New 620 4X4 FRAME questions

[Smplone]

Just picked up locally a 1976 Datsun 620 4x4. Copied from the ad and I trust to be reliable.
L20B 4 Cylinder 2.0 liter engine 
4 Speed Transmission
Weber Carburetor 
Electronic Distributor
Exhaust Header
Dana Front Axle/Differential 
Warn Locking Front Hubs
Front Disc Brakes
Dana Transfer Case
Lifted on 15" aluminum Wheels with 31-10.5-15 tires

Will post up pics tomorrow to this thread. I consider myself to be a Nissan truck enthusiasts young at knowledge and experience when it comes to the older generations. Seller recommended this site as a place to start. This project is not intended on my side to be a quick turn around. Would like to use time to research information for a long term restoration and collection. Knowing where I want to start, I have a few surface questions for the community anyone might be able to help.

1. If it's a 4 speed manual, then why no rpm gauge?
2. Do any of the features listed above give away it's history or modification timeline?
3. Frame is broken on both sides as it a raises towards engine... maybe pinch weld area. Where do I begin to look for replacement frames? I know I want to stay in the same year/family. Limited welding experience. Excellent in the bolt on department.
4. Any links to threads about initial engine startup to do list prior to starting up something that has been sitting so long?
5. Any links to threads about initial turn over of carburetor, radiator, electrical, transmission prior to first start?

I have no problem performing all fluid swap / inspections, Battery replacement, coolant flush, pan drops with new seals, plugs and caps, compression test, carb cleaning, overall line of sight, smell, sounds. I have restored 79 trans am experience under my belt. I am curious about this motor and setup if anyone gas anything to offer.

[datzenmike]

Some small number of 620s were sent to one of two or maybe three conversion centers by the Nissan dealers to make into 4x4s using Jeep axles and transfer cases. Some were not that well done.

 

The 620 did have a tach option, but not a necessity. Why would you need a tach? The L20B red lines at 7K, you ain't going to hurt it. All 620 standards were 4 speed and there was a 5 speed option from '77 on.

 

You'll have to weld the frame. This is a conversion, so everything 4x4 is welded in anyway.

 

 

 

If you can't drive this to see how the thing runs don't buy it.

Electrical... does it charge ok, lights all work, gauges all work, signals, wipers, heater, does the engine restart when hot?

Engine.... does it start and run? blue smoke? make valve  or timing chain noise? exhaust quiet?

Transmission Trans/Cast... does it work? shift? low range?

Differentials... locking hubs work?

Glass... unbroken?

Body?

Steering... straight or wander all over road? Tires worn on sides, alignment?

Suspension... anything broken, strange sounds?

Brakes,... work? any leaks? pedal go to the floor? noises?

 

If it needs work, even if the truck is free, could cost you thousands and still not run.

[Smplone]

Thank you for the response.  Sounds like recommendation is to repair existing frame.  What if frame is beyond salvage? I have pictures to upload but not sure exactly how to go about it. Will need to look through other threads and find out.  If replacing frame is only option then questions are

1. What year / model range can I look for to make the swap stay in the same family and fitment?

2.  Does it matter that vehicle is equipped with 4x4 or not?

 

My understanding is none of them came 4x4 so with this add on, are they things to look for when reconstructing the frame from scratch?

[Draker]

Where are you located?

[hobospyder]

http://community.ratsun.net/topic/54932-photobucket-ratsun/page-6?do=findComment&comment=1478788

[datzenmike]

They were sent out to special conversion centers with nothing to do with Nissan. A customer could order a new 620 and have the dealership send it out. You are not likely to find another 4x4 frame. You can cut everything off of yours and weld it onto another 620 frame if you can find one. If yo have a short wheelbase truck you will need a short wheelbase frame to replace it. If king cab or long wheelbase you will need that. Seems like it would be cheaper and easier to fix what you have.

[2wheel-lee]

Sharing Datzenmike's sentiment, it would be easier to take a welding class and repair what you have than to find and replace the frame (which would still require lots of welding). Then it's win-win...you have a functioning truck and a new skill. 

[Smplone]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Smplone]

The rust breaks in those pictures are on both sides.  Still think it would be easier to repair this than replace the frame?

[hobospyder]

Hey a picture. Leaf spring shackle? Or..... oh damn

[Smplone]

More like oh damm.  The majority of the rust issues is involving the frame.  Feel like the only thing holding front end together is the suspension and driveshaft.

[2wheel-lee]

Based on the information you originally gave us, yes, repairing the frame would have been best. But now that we know what's really going on...well, I'd personally abandon the project and find something requiring a little less effort. Your call.

[Smplone]

I appreciate the honesty. But I am not afraid to work on this and learn along the way.  I will stay the course of getting her something solid to stand on.

[hobospyder]

I do not have a spare swb frame otherwise I would make an offer to assist depending upon location. I don't know your location but if you're in the one I have a few names for you

[Smplone]

I am not sure what SWB means. But I appreciate your help. I am located in Sterling VA 20164.  If this is out of your region to assist, then what is the closest location from here that is helpful.

[Lockleaf]

Swb- short wheel base.

[hobospyder]

What lockleaf said. The 620 came with a short box, standard cab or short wheel base model and a long bed standard cab model or king cab short box model or long wheel base.

 

I'm in Washington so I have no idea about anything on the east coast. Sorry

[Smplone]

I see yes on the short bed vs long bed. But short wheel base vs long wheel base uncertain of. Wheels stick out past body, if that is SWB then how does that affect frame options for swapping? I thought it was axle length that determins wheel stance. (Maybe I just answered my own question there)

 

Next question: there appears to be an open cable wire hanging off the carburetor. It is black with female connector. Can't find anywhere it is supposed to go to.

[datzenmike]

The 620 frames were all the same except that the long bed and King Cab frames were approximately 9.5" longer between the rear tire and the rear cab mount than the short wheelbase truck.

 

The King Cab and long bed frames were identical except that the two front bed mounts were differently placed for the different length boxes.

 

Reg and KC cabs used the same mounting points.

 

A king Cab and a regular cab box is the same.

 

The '78 and up trucks with disc brakes has slight changes to the LCA mounts.

[Smplone]

Thank you. Gives me good information when preparing to fix this foundation.

 

Any info on the lead wire coming off the carburetor?

[datzenmike]

There should be a Blue auto choke heater wire.

A Red idle cut solenoid wire.

Both may have a black outer sheath covering them.

 

 Post a picture of it. May also be an EGR solenoid.

[Smplone]

Will post up pic next week when in front of desktop. Inside gas tank looked good. So put 1 gallon gas in it. Engine cranks over no problem. No gas ever reached new fuel filter. Now need to create portable gas tank outside engine bay going straight to pump.

 

Opinions welcomed

[Smplone]

Update: now firing on all 4 cylinders. Created a gravity fed gas container into Weber carb. Couple rough starts but starts on command now and idles perfectly. Not sure if I can post video but will try.

[Smplone]

Some updated pictures along with the picture of the mysterious wire hanging out at the carburetor 

 

 

 

[qwik510]

Welcome to Ratsun. Glad you are saving this truck.

 

Nice to know it runs well.

 

Looking forward to following your build.