SAS 1949 chevy (2wd to 4x4 conversion)?

duke daddy

New Member
Joined
Sep 12, 2012
hey guys, i am new. this is my first post. i know a bit about hot rods but nothing about 4x4s...
i have a 1949 chevy truck. is it feasible to do a SAS and convert to a 4x4?
i "assume" it could be done very much like the old NAPCO 4x4 conversions.
what are your thoughts?
 
I'm sure it is possible. How much do you know about custom fab work cause it will be 100% custom? (And 100% bad ass when done).
 
Well I'm not as technical as some on here. Butsince theres only one reply I'll offer my views. There's no reason you can't do it just like the NAPCOs but you have to understand that 4wd in those days was just to have more traction on farmland and worksites. Nowdays if you're going to wheel it you'll need to think about front axle articulation, center of gravity, etc.,
Modern 4x4 frames atthe front axle have the hump so the axle has room for up travel. If you convert using the stock frame you won't have that. If its a show truck it won't matter. So you will want to consider placing that body on a modern frame, cutting the original frame and adding a modem front section. Also you need to think about what running gear to use. If you want to use whats there and add a transfer case, you may be in for a headache.
But it's all been done before so do your research and keep us updated!
 
hey guys, thanks alot for your comments! i have studied (looked at a lot of pictures) the issue long and hard comparing what is offered for SAS and how i would need to create my own with modifications specific to my old truck. i have very decent(sp?) fab skills (good design skills- i can tack parts together and get a qualified welder to finish with solid welds. i do have someone who can and will do finish welding for me).

RQ you are correct. but i had not really thought about the lack of movement for the front end. I was really building for snowy roads (Christmas in VA) and extra traction for the ocassional pulling of trailer. (i am not really building an off roader- but it will NOT be a show truck either- hoping for a cool daily driver)

and i do not plan to run original power train. I have a 305, 700R4 trans and case to install. (i know the cubic inches of a 305 are not ideal- but it was real cheap with low miles) i dont plan to create a monster, just a cool looking daily driver that i can travel through some snow.

Thanks again. i am working now- i would like to ask a couple more questions later- so please check back.
 
Thats a cool project, been thinking about something like that myself. Love the 40's and 50's ole skool!
 
The 700r4 will give you a good choice of transfer cases. I'd go with an np208 or np241. They will be plenty strong for what you're doing and they work well for something that is daily driven or tows.

What size tire are you wanting to run? 35" or smaller I'd do a 14bolt rear and a 3/4 ton chevy dana 44. Both are fairly easy to find. If you plan to go bigger than 35's do a 14 bolt rear and a dana 60 front.

Leaf springs in the front will be the easiest to install and ride okay. If it were me and you want something that drives and handles great. Do a 3 link up front with coil overs. It'll give you a somewhat adjustable ride height if you ever want to up or downsize tires without having to change a bunch of stuff. Plus it'll be tuneable.

If you plan to tow anything with any weight, put a front sway bar on it.

I'd run a later model saginaw steering box and hi-steer on what ever axle you go with.

This'll be a cool build, not something you see every day. I look forward to seeing what you come up with!
 
Hey guys- thanks a lot for the feed back! I appreciate the suggestions! I was thinking the SAS because it looked like something I could handle the install on. (I really don't know what the 3 link with coils involves-but I will check it out, a goo ride is always a plus)

let me share a little more info. About the project. I have gathered some parts over the past 18months as I found them cheap I bought or traded for them- (FYI, I have been known to get ahead of myself;) so please steer me in a better direction if you see me headed wrong. and to be honest, I don't have terms memorized yet. Ex. the axles and specs, t-case names and the like- please keep in mind this is my first 4x4, but not first hot rod type project)
1)I have front and rear axles from a mid 80s K5,
2)I have a dually rear end (411 gears I was told)
3)rear springs for the K5 I was hoping to use up front on the '49 (but I read somewhere, rear leaf springs (53ish length) would not be "stable" enough to drive daily on asphalt- is this true?
4)700r4, it has a Tcase (but I have no idea which one)
5)Cheap steal rims to start with, iam poor
6)305 with pullies and accessories (wish it were more engine, but it was cheap!)

SO... I was wondering how bad an idea it would be to install dually rear (truck has no bed-i'll just built cheap flat bed)
Then install the K5 front axle with the K5 rear leafsprings, install my 305 with the 700r4 and NOT install front drive shaft till I can match front and rear axle gears. I was hoping to do these steps so I could get truck on road sooner.

Is this plan "ok" or just too far-fetch=bad?

Thanks again sorry this post was so long!
 
MarzFab, thanks for reply!
Tire size? 33-35 but on the skinny side. 9.5, 10.5
And I will need to bend your ear regarding the steering unit-

Thanks again!
 
The axles you have from the K5 should be a 10 bolt front and 10 or 12 bolt rear. I'm not sure what all years came with what. Some of the Chevy guys on here may correct me on that... I'm not 100% sure. The 10 bolt front is very similar to a dana 44. Same U-joints, basically the same axle shafts, little smaller gears. Proably a 3.08 ratio.

The dually rear, if it's a Chevy is likely a 14 bolt full float. 8 lug and pretty much bullet proof for what you're doing. They made 8 lug 10 bolt front axles plus dana 44 outer 8 lug parts will interchange with it. I'd find the parts to convert the front to 8 lug to match the rear.

I've seen guys use the rear springs up front. Probably a little soft for a driver. But should ride good if you can keep it in check with the right shocks and sway bar.

Can you post pictures of the t-case? Is the housing aluminum? I'm guessing its probably a 208 or 241. Thats good.

The 305 isn't a terrible motor. Makes ok power. If you get your gearing matched to the tires you run it should be no problem.

The dually axle I believe is a little narrower than a single wheel axle. Other than that it shouldn't be a problem. Nothing you cant fix with a pair of spacers.

Sounds like you've already got a good start.

One thing you will need is a pair of flat top knuckles on the front axle so you can run hi-steer or at least crossover steering. This is to keep the drag link above the front leaf springs so it doesn't hit. The axle you have may already have flat tops. again the chevy guys on here will know better than me.
 
MarsFab, thanks man!!!
i appreciate you sharing your knowledge. i will take a pic of the t-case and some other stuff. (i plan to pay the fee so i can post images directly from my computer, i'll do that asap too)
yes the dually rear is a chevy. and i will start looking for parts to change the front hubs to 8 lugs too.
went to your web page, very cool stuff you got going on there!
thanks again!

flatbedtoy, thanks for your comments also- i love the old tucks too. so i thought i might combine the two- hot rod-ish body with the usefulness/coolness of a 4x4. (besides the wife likes it much better when i can justify the toys;) as useful...

have a great night guys!
 
duke daddy said:
MarsFab, thanks man!!!
i appreciate you sharing your knowledge. i will take a pic of the t-case and some other stuff. (i plan to pay the fee so i can post images directly from my computer, i'll do that asap too)
yes the dually rear is a chevy. and i will start looking for parts to change the front hubs to 8 lugs too.
went to your web page, very cool stuff you got going on there!
thanks again!


have a great night guys!
Click to expand...
You're welcome man. I've always liked the fact that this site has good tech and the guys on here are always very helpful.


Sent from the MarsFab Off Road mobile response unit.
 
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