1 ton running gear on a 70?

[shelby987]

I have come across a 1980 4x4 van with 1ton running gear for a decent price, and I wanted to find out if the axles will swap into a 1970 k20 without any mods, or what specific fabrication would be needed to make them fit.

Also, does anyone know, will the rear be a dana 60 or 14bolt in 1980?

[special-K]

The rear should be a 14-bolt.Who did the conversion?Was it Quincy or a TerraVan?You`ll need to I.D. the parts like the front axle and t-case.Is it a right-hand differential up front?Are you sure it`s a Dana60 in the front?Most conversions did use the heavier components/But,as vans go,they`re called 3/4tons(20 series) with 5-lug wheels and 12-bolt rears.So,a 1t van could just have the same stuff that would be under a 3/4t pickup.
If it`s a Dana60 r/h,it will pretty much bolt right on to your springs.There may be some work to get d-shafts and steering together,depending on what all you have.Nothing difficult,though.The rear will have staggered shock mounts and you can either change them to match your`70 location or change your`70 to staggered.That will require another cross-bar for the rearward shock.As long as it`s a GM-friendly drivetrain,it won`t be a big job.

[shelby987]

honestly, I know nothing about the van, came across the ad, and its near my family on the east coast where I will be for the holidays, so I figured maybe I could take my truck, and a trailer with me on my way home, just wanted to see if it was a possibility first. I will try to find out more specifics, the ad reads that its original from the factory 1 ton 4x4 van....were these not optioned?

[1967k30]

I ran onto one a while back for a reasonable price so I called about it.It had a Furd D44 in the front {Drivers side drop} and a 14bolt in the rear.I have been told some had D70's in the front,but I think those were Quigleys.

[shelby987]

there is a d70 front axle? never knew that.
Currently this van is about 600 miles away, so what questions do I need to ask, and what pictures do I need taken to be able to get the best and brightest minds on this board to be able to answer what running gear is in it?

[1967k30]

Yeah there are D70 fronts.They came in some 70's and 80's Dodge 1tons,some Dodge W400's and in some of these 4x4 conversion vans.They also are in the 04'+ Chevy and GMC 4500 and 5500 4x4's. There is other vehicles that they came in.The early Dodge ones were closed knuckle.It should have d44/d60/or d70 cast into the housing on the pumpkin.

[FormerMember]

Let me know where it is. I'd be happy to take pictures for you.

[shelby987]

its in long lake NY, might be a little bit of a drive for you unless you are actually in the area.

[FormerMember]

Originally Posted by shelby987

its in long lake NY, might be a little bit of a drive for you unless you are actually in the area.

Yah, that would be a bit much. Although I am heading out to Rochester, NY late next week.