making a c10 into a k30 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

fla wildman · 11-22-2009, 09:46 PM

I wont to make my 69 c10 4wd did not know if any had did his and if they did how hard was it to do . I have all the stuff to do it I thank had the drive train out of a 78 1ton and a 4speed toploader tranny witha 205 transfer case . if any one has tried this please let my know thanks

**special-K** · 11-24-2009, 06:36 AM

Do you have the complete 4wd frame?That`s the way to do it,,,body swap.To install all the 4wd components on a 2wd rame you will need to mount engine & t-case crossmembers,spring perches,etc.
Check through the posts here.There are many posts on the subject.It`s a common thing to want to do these days.

wildwilly4x4 · 11-24-2009, 02:29 PM

As far as your drivetrain, all of your 78 1 ton stuff should just bolt in. I bolted in all of my '86 stuff to my '72 4x4 frame. I did have to weld in my '86 engine crossmember though for my 6.5 turbo diesel. I also cut 12" out of my frame to fit a shortbed.

**special-K** · 11-24-2009, 03:03 PM

it would bolt in if the`69 was a 4wd.But,he says it`s a C/10.Is it at least a leaf rearit`s not hard swapping the components into a 2wd rame.But,to gather all you need it`s best to get a donor with a complete drivetrain.Rather than remove/swap/remount everthing,most guys just swap the body.The work is minimal and everything underneath is still factory.

wildwilly4x4 · 11-25-2009, 04:29 AM

Sorry, didnt notice the c-10 notation. Just pull your axle off still attached to the leaves, line up your wheels where you want them in the wheelwell. Burn in your front fixed spring mounts, then attack your shackle mounts to get the angle to your liking. Once the front is done, modify the rear to level it out to how you want it. Just make sure to measure everything several times to get it lined out straight. Doing a conversion isnt as big of a deal as it sounds. Good luck with it!

fla wildman · 11-25-2009, 11:45 PM

Did not thank it could be that hard just time.and if it all goes wrong I'm not out muck the main reson I got the truck from my granddad was for the motor

**special-K** · 11-26-2009, 09:18 AM

You won`t ruin anything,unless you never finish.Just measure careful,as mentioned.You want the wheels squared to drive straight and get roper alignment.You just find a reference and go by that.

**Dieselwrencher** · 11-26-2009, 11:54 PM

They aren't too bad to do, you just have to do it and stay on it.

fla wildman · 11-27-2009, 05:59 PM

Well I'm going to try to do it with the cab on and the motor in. Do not know if this will pose a problem or not

**Dieselwrencher** · 11-27-2009, 07:28 PM

It'll just be a bit more fun if you leave the engine in it. The cab won't really hinder you much.

wildwilly4x4 · 11-29-2009, 02:34 AM

it will be easier to set you front shackle angle with the motor in it as well. You will need the wieght to mash down on the springs to help you get the proper angle. The best way I have found to do it, is to tack on your "fixed spring mount up front, and use a piece of 2x4 that will fit between the shackle. Using a jack on both sides of the truck, let the truck down onto the 2x4, with the 2x4 being sandwiched between the spring eye and the frame. Be very carefull with the jacks, and have jackstands raised very close to the frame, but not touching it, in case of a fall. once the wieght of the truck is settled onto the springs, then flip the shackles up to the frame to figure out where to mount the frame side of your shackles. I'm sure there are many other better ideas, but that has worked for me on many of my one off rock crawlers. Good luck!

**special-K** · 11-29-2009, 07:11 AM

You`ll need to change your engine crossmember.The cab is real easy to remove.Then you can work from above and not be on your back working above the whole time.Then you can use an engine hoist for the trans/t-case install.

fla wildman · 11-29-2009, 12:42 PM

[QUOTE=special-K;3644679]You`ll need to change your engine crossmember.

Thats what I was going to ask it did look to me that I would have to do that.My friend has a factory 69 4x4 and I have not had time to get under it and look at stuff to see if I will need to get a factory crossmember or if I could make one.

andrewmp6 · 11-29-2009, 09:30 AM

Is the tranny hump the same in both cabs ?

ghettoluxury · 11-29-2009, 07:28 PM

The one from the 78 should bolt up

**special-K** · 11-29-2009, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ghettoluxury

The one from the 78 should bolt up

That`s right.those will work and you already have it.Same for the transer case crossmember,AFAIK.

fla wildman · 11-29-2009, 08:48 PM

I thought that it might I have a late 70's 1/2 ton from I got the tranny and the t-case from. But I have not took a tape over to it to see if it will work so I'll take you'r word on it

11-22-2009, 09:46 PM	#1
fla wildman Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: st.cloud fla Posts: 76	making a c10 into a k30 I wont to make my 69 c10 4wd did not know if any had did his and if they did how hard was it to do . I have all the stuff to do it I thank had the drive train out of a 78 1ton and a 4speed toploader tranny witha 205 transfer case . if any one has tried this please let my know thanks

