Differences in frames between K20 and K30? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

*SMiller* · 06-23-2009, 08:47 PM

I have always wanted a K30 4x4, I have owned lots of K20 4x4's. Was there any difference between frames on the K20 and K30 or was just gvrw numbers? What all other differences were there? I know a 3\4ton could be ordered up to have all the big drivetrain, radiator and such, but is there any other real differences? Great site, enjoying mysef here!

**thinair** · 06-23-2009, 09:03 PM

1 ton frames are taller than the 3/4-1/2 ton frames and the rear spring hangers are spaced further apart..........otherwise,mounts and such are all the same

*SMiller* · 06-23-2009, 09:45 PM

So the frames are the same thickness and width, they just vary in height between the 1\2 3\4 and 1ton. And the leafs are longer. Any other onfo? Thanks for all the help!

Gregs71 · 06-23-2009, 10:51 PM

my undestanding was they were taller and a tad thicker.

babyJay · 06-23-2009, 11:19 PM

Can't really comment on the differences. The two trucs in my sig sit at the same height. The v30 (gm dropped the "k" in 87 for a "V") is bone stock suspension. The 79 has a four inch suspension lift, springs in front and blocks in rear, and 33 inch tires. I can get a couple pics tomorrow, but the are same height. (approx)

Dooley · 06-23-2009, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMiller

I have always wanted a K30 4x4, I have owned lots of K20 4x4's. Was there any difference between frames on the K20 and K30 or was just gvrw numbers? What all other differences were there? I know a 3\4ton could be ordered up to have all the big drivetrain, radiator and such, but is there any other real differences? Great site, enjoying mysef here!

You could not order a 3/4 ton with the Dana 60 front axle. The frames on a 30 series are bigger. The 1 ton comes standard with hydroboost brakes with all engine configurations. Other series GM light trucks had hydroboost with the diesel engine only.

pokethesmot · 06-23-2009, 11:48 PM

whats the differences between a 1/2 ton and a 3/4 ton...junst wondering

*SMiller* · 06-24-2009, 10:32 AM

I have had a few K20's with dana 60 fronts, are you sure you couldn't get one like this?

Red_69 · 06-24-2009, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pokethesmot

whats the differences between a 1/2 ton and a 3/4 ton...junst wondering

Heavier duty springs, eight lug wheeels and a bigger rear axle. Front axle was the same.

b454rat · 06-24-2009, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMiller

I have had a few K20's with dana 60 fronts, are you sure you couldn't get one like this?

Not factory. Someone swapped them in over the years, or could have been a rebadged 3/4 ton.

*SMiller* · 06-24-2009, 11:32 AM

Shurly the 3\4ton and 1\2ton didn't share the same frame?

Dooley · 06-24-2009, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMiller

I have had a few K20's with dana 60 fronts, are you sure you couldn't get one like this?

What b454rat said. The Dana 60 was introduced in the GM squarebody K30 series in 1977.

Red_69 · 06-24-2009, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMiller

Shurly the 3\4ton and 1\2ton didn't share the same frame?

Yes they surely did.

b454rat · 06-24-2009, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red_69

Yes they surely did.

And don't call me Surely

babyJay · 06-24-2009, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babyJay

...The two trucs in my sig sit at the same height. The v30 (gm dropped the "k" in 87 for a "V") is bone stock suspension. The 79 has a four inch suspension lift, springs in front and blocks in rear, and 33 inch tires. I can get a couple pics tomorrow, but the are same height. (approx)

Pics:

babyJay · 06-24-2009, 09:21 PM

first is the K20 frame, right in front of drivers side rear wheel, second is 87 30 same frame location.

*SMiller* · 06-24-2009, 10:34 PM

Thanks for the pics!

06-23-2009, 08:47 PM	#1
SMiller Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tipton IN Posts: 81	Differences in frames between K20 and K30? I have always wanted a K30 4x4, I have owned lots of K20 4x4's. Was there any difference between frames on the K20 and K30 or was just gvrw numbers? What all other differences were there? I know a 3\4ton could be ordered up to have all the big drivetrain, radiator and such, but is there any other real differences? Great site, enjoying mysef here!

06-23-2009, 09:03 PM	#2
thinair thinair Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: omaha,ne Posts: 1,001	Re: Differences in frames between K20 and K30? 1 ton frames are taller than the 3/4-1/2 ton frames and the rear spring hangers are spaced further apart..........otherwise,mounts and such are all the same

06-23-2009, 09:45 PM	#3
SMiller Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tipton IN Posts: 81	Re: Differences in frames between K20 and K30? So the frames are the same thickness and width, they just vary in height between the 1\2 3\4 and 1ton. And the leafs are longer. Any other onfo? Thanks for all the help!

06-23-2009, 10:51 PM	#4
Gregs71 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Amador County, Ca. Posts: 229	Re: Differences in frames between K20 and K30? my undestanding was they were taller and a tad thicker. __________________ 1995 GMC 4x4 1/2 ton 1999 Jeep Wrangler w/ 33's 68 camaro 350/350 1987 Chevy 3/4 ton 4x4 Suzuki DRZ 400s Dual Sport 1971 chevy long bed 2x4 194? Dodge 2.5 ton 1980 Chevy Cheyenne 4x4 1/2 ton I6/sm455 1989 Chevy V30 crewcab dually 454/TH400

06-23-2009, 11:19 PM	#5
babyJay Arrived on a Pale Horse Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: SnagTown Indiana Posts: 2,524	Re: Differences in frames between K20 and K30? Can't really comment on the differences. The two trucs in my sig sit at the same height. The v30 (gm dropped the "k" in 87 for a "V") is bone stock suspension. The 79 has a four inch suspension lift, springs in front and blocks in rear, and 33 inch tires. I can get a couple pics tomorrow, but the are same height. (approx) __________________ Jason 87 V30 350TBI/400 White w/Boss V-plow 89 R3500 CC SRW

06-23-2009, 11:48 PM	#7
pokethesmot profeshinaly unimployed Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: hazlehurst, GA Posts: 1,232	Re: Differences in frames between K20 and K30? whats the differences between a 1/2 ton and a 3/4 ton...junst wondering __________________ my ride click here my myspace "having mud flaps is like asking for a smaller trophy"

06-24-2009, 10:32 AM	#8
SMiller Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tipton IN Posts: 81	Re: Differences in frames between K20 and K30? I have had a few K20's with dana 60 fronts, are you sure you couldn't get one like this?

06-24-2009, 11:32 AM	#11
SMiller Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tipton IN Posts: 81	Re: Differences in frames between K20 and K30? Shurly the 3\4ton and 1\2ton didn't share the same frame?

06-24-2009, 09:21 PM	#16
babyJay Arrived on a Pale Horse Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: SnagTown Indiana Posts: 2,524	Re: Differences in frames between K20 and K30? first is the K20 frame, right in front of drivers side rear wheel, second is 87 30 same frame location. Attached Images __________________ Jason 87 V30 350TBI/400 White w/Boss V-plow 89 R3500 CC SRW

06-24-2009, 10:34 PM	#17
SMiller Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tipton IN Posts: 81	Re: Differences in frames between K20 and K30? Thanks for the pics!



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.