Drive train swap from 1980 to 69 K20 ??? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

mark69k20 · 03-17-2008, 06:40 AM

Thanks for reading! Sorry about the pics I lost front axel and other good ones.

I have the option to buy a 1980 chevy custom deluxe 10 -doner truck w/ 32k on it,CHEAP(body is toast). I believe it has 10 bolt front, 12 bolt rear, NP205, 350Ci ,Autotrans T350, power brakes, power steering...

I want to swap all of it into my 69 K20 currently: front Dana 44 closed knuckle -drum brake, rear H052, Rockwell 221 transfer case, 307ci, 3 speed, power nothing

both trucks are long beds.

How much differnece is the track width between the two years?
Will the axels swap over w/o pain?
Transfer case support?
driveshaft lengths?
Brake booster/master swap?
Power steering swap?(THIS is a big one)

This upgrade will give me, parts for my other 69K20, a better gear ratio(not 4.56s) front disk brakes, parts availability, more power, etc... O yeah this will be daily driver, I know everyone says the 10 bolt is crap but I won't be beating it...much!
Thanks, this site rocks!

1969k10stepside · 03-17-2008, 06:58 AM

The front axle will go in no problem.Just use the spring plates and u bolts from the 80.The rear will require you to move the spring perches and shock mounts as they are different.The 205 sits farther back meaning you need a longer front driveshaft and shorter rear driveshaft.You also will have to move the crossmember and torque bracket for the t-case back.You will have to cut a different hole in the tranny cover for the floor probably.The front driveshaft will work from the 80,the back won't.You will probably need to shorten the rear driveshaft from the 80 to make it work.The steering box will swap over but the pump setup will be for a long water pump pulley system and if your truck still has the original short style you will need the right brackets.

mark69k20 · 03-17-2008, 07:42 AM

Thanks 1969k10stepside,
So what your saying is that it is possible? SWEET!

I have my 1st 69k20 (all maroon) to the frame right now, engine at machine shop, building confidence as I go, welder torches and almost enough smarts to use them...LOL

If I find enough positve feedback about the swap I am going for it. It will give me the whole origional drive train from 2nd truck (red w/ marroon box)also 69k20, for spare parts for my 1st 69k20 (my grand dads and all stock)

Thanks alot for the info!

Keep the input comming guys!

03-17-2008, 06:40 AM	#1
mark69k20 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: delaware Posts: 26	Drive train swap from 1980 to 69 K20 ??? Thanks for reading! Sorry about the pics I lost front axel and other good ones. I have the option to buy a 1980 chevy custom deluxe 10 -doner truck w/ 32k on it,CHEAP(body is toast). I believe it has 10 bolt front, 12 bolt rear, NP205, 350Ci ,Autotrans T350, power brakes, power steering... I want to swap all of it into my 69 K20 currently: front Dana 44 closed knuckle -drum brake, rear H052, Rockwell 221 transfer case, 307ci, 3 speed, power nothing both trucks are long beds. How much differnece is the track width between the two years? Will the axels swap over w/o pain? Transfer case support? driveshaft lengths? Brake booster/master swap? Power steering swap?(THIS is a big one) This upgrade will give me, parts for my other 69K20, a better gear ratio(not 4.56s) front disk brakes, parts availability, more power, etc... O yeah this will be daily driver, I know everyone says the 10 bolt is crap but I won't be beating it...much! Thanks, this site rocks! Attached Images

03-17-2008, 06:58 AM	#2
1969k10stepside Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: USA Posts: 21,019	Re: Drive train swap from 1980 to 69 K20 ??? The front axle will go in no problem.Just use the spring plates and u bolts from the 80.The rear will require you to move the spring perches and shock mounts as they are different.The 205 sits farther back meaning you need a longer front driveshaft and shorter rear driveshaft.You also will have to move the crossmember and torque bracket for the t-case back.You will have to cut a different hole in the tranny cover for the floor probably.The front driveshaft will work from the 80,the back won't.You will probably need to shorten the rear driveshaft from the 80 to make it work.The steering box will swap over but the pump setup will be for a long water pump pulley system and if your truck still has the original short style you will need the right brackets. Last edited by 1969k10stepside; 03-17-2008 at 06:59 AM.

03-17-2008, 07:42 AM	#3
mark69k20 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: delaware Posts: 26	Re: Drive train swap from 1980 to 69 K20 ??? Thanks 1969k10stepside, So what your saying is that it is possible? SWEET! I have my 1st 69k20 (all maroon) to the frame right now, engine at machine shop, building confidence as I go, welder torches and almost enough smarts to use them...LOL If I find enough positve feedback about the swap I am going for it. It will give me the whole origional drive train from 2nd truck (red w/ marroon box)also 69k20, for spare parts for my 1st 69k20 (my grand dads and all stock) Thanks alot for the info! Keep the input comming guys! Attached Images



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