k10 to k20 conversion ?s
 

I was just wondering, I have a k10 and wanted to know what all would be involved to convert it to a k20, I dont want to get new axles yet. I mostly just want to get the suspension upgraded since I already need new springs anyway any suggestions are greatly appreciated

Re: k10 to k20 conversion ?s
 

Unless you are into heavy rock crawling or doing some major overweight towing, I would stick with your stock axles. They will handle a 33 inch tire with no problem, expecially with a daily driver thats only driven on a paved road.

What are your plans with the truck?

A simple spring swap would be the way to go.

Do a search in the 4x4 forum and you will probably find what you want to know.

Most importantly......Have fun with the project.:metal:

John

Re: k10 to k20 conversion ?s
 

I just noticed you have a 68. I would do an axle swap on the front to a disc brake setup. That would be the best upgrade you can make.

John

Re: k10 to k20 conversion ?s
 

thanks, it is mostly so I can haul a little more weight if need be. I know it will make a rougher ride, but for the type of things I like to do it would be nice to have a little more beef to my suspension, on a side note, I dont mind the drums. sure it takes a little more to change the brakes, but i dont mind the extra effort if I have someone to give me a hand

Re: k10 to k20 conversion ?s
 

If you are going to be towing more than 5000 pounds, I would put in air bags. You can get a setup from Firestone that is good for 5000 pounds. They don't make one for our year trucks, but I use a setup for an 80's chevy and it works just fine.

With a compressor and gauge setup, they run about 500 bucks. Check out JC Whitney or Summit.

John

Re: k10 to k20 conversion ?s
 

alright sounds good, I also see you are fond of the 4x4's :metal: I bought mine for winter believe it or not, do you use yours as drivers?

Re: k10 to k20 conversion ?s
 

The rear axle is the biggest difference between K10 and K20. Plus the 8 lug wheels.

You do not want a period correct rear axle anyway.

The aftermarket lumps the springs together for these two models

Re: k10 to k20 conversion ?s
 

If your wanting to haul more weight from time to time, go with airbags. much more simple and will work just fine. It would probably be the direction i would go unless hauling was going to be a consistent thing. 3/4 axles have bigger bearings, shafts, and tubes. and 8 lug wheels are held on a bit better too. More weight to drive around but more stout.

Re: k10 to k20 conversion ?s
 

I do use them as daily drivers. I just drove this one 350 miles to Texas and back.
Left yesterday morning and just got home.

Re: k10 to k20 conversion ?s
 

This is my daily driver in the winter for work. I feed cattle with it and it has firestone airebags in the back.

Re: k10 to k20 conversion ?s
 

I've hauled over 5K on the bed, let alone a trailer. Just springs, no bags. It doesn't really squat either.


But if money allows, definitely go with air bags. Just leave the easy riding 1/2 ton stack in the rear and add air.

If the fronts are 2.5", I would just get an "add a leaf" kit, or find 2 springs at the junkyard that are similar length.

Re: k10 to k20 conversion ?s
 

Much more to it than just springs and new badges for the fender. The FRAME is quite a bit thicker and heavier. If you have trailing arms and coils, the trailing arms have an extra channel riveted in the web. You don't just adapt to 8 lug wheels, you need new spindles and control arms up front and a complete new axle at the rear.

Re: k10 to k20 conversion ?s
 

He has a 4x4 lwb, which has the same frame as a K20. THe difference is in the axles and springs. I believe the D44 front axle has thicker tubes on the
K20.

The 70+ axles are open knuckle, which would be an upgrade from your 68 model. The K20 rears are all good, the eaton can be a little tough to find brake parts for, but ~$350 or so and you can have an all new disc brake setup added.

I may have an extra set of axles here from a 71/72.

Re: k10 to k20 conversion ?s
 

Not trying to start an argument here, this is what I've seen. The K20's and the one K10 Suburban that I had (1969) had thicker frames that the K10's. The 73 and newer K10's and K20's had the thicker frames like the 67-72 K20's had.

Re: k10 to k20 conversion ?s
 

We need SSTim

Re: k10 to k20 conversion ?s
 

thanks everyone for the responses, this isnt anything that I need done ASAP, but more or less I would just like either to have bags in the back so I can have a softer ride or hd springs. it wouldnt do much if I were to upgrade the axles or anything, but I guess time will tell