77 K10 to K30 build...

[74CustomK20]

Well, I've been on for a while and it's time for a thread since I'm swapping frame on my k10. I'm going to a k30 frame I picked up Missouri about a year or so ago... it's solid and rust free almost with only surface. My k10's is bent pretty bad and patched in a couple spots... what spiked me to do it now is beyond me haha...

Anyway this Is going to try and be low budget, and try and swap over a lot of my 1/2 ton stuff. Axles lines body etc etc.

Also, it's getting a 52" spring swap so this is where I am currently. I got all 4 brackets off and a little black paint to keep the raw metal from rusting as easily. Also, if I have problems they won't be listed here. Gonna try n keep me separate... so here we are!

[74CustomK20]

Pics if the truck and frame spots.

[Dieselwrencher]

Nice truck! The K30 frame will be an upgrade for sure.

[swamp rat]

That will be one heavy duty truck!

[74CustomK20]

Well uodate, as I got the front brackets bolted on and all tight. Pics included. Also sourced out a NV3500 4x4 trans complete front to back for 500... gonna snag that for this project too... plan on running 35's with 4.10's. It has a 1:1 4th gear which is about 2k rpm, and a .73:1 OD gear with is 70 mph will be at 2k rpm so should be perfect!! I know it's not heavy duty but with just daily driving and towing I think it'll be alright. I don't plan on going too hardcore ya know...

[slotard]

You're gonna have some seriously tall gearing with 4.10s, 35s, and .73:1 OD.

I'm not used to seeing 1/2 ton components thrown under a 1 ton frame, usually I see the other way around.

You might consider going to crossover steer if you aren't already, and moving spring mounts rather than those big blocks in the rear should help with axle wrap.

[74CustomK20]

My rpm calculator showed right at 2k rpm with 35's, 4.10's, and .73 OD so hoping that's good. Plus a 4:1 first gear so it's still good n low enough for me... if not can always regear. And it'll have a Dana 44 and 14 bolt under it, as I done went from 1/2 to 3/4 axles. I have a diy4x rear shackle hanger flip for the rear, and an adjust with blocks from there. Hoping for either a 1 or 2" at most... will just have to take it step by step ya know... but that's the plan!

[74CustomK20]

Update, went n got the NV3500 with pedals, and transfer case for 500, and 50 bucks in gas. So overall for this thing, I'm out around 700 bucks. Long as my steering parts and mostly my lines will transfer over, I'll be happy. Will have pics later when I separate the t-case and transmission so I can get a spline count.

[74CustomK20]

Updates although small. I separated the trans and t-case and I have a 32 spline 96 single shift rail nv3500. Which means internal slave and all that jazz!!! Also now know that my clutch components WILL swap over, and it's just a matter of pulling old off and new on, so very excited in that aspect!! It's also in great shape so I'm very excited. Now I need a np208 round pattern and I'll be good. Why no 205? Well the weight honestly. That's A LOT of weight on the back and I'm afraid it'll break where the trans mounts to the block... not good. Plus this will again be a daily... so not too worried about stregnth. Not like I have a blown BBC in this thing... updates when progress will be made!

[74CustomK20]

Updates... got my rear hangers onto the 1 ton frame. Got most of it painted too which is good. Sorry it's not glamorous as others haha. I got the rear brakes undone, rear suspension, bumper, and the axle loose off the old frame to swap over hopefully this weekend. Next week I'm going to order my 2 sets of rear springs, new shackles, and poly bushing set for the truck front to back. Big plans for next couple weeks since I'm off work and the weather has been warm!

[74CustomK20]

Updates. Went and picked up a set of rear 1980 k20 52" springs for 125. About 150 after gas. Also ordered new poly front bushings, body bushings, and 7-1/2" shackles. Started taking the rear 77 c30 spring bushings out got 3-1/2 of them out and ran outta daylight. Gonna get back out and at it tomorrow before my son comes over.

[74CustomK20]

Update, I got my.body mount bushing, front suspension bushings in. The c30 rear springs are giving me problems with sizes matching up... gonna try n get my front bushings out soon of the springs. Hope to have the front suspension in by the end of weekend!!

[74CustomK20]

All the spring bushings are out!! W00t w00t! Also got the front springs in, with new poly bushings. I did notice they were more narrow than normal front springs, so 3 washers on each side cured this and centered the springs in their mounts. The rear of my c30 springs are good, but the front half is a different size than the rear... but the front c30's are the same as both of my k20 springs??? Lol weird. Anyway hoping by the weekend to have all of my suspension on, and I can start taking the body off the old frame to set off to the side and transfer the lines and chassis parts over... Pretty fired up!

Another note, hoping you 4x4 guys can help. This is my first project vehicle of this magnitude, and first time taking on a project let alone a 52" swap. One of these pics is my shackle angle, and clearance to the frame. Can you guys shed some light on if this will work?

[74CustomK20]

Updates. Front springs are all tightened in, just worried my washer-spacers will rub the bushings unevenly and mess them up, but we'll see... also ordered my rear spring bushings, my core support poly bushings (just to match haha) and also my hydraulic clutch items for my nv3500. This is my first time doing this so it will be new... also going to pick up a cab sunday, and a special treat too in Kentucky... will have to stay tuned in for that one

[74CustomK20]

And the surprise is, A A833! I picked this up with a 208 as a package deal for my 3500. I would run the 833, but I done got the hydraulic parts for the 3500... also got all my spring bushings in, and those will be going In ASAP so I can swap over the rear axle... also picked up a rust free long bed for 350... gonna have to put it together as it's apart so will have to look for a thread. Also the hydraulic for the clutch pieces are TOTALLY new to me, so I'm hoping you guys can help! I'll post threads if I can't find answers though... I picked up a 73 k20 cab too while getting that bed with a good title, so big weekend this weekend and what's really cool? It's got a sun roof! I about **** when I seen it haha so I got it for those 2 parts and to part out as it's shot. I'll post pics tomorrow during the day time!

[74CustomK20]

Lots of updates, and I know I've been slacking. I have a rear end up and bolted in with a 3" block so I can. Run normal u bolt plates, but with a 2" lowering shackle so the height is under control. I also got the front 10 bolt in and bolted up. I'm trying to get the motor in next weekend so I can figure out driveline legnth and angles. That's all a new territory for me, so will be questions. I will stay with the 4 speed 205 for now, to get it driveable and figure it out. Once I get the driveline figured out I will swap body's... lots to do but I know I'll have to shorten the shackles in the front... and also get my ez inch and also some angle shims... lots to do!!