Van on a k20 frame - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

pointbreak · 12-21-2019, 03:48 PM

Sorry if this has been discussed before. But I have a crazy idea.

I picked up an 86 k20 with a 1990 12 valve Cummins wrestled in. The body is shot. Totally gone. But the frame is good and the motor runs great. I picked up a proper crossmember for the conversion, and some better mounts. As well as a 4L80E transmission, which is the trans DCS in Montana recommends if you want GM overdrive.

I have a really nice 2wd from 1976. But I had a crazy idea that's in the back of my head.

Is it possible to stab a G20 body on my K20 frame. I'm sure it's possible with enough cutting and welding, but has anyone done or thought about this? It's be a wicked camping rig.

Any thoughts?

dieseldawg142 · 12-22-2019, 01:39 AM

ya, it might take some cutting and welding..
G20 has a 110" wheelbase
C/K shortbox-117"
longbox-131"
although i do think 4by vans are very cool, would'nt mind one myself

Greasey Harley · 12-22-2019, 04:57 AM

Here's a small block Ford in a BMW Iseta.
YES, it is possible. How determined are you?

v30crewcab · 12-22-2019, 04:36 PM

the 4x4 vans just used the factory van frame. there is a weld in subframe for the front to take leafs, and a block in the rear. boulder offroad still sells the kit to swap them. I have a 1976 pathfinder myself.

**mrtoni** · 12-22-2019, 05:01 PM

Chevy vans are not full frames they’re unibody so I’m not sure how you can remove the body as it’s welded not bolted. Correct me if I’m wrong

sweetk30 · 12-22-2019, 06:18 PM

few years ago a guy over on pirate 4x4 forum did a home made swap kit and its super nice and looked fairly easy .

kipps · 12-23-2019, 01:02 AM

I've never really looked into it, so I may just be spouting off.

The most challenging obstacle I could think of, would be the engine to front axle placement. I've had the impression that some vans pushed the engine further back than the equivalent truck chassis. This should be easy to check. Park both side by side, and get out a tape measure. No need to get super accurate; just see if things are within spitting distance.

The van will ride quite a bit higher than stock. You could possibly lower the van a bit by eliminating all body mounts. Some vans welded the body directly to a modified chassis of sorts. You should be able to do the same thing. Cut any welded chassis and/or body mounts off of the van, and set it directly on the truck chassis. Weld the two together, and fill in any gaps with flat stock.

**mrtoni** · 12-23-2019, 02:10 AM

Vans are 4 inches wider too

12-21-2019, 03:48 PM	#1
pointbreak Registered User Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Van island BC Posts: 41	Van on a k20 frame Sorry if this has been discussed before. But I have a crazy idea. I picked up an 86 k20 with a 1990 12 valve Cummins wrestled in. The body is shot. Totally gone. But the frame is good and the motor runs great. I picked up a proper crossmember for the conversion, and some better mounts. As well as a 4L80E transmission, which is the trans DCS in Montana recommends if you want GM overdrive. I have a really nice 2wd from 1976. But I had a crazy idea that's in the back of my head. Is it possible to stab a G20 body on my K20 frame. I'm sure it's possible with enough cutting and welding, but has anyone done or thought about this? It's be a wicked camping rig. Any thoughts? __________________ Acknowledge and move on 1976 Chevy Silverado 454BBC 1966 Chevy Impala 4 Door Hardtop

12-22-2019, 01:39 AM	#2
dieseldawg142 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: back 40, bc Posts: 3,812	Re: Van on a k20 frame ya, it might take some cutting and welding.. G20 has a 110" wheelbase C/K shortbox-117" longbox-131" although i do think 4by vans are very cool, would'nt mind one myself

12-22-2019, 04:57 AM	#3
Greasey Harley Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Post Falls, ID Posts: 885	Re: Van on a k20 frame Here's a small block Ford in a BMW Iseta. YES, it is possible. How determined are you?

12-22-2019, 04:36 PM	#4
v30crewcab Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Chatt Tn Posts: 966	Re: Van on a k20 frame the 4x4 vans just used the factory van frame. there is a weld in subframe for the front to take leafs, and a block in the rear. boulder offroad still sells the kit to swap them. I have a 1976 pathfinder myself. __________________ 88 military v30 crewcab shortbed 5.9 cummins, nv4500, 205 86 k30, 89 diesel burb, 76 gmc pathfinder 71 longbed 5.3 4l80 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=522535

12-22-2019, 05:01 PM	#5
mrtoni Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: sparks, nevada Posts: 1,879	Re: Van on a k20 frame Chevy vans are not full frames they’re unibody so I’m not sure how you can remove the body as it’s welded not bolted. Correct me if I’m wrong

12-22-2019, 06:18 PM	#6
sweetk30 Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: horseheads,ny rust belt Posts: 2,794	Re: Van on a k20 frame few years ago a guy over on pirate 4x4 forum did a home made swap kit and its super nice and looked fairly easy . __________________ 77-k30lb BIG truck build . 87-k30lb budget beater build . 85-k30lb the plow machine build . 85-c10sb summer fun toy . ----------------------------- HOLLEY SNIPER efi = worst case of p.i.t.a i ever had . EDELBROCK pro flo 4 = best deal going so far . love my setup works great.

12-23-2019, 01:02 AM	#7
kipps Registered User Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: North-central Virginia Posts: 1,099	Re: Van on a k20 frame I've never really looked into it, so I may just be spouting off. The most challenging obstacle I could think of, would be the engine to front axle placement. I've had the impression that some vans pushed the engine further back than the equivalent truck chassis. This should be easy to check. Park both side by side, and get out a tape measure. No need to get super accurate; just see if things are within spitting distance. The van will ride quite a bit higher than stock. You could possibly lower the van a bit by eliminating all body mounts. Some vans welded the body directly to a modified chassis of sorts. You should be able to do the same thing. Cut any welded chassis and/or body mounts off of the van, and set it directly on the truck chassis. Weld the two together, and fill in any gaps with flat stock. __________________ 1987 C6P V20 truck, 2010 LMG 5.3, AFM delete, 2010 Camaro exhaust manifolds, 1997 nv4500, 1991 np241c, hydroboost, 2005 14bff axle & driveshaft, drop-n-lock gooseneck, 4.10 gears, stock suspension, rims, and tires. Still a work in progress. Any questions or suggestions are welcome!

12-23-2019, 02:10 AM	#8
mrtoni Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: sparks, nevada Posts: 1,879	Re: Van on a k20 frame Vans are 4 inches wider too



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.