSD programmable ignition, and custom exhaust round out the engine bay. The transmission is a new TH400 from TCI, with a 3000rpm torque converter, and a manual valve body in reverse shift pattern. An auxiliary transmission cooler was added behind the cab, and plumbed into the trans with high-quality hoses, and an electric fan that is tied into the key-on position. A new Process 205 gear-to-gear transfer case was installed, and brand new long-travel driveshafts were made for the front and rear with high-quality joints, and a double-cardan at the transfer case for the longer rear shaft. The end result is a completely vibration-free driveline, even at highway speeds. 4-wheel disc brakes were installed, and a custom hydroboost set-up allows for shockingly good, and even braking power.
The cab, nose, and bedsides were stripped down to bare metal, then repainted in Seafoam Green with a white roof, and an overall satin finish. The interior cab was then painted in a Pewter color, with the entirety of the rollcage structure painted separately in white. The look ends up being very dynamic, and draws positive attention anywhere it is parked or driven. All new glass and exterior rubber were installed when re-assembling the body. The truck was completely re-wired from scratch using a new Painless kit, and a new fuse panel installed. As such, everything electrical on the truck works flawlessly, from the ProComp gauges, to the exterior lights and electric cooler fan. The Vintage Air system gives this truck a heat and a/c set-up that is simple to use, and matches the interior aesthetic, while performing more like a modern a/c system. There are many more details in the build than what's listed here. New hardware throughout the majority of the truck, calculations made for the swing and arc of the suspension travel, true bead-lock wheels, the suspension seats with custom upholstery.. the list goes on for days.
But the best part? The truck actually works like it should! It is a turn-key driver that can be used around town, and sit comfortably in traffic while running cool. In the same stroke, it can be absolutely ^launched^ over dunes or jumps, and soak up the landings and bumps with ease. The shocks are adjustable for stiffness, so you can even alternate between street duty and off-road play. All the while driving in the comfort of the bucket seats, in an air-conditioned cab. This is easily the most unique vehicle I've been lucky enough to have my hands on and experience. An awesome opportunity to add a real driver to the stable, or accent a personal collection!