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Thanks for the tips guys. Much appreciated. I've also considered a Rockwell, or Detroit rear end from another school bus; have seen a good number already in 4.56 (what the D60 front is). Obviously I'd be adapting from 8x6.5 to a 10 bolt "big truck" pattern to match the rear, if I go with such a...

Ah yeah, good idea with the frame notching to keep it out of complete shear loading. That's giving me some ideas... Sleeving just won't be possible (with my skills and tools anyways) for the oddball curves on the front of the frame. But, I think something like this would work nicely...

Made a couple of the offset shackles; same 3/8" thickness as the originals, but 1.5" wide instead of the original 1.125". I'll head down to the bus today and see how they look. Fun tip: Railroad track cut in half makes for an excellent press punch!

Thank you for all the input. The axle physics you mention make sense... I think I'll head down to the bus tomorrow, cut off the rusted part, and see what I have to work with. My main worries about welding on new hangers there is that the hangers and the crossmember won't necessarily be under the...

Alright guys, could use some help here... So, the front axle's springs this bus came with are 44" long and the shackles are on the front. I'm guessing front shackles + short springs will make for one helluva rough ride? The current plan is to run 47" chevy springs, Dead simple to install; I...

Looking to buy one of the following parts for a SM465 shifter - it's held in by a roll pin and sits at the very end of the shifter. I'm in Ontario, Canada. Will pay for shipping anywhere in North America. What it looks like installed: I'm also looking for a NP205 speedo gear. GM part #...

Well, much has happened but not the kind of stuff that's worth photographing - just picking up parts, and moving the bus to its storage location for me to have a bit of space to work on the axles, trans, and such. I'll be able to fully enclose the thing with a tent or pole barn if need be - so...

Yeah, that'd be the easiest. I worry about shear forces bending the bolt through the shackle though, since it isn't pressed up against the hanger. I might be overthinking this though... I figure I could just give it a shot and see what happens.

Ah cool! That makes two like this I've seen then; the Ranger shackle and a Nissan one... so I guess there's nothing inherently wrong with the design. Moving the spring centers inward 1/2" on each side allows it to mate up with the spring hangers that are 1/2" outward of the Dana 60 spring...

Thanks for the kind words about the build everyone. Running into one of my first hurdles here... I am trying to keep the existing spring hanger (orange) because for lack of a better word it's skookum as hell... and also because I could not fit one for 3" wide springs (note the downward...

I'll keep an eye out - thanks! Not sure what bringing vehicles cross border is like nowadays though. As for converting to 4x4, am I right that it basically involves the following: Find axles with same ratios, correct GAWR. Remove front axle and springs. Fab new 3" spring hangers (it has 2"...

Picked this up too! Not 100% sure what I'll do for the rear... Kodiak/Topkick axle perhaps? Has a GMC T-170 2-speed currently under the bus Oh yeah, it definitely would. That was my initial plan actually! 4x4 ambulances and dump trucks are unicorns around here though. I've found 2 4x4 IH 4300...

Took delivery of the bus a few days ago... Didn't want to start it before I had a look over the engine. Good thing, considering the carb wanted to leak fuel and drip it down near the generator! Ha! But I got it to run... https://gofile.io/d/ADXYsh Picked this up too! Not 100% sure what...

Hah, great idea! I know someone who was looking for a fire ring anyways...

Well guys, one step closer to getting started on this build... Loaded up and on it's way from Saskatchewan! If you're wondering why there's only one tire on the wheel, well... the Firestone split rims (RH5's I believe) did what they do best. :grin: I'll be glad to get those deathtraps...

Thanks for the well wishes and the tip - hadn't even considered this! Have any Canadians here on OB used Fusion 4x4 before? I feel like shipping might be prohibitively expensive, but this is a very interesting option nonetheless... Great looking bus! I think you have the same body as mine...

Really not much to say beyond the title... I've got a 1959 GMC bus, and I've got every intention of converting it to 4x4. :) The Axles have to go anyways. The hubs would be prohibitively expensive to modify, have an odd bolt pattern with hard-to-find wheels, and I'd rather not use Firestone RH5...

Yup, that's my experience exactly - even with a little lightweight Subaru, they splintered apart in soft, loose mud and dirt on a day that was just barely above freezing.

I second this; I chat with him every now and then in those random FB groups. Great guy, very knowledgable. He personally helped me out with the subframe install when I had some confusion over bolt torque. Buy ADF if you can!

I am running the equivalent size in 16! Rubs a bit on full lock or over really severe bumps offroad, but nothing crazy. You'll be fine. There are some people on Subarforester.org who have done the same. a 1" lift at least - ideally 2" - is STRONGLY recommended.