11-24-2009, 06:36 AM	#2
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: making a c10 into a k30 Do you have the complete 4wd frame?That`s the way to do it,,,body swap.To install all the 4wd components on a 2wd rame you will need to mount engine & t-case crossmembers,spring perches,etc. Check through the posts here.There are many posts on the subject.It`s a common thing to want to do these days. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

11-24-2009, 02:29 PM	#3
wildwilly4x4 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Sunray,TX Posts: 251	Re: making a c10 into a k30 As far as your drivetrain, all of your 78 1 ton stuff should just bolt in. I bolted in all of my '86 stuff to my '72 4x4 frame. I did have to weld in my '86 engine crossmember though for my 6.5 turbo diesel. I also cut 12" out of my frame to fit a shortbed. Attached Images

11-24-2009, 03:03 PM	#4
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: making a c10 into a k30 it would bolt in if the`69 was a 4wd.But,he says it`s a C/10.Is it at least a leaf rearit`s not hard swapping the components into a 2wd rame.But,to gather all you need it`s best to get a donor with a complete drivetrain.Rather than remove/swap/remount everthing,most guys just swap the body.The work is minimal and everything underneath is still factory. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

11-25-2009, 04:29 AM	#5
wildwilly4x4 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Sunray,TX Posts: 251	Re: making a c10 into a k30 Sorry, didnt notice the c-10 notation. Just pull your axle off still attached to the leaves, line up your wheels where you want them in the wheelwell. Burn in your front fixed spring mounts, then attack your shackle mounts to get the angle to your liking. Once the front is done, modify the rear to level it out to how you want it. Just make sure to measure everything several times to get it lined out straight. Doing a conversion isnt as big of a deal as it sounds. Good luck with it!

11-25-2009, 11:45 PM	#6
fla wildman Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: st.cloud fla Posts: 76	Re: making a c10 into a k30 Did not thank it could be that hard just time.and if it all goes wrong I'm not out muck the main reson I got the truck from my granddad was for the motor

11-26-2009, 09:18 AM	#7
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: making a c10 into a k30 You won`t ruin anything,unless you never finish.Just measure careful,as mentioned.You want the wheels squared to drive straight and get roper alignment.You just find a reference and go by that. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

11-26-2009, 11:54 PM	#8
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,142	Re: making a c10 into a k30 They aren't too bad to do, you just have to do it and stay on it. __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

11-27-2009, 05:59 PM	#9
fla wildman Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: st.cloud fla Posts: 76	Re: making a c10 into a k30 Well I'm going to try to do it with the cab on and the motor in. Do not know if this will pose a problem or not

11-27-2009, 07:28 PM	#10
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,142	Re: making a c10 into a k30 It'll just be a bit more fun if you leave the engine in it. The cab won't really hinder you much. __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

11-29-2009, 02:34 AM	#11
wildwilly4x4 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Sunray,TX Posts: 251	Re: making a c10 into a k30 it will be easier to set you front shackle angle with the motor in it as well. You will need the wieght to mash down on the springs to help you get the proper angle. The best way I have found to do it, is to tack on your "fixed spring mount up front, and use a piece of 2x4 that will fit between the shackle. Using a jack on both sides of the truck, let the truck down onto the 2x4, with the 2x4 being sandwiched between the spring eye and the frame. Be very carefull with the jacks, and have jackstands raised very close to the frame, but not touching it, in case of a fall. once the wieght of the truck is settled onto the springs, then flip the shackles up to the frame to figure out where to mount the frame side of your shackles. I'm sure there are many other better ideas, but that has worked for me on many of my one off rock crawlers. Good luck!

11-29-2009, 07:11 AM	#12
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: making a c10 into a k30 You`ll need to change your engine crossmember.The cab is real easy to remove.Then you can work from above and not be on your back working above the whole time.Then you can use an engine hoist for the trans/t-case install. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

11-29-2009, 12:42 PM	#13
fla wildman Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: st.cloud fla Posts: 76	Re: making a c10 into a k30 [QUOTE=special-K;3644679]You`ll need to change your engine crossmember. Thats what I was going to ask it did look to me that I would have to do that.My friend has a factory 69 4x4 and I have not had time to get under it and look at stuff to see if I will need to get a factory crossmember or if I could make one.

11-29-2009, 09:30 AM	#14
andrewmp6 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Louisville,Ky Posts: 5,811	Re: making a c10 into a k30 Is the tranny hump the same in both cabs ?

11-29-2009, 07:28 PM	#15
ghettoluxury Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Waynesfield Ohio Posts: 1,991	Re: making a c10 into a k30 The one from the 78 should bolt up __________________ 1949 Five Window, 1973 Step Side, 2000 Z71



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11-29-2009, 08:48 PM	#17
fla wildman Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: st.cloud fla Posts: 76	Re: making a c10 into a k30 I thought that it might I have a late 70's 1/2 ton from I got the tranny and the t-case from. But I have not took a tape over to it to see if it will work so I'll take you'r word on it

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