1991 Chevy R/V3500 Crew Cab Build

mattcrouch1502

Observer
Hello everyone, I have been lurking on this board for a while now and have finally got enough done that I feel its time to make a build thread. I have a build thread on another site but seeing as this truck will see more time camping and exploring then doing "hardcore" wheeling I though I would get some good feedback here. The start of this will be a copy paste to get up to speed, sorry if its a little long winded.

Nov. 2008ish - When i brought it home
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Dec. 2008ish - Then i cleaned out the cab and installed some 33X12.5X16.5 tires, installed seats from a 2004 Extended cab Chevy and removed the ugly grill guard.
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Found some 37X12.5X16.5 Military Good Years GSA and thought "Why Not" - Feb. 2009ish
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Sept. 2009ish - Swapped in a Reman 350 with Serp pulley setup
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Oct. 2012ish - It sat that way for a while until I finally got the rear seatbelts installed
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July 2013ish - Started getting parts together for the 4wd swap
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Installed some 64" rear springs
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Sept. 2013 - Started moving brackets and installing my stock Superduty leaf springs up front.
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Jan. 2014 -Pulled the drivetrain from the 2wd and set it in the 4wd frame then swapped the cab and cut up the 2wd frame.
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  • 2014-05-30 Adapter 3.jpg
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mattcrouch1502

Observer
Continue...

Apr. 2014 - Did the XJ shaft steering upgrade
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Sept. 2014 - Got my NV4500 to NP205 Adapter and installed my 40gal Suburban tank
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Jan. 2015 - Outboard shocks mounts installed
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Feb. 2015 - As it sat right before i started the to swap the 350tbi for a 454tbi, this is with about 3" of lift and 37" Hummer tires
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March 2015 - 7.4 Liter TBI installed with Nv4500 and my Windstart Electric fans
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Nov 2015 - Finally after sorting through the harness its running, it has a vacuum leak but that is a easy fix. I need to install the muffler because this video was shot with open pipes and it is way to loud for my taste!

So as it sits now, when i get back home I am going to get my rear driveshaft shortened and do a few other small things and drive it around and see how it works. I still have quite a bit to do but I'm working in stages, I need to get it to be a "real" 4x4 so i need a front driveshaft. Then I can start on the next stage, not sure if that will be interior or my flatbed idea that i have floating around. I want to do a roof top tent on top of the bed and get it outfitted for short 1-3 day trips to start with. Then who know!

Also wanted to say how much I enjoy this site, I really cant wait to get this truck out and take my two sons and wife camping and just exploring. Seeing everyone trip reports and progress helps motivate me and helps me see what im working towards!
 
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Bojak

Adventurer
Awsome truck. I got one alot like it. I look forward to seeing your build and progress and mostly the adventures. I love the big block / nv4500 swap.
 

cyclic

Adventurer
I'd love some more/better pics of the front seat install. And is that just angle iron mounting the fans on? More pics of that also wouldn't hurt.
 

mattcrouch1502

Observer
Bojak
Awsome truck. I got one alot like it. I look forward to seeing your build and progress and mostly the adventures. I love the big block / nv4500 swap.

jerstw
Nice write up, awesome rig.

Thanks guys!

cyclic
I'd love some more/better pics of the front seat install. And is that just angle iron mounting the fans on? More pics of that also wouldn't hurt.

The seats were really a temporary setup that I will fix when I start on the interior. For now they are bolted to a piece of 3/16 plate that is welded to cut down oem seat brackets. The oem brackets are bolted to the factory location but this makes it sit a little high. I am not very tall so I have to reach a little for the pedals, when i get it on the road the plan is to cut down the hump under the seat to lower the whole setup about 3". I will have to upload some pics of the current setup when I get home in a few days.

The fan bracket is made of 3/4" angle iron and some flat strap. The angle sandwiches the fan shroud and then bolts into it, I used some "rivnuts" to attache the flat strap to the radiator mounting bracket. It seems to work good but the real test will be summer it Texas with a BBC.

Here is a better pic of the frame
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At the top of the fans you can where the bolts go into the radiator mount and its the same on the bottom.
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Seabass

Idiot
That's a cool truck!!! I love those old square bodies! It'll be killer with the flat bed. I'm in the middle of a 460 swap in my old ford crew cab. And like you I'm doin a flat bed. Very similar set up- just different brand. At any rate, you ought to be mighty proud- it's coming along nice!!
 

underdrive

jackwagon
Yes, this is quite a bit of work you've done, good job! And I may just borrow your outboard shocks idea for our beastie :D
 

Klutch7

Member
Cool looking truck and a great canvas for a build. I like how it looks with the minimal suspension lift (as opposed to a 6" lift or more) and the 37" tires. They really fill the wheel wells nicely!
 

mattcrouch1502

Observer
Cool looking truck and a great canvas for a build. I like how it looks with the minimal suspension lift (as opposed to a 6" lift or more) and the 37" tires. They really fill the wheel wells nicely!

Thanks! That is one of my big things is trying to keep the lift size down, I like the 37" hummer tires because they are cheap but i think when these are wore out I may look for a different tire. I have given thought to sectioning the wheel openings to add room for the tire but i need to cycle the suspension to find out if that will even be a problem. Hopefully i will have my driveshaft cut down by the first of the year and i can get to testing it!
 

justcuz

Explorer
I really like the fact that you used the 64" springs out back and Superdutys up front.
These frames flex plenty so it is nice to see you address that with some good long springs.
Superdutys are 52" correct?
 

chilliwak

Expedition Leader
I love your truck Matt. Cool looking ride. I am an old school Chevy guy too. I just hope you are not going to run a single leaf front spring up front. If that snaps out in the bush you have some serious problems. I use the BDS 2 inch lift front springs that have a military wrap meaning that the second leaf spring wraps around the main spring so that you can snap a leaf and stil have another to get you home. Even with a 5 pack spring I think its fine for a small block but if I had a big clock I would probably go with 7 or more leafs.. Looking forward to seeing what you do with that fine beast. Cheers, Chilli...:)
 

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