axle swap - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

crosby · 12-30-2004, 12:40 PM

I have an 87 K20, and an 85 K30 single rear wheel. I'd like to pull the axles, tranny and transfer case out of the one ton, and stick them in the 3/4. Does anyone know if these axles will bolt up to the 3/4, or does this require modification. Can I/should I use the one ton springs? Will the steering setup be any different? I would also like to swap in the Hydroboost setup, which I am sure will be a nightmare, but will be worth it in the long run. Eventually I plan on installing lifted springs, so that might be a factor in the swap. Right now, the truck is a lawn ornament, that should be plowing my driveway... I am putting a 350 in it over the next couple of months, and want to strip and scrap the one ton ASAP. Thanks very much for any help!!
HAPPY NEW YEARS!!

Prerunner1982 · 12-30-2004, 01:17 PM

just take a few measurements, being a SRW is should (i think) botl up. Measure from spring perch to spring perch on each, if they are the same it should go right in....steering should be the same but if you are planning on putting big tires on it you might want to consider cross over steering, as well as a steering box brace.

crosby · 12-30-2004, 01:30 PM

Thanks for your help. I am hoping I can just unbolt the springs and swap the whole assemblies.

**Captkaos** · 12-30-2004, 03:34 PM

Everything should swap over fine.

1969 GMC · 12-30-2004, 05:58 PM

is the K20's rearend a 14 bolt sf or ff? if its a ff, there is no point in putting the K30's axle in, they are the same thing.

crosby · 12-30-2004, 06:04 PM

true enough, as long as they are all 4.10s.... I think you are right. Thank you!

crosby · 01-01-2005, 10:53 PM

Here's some info I received recently. If anyone else is interested in doing this swap. Thanks everyone for all of your help, I'm putting my engine hoist together tonight and starting to pull the 350 out of my Jimmy tomorrow...

HI, MR.Crosby
You will need to change the passenger side u-bolt plate with one from a 1 ton. The brake hoses will also have to be up graded to the larger banjo bolt 1 ton models. About 26.00 each at NAPA

12-30-2004, 12:40 PM	#1
crosby Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 437	axle swap I have an 87 K20, and an 85 K30 single rear wheel. I'd like to pull the axles, tranny and transfer case out of the one ton, and stick them in the 3/4. Does anyone know if these axles will bolt up to the 3/4, or does this require modification. Can I/should I use the one ton springs? Will the steering setup be any different? I would also like to swap in the Hydroboost setup, which I am sure will be a nightmare, but will be worth it in the long run. Eventually I plan on installing lifted springs, so that might be a factor in the swap. Right now, the truck is a lawn ornament, that should be plowing my driveway... I am putting a 350 in it over the next couple of months, and want to strip and scrap the one ton ASAP. Thanks very much for any help!! HAPPY NEW YEARS!!

12-30-2004, 01:17 PM	#2
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,904	just take a few measurements, being a SRW is should (i think) botl up. Measure from spring perch to spring perch on each, if they are the same it should go right in....steering should be the same but if you are planning on putting big tires on it you might want to consider cross over steering, as well as a steering box brace. __________________ Jon 1982 Chevy Silverado 350/th350.... RETIRED 1993 Jeep XJ 2 door(Cherokee) 4wd 4.0ltr/AX-15 (5spd)/NP231 .... Oklahoma Roll Call

12-30-2004, 03:34 PM	#4
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	Everything should swap over fine. __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

12-30-2004, 05:58 PM	#5
1969 GMC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: The Rubber City Posts: 5,498	is the K20's rearend a 14 bolt sf or ff? if its a ff, there is no point in putting the K30's axle in, they are the same thing. __________________ 1969 GMC K2500 1996 Honda Accord 2007 Kawasaki KLR 650

12-30-2004, 01:30 PM	#3
crosby Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 437	Thanks for your help. I am hoping I can just unbolt the springs and swap the whole assemblies.

12-30-2004, 06:04 PM	#6
crosby Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 437	true enough, as long as they are all 4.10s.... I think you are right. Thank you!

01-01-2005, 10:53 PM	#7
crosby Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 437	Here's some info I received recently. If anyone else is interested in doing this swap. Thanks everyone for all of your help, I'm putting my engine hoist together tonight and starting to pull the 350 out of my Jimmy tomorrow... HI, MR.Crosby You will need to change the passenger side u-bolt plate with one from a 1 ton. The brake hoses will also have to be up graded to the larger banjo bolt 1 ton models. About 26.00 each at NAPA



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