Differences late 50's GMC vs Chevrolet Pickups?

Well... I never thought I would be asking this question, but I'm curious.

What are the differences between late 50's GMC and Chevrolet Pickups? Specifically 56-59 GMC and 58-59 Chevy Apache? I guess 1/2 ton step side?

I see besides the obvious visual differences on the front clip, there is an engine difference. 235 and 283 for the Chevy and a V6 for the GMC. What is interchangable between drive trains? I know nothing about the GMC V6. Is it the same as a Chevy bolt pattern? Are transmissions different?

Were either offered from the factory with 4WD, or was this a dealer install? What have some of you done for 4WD conversions while keeping it period/era correct?

So what's the scoop!? Let's hear it!

Thanks!

Ran across these pictures today and was inspired...

 

The optional factory V8 available in GMC pickups was actually a Pontiac engine during that period.

 

How about GMC the v6? 276 or 305 V6? Is it a Chevy trans pattern?


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Also interested in this.... Recently been wanting one of these BAD!!!

 

The V6 were in larger GMC's the 1/2 tons ran 248 and 270 inline... WAY better than that V6.

 

Soooo.... What 3-speed backed the GMC engines (V6, I6, whatever) up to '59? Same trans as the Chevrolets of that time frame and comparable models? What trans and/or transfer case was being used for the 4WD models?

So the GMC V6's are poo? Can't find much on them. Obviously the Chevrolet options (235 and 283's) were good, but again, can't find much on the GMC power plants for these pickups.

What about other mechanicals, like brakes, suspension, etc.? Were they the same for GMC and Chevrolet?

Thanks guys! Keep it coming!

 

The GMC v6 is tough as nails, lot of good info here.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=153130

 

So it looks like the GMC 305 V6 came around in 1960. So everything was in-line until 1960? Did they share the same trans mounting pattern?

 

Good info for GM and Napco 4x4 http://www.napco4x4.org/
Bob

 

Whoa! Thanks!

 

The dashboards are different.

 

When they advertised them in the early sixties, comparing them to chevys,
they bragged "For $49 less".

 

So seriously... anyone have info as to rather or not a I6 270 has the same bell housing bolt pattern as say a 283? (see where I'm going with this?)

 

The trans should have the same bolt pattern but not the bellhousing.

 

Awesome! Good to know! Thanks...


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So what about brakes, axle(s), chassis components, steering, etc.?


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