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Datsun 620 w/ LS & T56 - Build thread

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Old 07-08-2017, 06:12 PM
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Default Datsun 620 w/ LS & T56 - Build thread

It has taken roughly 7-8 years for me to find everything I needed to start this project. Living in Ms it's hard to find these little trucks. I have been doing engine swaps for quite a while and have always wanted a compact truck platform to swap. I tried very hard to convince myself of a LUV or Courier. The Datsun was hard to escape. So here are the plans for my 78' regular cab.

2x4 box frame rails
Heidts Mustang II front suspension
4 Link w/ Panhard
QA1 Proma Stars
8.8 w/ 31 spline axles, OEM posi, 3.73
LS1 (99 Fbody) or a LM7 (2001 truck)
T56 with many upgrades

There are a lot of other specifications to mention but that's the "meat and potato's" of the whole thing. I'm not building a dedicated strip machine or a mini truck, just a fun daily. I'll post some pictures below that look close to the finish product I'm going for:











So far I have got my frame squared up and the front suspension tacked in.
I liked everything about the Heidts front end except the coilover mount. So I just ordered the standard universal kit with a power rack and planned on fabricating the mopunt myself. Here is what I have done so far:




Datsun 620 w/ LS & T56 - Build thread-vlnqu1x.jpg

Datsun 620 w/ LS & T56 - Build thread-sxikm96.jpg

Datsun 620 w/ LS & T56 - Build thread-qts48os.jpg

Datsun 620 w/ LS & T56 - Build thread-recoqgd.jpg

Datsun 620 w/ LS & T56 - Build thread-ajioufo.jpg

Next is to shorten my 8.8 and start on the 4 link then I can fit the cab and bed. I have a complete 1990 Z28 to use as a donor car and plan to use as much as absolutely possible out of it. Any input or questions would be great as I have many questions myself.
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Old 07-09-2017, 09:04 PM
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Approved!!!!!
Old 07-09-2017, 09:16 PM
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That is going to be a kool little truck !!
Old 07-09-2017, 09:32 PM
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It's going to take a while but that's the fun part.
Old 07-10-2017, 01:20 AM
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Welcome aboard neighbor. I got 3 v8 mini trucks, 2 LUV's and a Nissan. I covet thy tailgate, as I want the skin off one to put on my Nissan stepside bed...

I had a couple of 620's back in the day, pretty cool looking trucks...
Old 07-10-2017, 02:46 AM
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Originally Posted by cej2525
Approved!!!!!
I concur.

Great little ute's.
Old 07-10-2017, 06:50 AM
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Old 07-10-2017, 07:10 AM
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Originally Posted by mytmouz
Welcome aboard neighbor. I got 3 v8 mini trucks, 2 LUV's and a Nissan. I covet thy tailgate, as I want the skin off one to put on my Nissan stepside bed...

I had a couple of 620's back in the day, pretty cool looking trucks...
With 3 mini's I would say you are doing well. I have a 84' Toyota 4x4 with a CSB. And now I'm doing this Datsun. We may be able to work something out with a tailgate when I get done.
Old 07-10-2017, 10:54 PM
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I saw the Datsun 620 LS swap and got excited! Then I remembered the 620 was the truck and not like my 610...Lol. I am 80% done with an LS swap into a 610
Old 07-11-2017, 06:26 AM
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Originally Posted by jfg455
I saw the Datsun 620 LS swap and got excited! Then I remembered the 620 was the truck and not like my 610...Lol. I am 80% done with an LS swap into a 610
I can't see the pictures on your thread for some reason. Photobucket has a message that says to please enable third party hosting to view. SUCKS
Old 07-11-2017, 08:40 AM
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Fantastic build! Who the hell wouldn't subscribe to this thread?!
Old 07-11-2017, 08:40 AM
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Try https://fixphotobucket.com. I've used it with mixed results on a couple of different threads over on cadillacforums.com.
Old 07-11-2017, 09:33 AM
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Originally Posted by Nismo Kid
Fantastic build! Who the hell wouldn't subscribe to this thread?!
Thanks man, to each their own!
Old 07-11-2017, 09:34 AM
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Originally Posted by AAIIIC
Try https://fixphotobucket.com. I've used it with mixed results on a couple of different threads over on cadillacforums.com.
Appreciate the heads up. I'll give it a shot.
Old 07-12-2017, 07:22 PM
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Im in...this is going to be good
Old 02-07-2018, 08:51 AM
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Default 1974 620

nice truck bro i have a 1974 620 im going to do the same thing ls1 with a t56 im having a hard time finding parts i need any suggestions or do you know where i can buy them?
cross member is what i cant find
Old 02-07-2018, 09:11 AM
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Very cool project!!
Old 03-03-2018, 12:35 PM
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had a 620 myself,

Lowered flat white with the yelloy-orange wheels, original 4 cyl, was fun to cruise,
Old 03-03-2018, 05:49 PM
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How does the upper control arm come off if you weld the shock mount over it?

Andrew
Old 03-04-2018, 12:56 AM
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Originally Posted by Project GatTagO
How does the upper control arm come off if you weld the shock mount over it?

Andrew
Last photo shows shock mount is bolted.



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