4x4 Question

[obs.caleb]

I'm working on a 98 k1500 and am trying to build an accurate 4x4 front suspension here Is what I'm working with

[DJMar]

This is the chassis of the AMT '96 Tahoe. It's not that detailed, being molded in one piece, but it gives you an idea of what's under there. There's a LOT to scratchbuild - upper & lower control arms, spindles, front differential, skidplate, axles, front driveshaft, torsion bars & mounts, new transmission crossmember, transfer case, etc..

AFAIK, no manufacturer has ever kitted the GMT400 4x4 chassis in a full detail kit. If you're going for accuracy, you might think about adapting the Tahoe chassis to your build and leaving it a curbside.

[Fat Brian]

My plan when I build a 4x4 of this body style truck is to use the front suspension from one of the Aoshima Toyota 4x4 trucks. It's certainly not an exact match but is better than anything I could scratchbuild. The kits come with parts for a stock and lifted suspension so you could rob one and still have enough leftover parts to build the kit. Here is a pic of the stock suspension, moving the differential to the drivers side will get you pretty close to the stock GM parts.

 

 

[Exotics_Builder]

Haven't checked this out in detail, but would not the AMT Cadillac Escalade Pickup be a better starting point?

https://www.scalemates.com/products/img/6/0/0/1410600-63-instructions.pdf

Edited May 7 by Exotics_Builder

[Fat Brian]

2 hours ago, Exotics_Builder said:

Haven't checked this out in detail, but would not the AMT Cadillac Escalade Pickup be a better starting point?

https://www.scalemates.com/products/img/6/0/0/1410600-63-instructions.pdf

Yes, I always forget about that kit.

[obs.caleb]

4 hours ago, DJMar said:

This is the chassis of the AMT '96 Tahoe. It's not that detailed, being molded in one piece, but it gives you an idea of what's under there. There's a LOT to scratchbuild - upper & lower control arms, spindles, front differential, skidplate, axles, front driveshaft, torsion bars & mounts, new transmission crossmember, transfer case, etc..

AFAIK, no manufacturer has ever kitted the GMT400 4x4 chassis in a full detail kit. If you're going for accuracy, you might think about adapting the Tahoe chassis to your build and leaving it a curbside.

I have built the tahoe kit and it's just not at the level of detail and accuracy I'm going for. Right now I have a mostly correct front axle and transfer case, driveshaft but I might have to scratch build some parts. If someone could supply pictured of the 4wd spindles I would appreciate that. Right now I'm building the skids and torsion bars and mounts. My problem is the cv axles and control arms if I could get some advice on scratch building those that'd be good.

[Tabbysdaddy]

The S series trucks use a very similar setup. You could use parts from the AWD 93 S10.

[DJMar]

5 hours ago, Exotics_Builder said:

Haven't checked this out in detail, but would not the AMT Cadillac Escalade Pickup be a better starting point?

Good call. This is probably a much, much better starting point, as the '05 Escalade is built on the GMT800 platform.  It's not exactly right for a '98 Silverado, but it's pretty darn close. At least it would provide most of the major parts and save a lot of scratchbuilding. Totally forgot about this kit.

[Exotics_Builder]

3 hours ago, Fat Brian said:

Yes, I always forget about that kit.

Well, I'd toss the engine as it is not, in my opinion, very good.  But the basics appear to be there.  

[Exotics_Builder]

1 minute ago, DJMar said:

Good call. This is probably a much, much better starting point, as the '05 Escalade is built on the GMT800 platform.  It's not exactly right for a '98 Silverado, but it's pretty darn close. At least it would provide most of the major parts and save a lot of scratchbuilding. Totally forgot about this kit.

I intend to use as a base for a 2023 GMC 1500 Sierra Denali.  Close, but needing work.  The other kit I need to pull out and check is the Revell Escalade SUV (even though curbside).

[obs.caleb]

10 hours ago, Exotics_Builder said:

I intend to use as a base for a 2023 GMC 1500 Sierra Denali.  Close, but needing work.  The other kit I need to pull out and check is the Revell Escalade SUV (even though curbside).

Are you going to start a build thread for your sierra?

Edited May 8 by obs.caleb

[obs.caleb]

I just looked at the escalade kit and yall were right it is a much better starting point than trying to scratchbuild the parts.  Thank you for the advice everyone.

[Exotics_Builder]

24 minutes ago, obs.caleb said:

Are you going to start a build thread for your sierra?

When I get to it.  I've gotten the 3D printed kit from Andy Lesiak.  It is curbside and I'm not sure it will be worth the effort to put in an engine bay.  But the chassis/suspension with these prints (not Andy's fault it is what the 3D designer did) is not prototypical.  I would like to be a bit closer to the actual vehicle with my model.  The quality of Andy's prints is exceptional.  

[obs.caleb]

1 minute ago, Exotics_Builder said:

When I get to it.  I've gotten the 3D printed kit from Andy Lesiak.  It is curbside and I'm not sure it will be worth the effort to put in an engine bay.  But the chassis/suspension with these prints (not Andy's fault it is what the 3D designer did) is not prototypical.  I would like to be a bit closer to the actual vehicle with my model.  The quality of Andy's prints is exceptional.  

which motor are you going to use for that build?

[Exotics_Builder]

7 minutes ago, obs.caleb said:

which motor are you going to use for that build?

I do not yet know.  I have a 3D print Duramax in the box or could use an LS.  If I do curbside (easiest option by far) only the bottom half of the engine would be visible anyway.  Here is the chassis/suspension the designer Andrey Bezrodny includes.

 

[obs.caleb]

4 minutes ago, Exotics_Builder said:

I do not yet know.  I have a 3D print Duramax in the box or could use an LS.  If I do curbside (easiest option by far) only the bottom half of the engine would be visible anyway.  Here is the chassis/suspension the designer Andrey Bezrodny includes.

 

I did some research and i think your best choice is to use the 5.3 there are tons of these and you can find them in good detail. 

[Exotics_Builder]

2 hours ago, obs.caleb said:

I did some research and i think your best choice is to use the 5.3 there are tons of these and you can find them in good detail. 

I have a stack of LS's in my parts boxes.  Would love to get close to replicate this one I saw at Car Show last year

[Exotics_Builder]

This is the Revell Escalade Ute.  It may be a good alternative as well since on the truck chassis.  But I'd need to research further