Dana 60 swap into 72 C20

[j_cst_10]

I've used this search function on the site regarding 2wd to 4wd conversions and have found some good info but haven't been able to get the whole thing figured out.

So to simplify....Does anyone make a kit (universal or custom) to do a solid axle swap into a 3/4 ton 2wd truck?

What length leaf springs? I want to retain a leaf set up that would be similar to what a 3/4 ton truck would have, but doesn't have to be period correct to 67-72.

-No truck donor will be used. Only new parts
-Not worried about steering or T-case, just spring and axle installation
-Not worried about ride quality

I came across this link (below) but it shows for 52" springs which I believe are for 1/2 ton pick ups.

https://diy4x.com/product.php?produc...cat=250&page=1

I've got the axle and T-case already. The truck is a customer camper with a leaf sprung dana 60 rear. I converted the truck years ago to a cummins 5spd set up.

[gmc684x4]

That diy4x kit is to convert a 4x4 front springs to use the longer rear spring length in front by relocated spring perch

I have done this myself using a donar frame

The only kits i have seen are for Ifs trucks

Have you looked up solid axle swap kits i know there made for 88 98 trucks

Half ton and 3/4 ton trucks use same spring length why not use easy to find 1/2 ton 4x4 frame put your dana 60 into it swap cabs use either a 44 or 60 front axle

[kwmech]

Solid axle or 4wd conversion? I had somebody call me the other day about a solid swap the other day in his dually, just a tube with steering so he could do spring under. Wanted leafs up front without all the moving parts

[j_cst_10]

Ahh I did not realize that about the spring hanger kit. Not a bad idea to look up solid axle swaps on later model trucks. Maybe I could use/modify some of those parts to work.

Not looking to do any frame swaps. I don't mind trying to find used parts but this truck will be keeping it's frame. I just planned to pull the front clip/dog cage off as a unit and trying to figure something out.

[j_cst_10]

It’s a 4wd conversion in a 2wd c20. I wanted to keep my post relatively simple so we didn’t go down the rabbit hole of the conversion process.

I want to get the axle under it first and then I’ll tackle completing the rest of it.

[68 TT]

By using 52" front springs and the DIY 4x4 B-52 kit you can easily convert your 2wd frame to a 4x4 since you have rear leaf springs already.

The longer front leaf will put the shackle mount just behind the e-brake cable and balance rod bosses on the 2wd frame so that will need to be revised to keep your parking brake functional.

A set of square body 4x4 engine mount brackets and engine crossmember will fit in between your frame rails with just a few holes to drill to bolt them in place.

The square body 4x4 forward crossmember that the sway bar mounts to will need a little pie cut in the profile to allow you to shrink its height so it can rock back in angle to match the shape of the 67-72 frame as the square body frame has a different shape in this area.

The square body 4x4 transfer case crossmember width is correct for the 67-72 frame. You just need to drill mount holes in your frame to match the location as needed depending upon your drivetrain.

Any of the square body 4x4 front axles will fit but you will have to use the older transfer cases with a passenger side drop to match them since the new body style 88-up 4x4's use a driver side drop transfer case. Using the older transfer case also lets you keep the cable driven speedo drive that the newer ones no longer have.

[57taskforce]

If you don’t use the 52” kit, You could also post a wtb on the parts board, the factory 67-72 spring hangers come up from time to time. The biggest thing is you’ll have to do with this route is patch up the holes in the frame where the E brake cables pass thru on the 2wd frame, as these are where the shackle mounts will be mounted. It’s not a hard swap, it just takes some planning and the right parts. If you’ve got a decent local spring shop they can likely make the springs for you. If I was I your shoes I’d probably do the 52” kit honestly.
Member Jeff’s bowties has done a couple of builds this way. If you search around the threads he created for them you’ll see exactly what needs to happen.

[gmc684x4]

That is true as well you can buy a k series truck strip and swap over as well

Or look at chassis tube supension like rock crawlers use lots

[j_cst_10]

68TT - thanks for the write up. You shared a lot of good info regarding this.