Newbie needs help with project

[flipbox86]

Hey everyone! I'm new to the forum and new to classic trucks. I recently got a 1966 Chevy c10 fleetside long bed. It's in need of some restoration. I got a catalog with all the parts I need to restore the cosmetics. I need help with a different part of the restoration. I want to swap the inline 6 out for a v8 (maybe a 350) and convert it over to 4wd. I also want to lift it 6-8 inches. Anyone got any suggestions or ideas as far as compatibility with this model and how to go about lifting it and making it 4wd? Please give me your thoughts and ideas. Thanks.
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[TopFuel1966]

Probably be easier to trade it for a K-10 of the same year.

[mwipp]

im gonna agree with topfuel. selling that truck and gettin a k-10 would be alot easier... and maybe even cheaper in the long run

[flipbox86]

I agree it could be easier but the truck belonged to my grandfather and i would like to keep it for sentimental purpose. I just wanna jack it up and make it 4x4.
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[TopFuel1966]

Originally Posted by flipbox86

I agree it could be easier but the truck belonged to my grandfather and i would like to keep it for sentimental purpose. I just wanna jack it up and make it 4x4.
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In that case you might want to consider finding a k-10 roller and swapping all the tinwork onto it.

[Stacked78]

if you want to keep the body for setimental reasons, find a 4x4 frame and swap everything, much easier and alot less time consuming and cheaper in the long run, im currently hunting for a donor 4x4 too so good luck!

[mwipp]

ohhhh gotcha. that is a legit reason

[flipbox86]

what is a good 4x4 frame that will be an easy swap? anything that will "bolt right up" or require little mods? i don't mind doing a little cutting/welding/machining but i'd like to reduce the amount i have to do.

[kieth]

Originally Posted by flipbox86

Hey everyone! I'm new to the forum and new to classic trucks. I recently got a 1966 Chevy c10 fleetside long bed. It's in need of some restoration. I got a catalog with all the parts I need to restore the cosmetics. I need help with a different part of the restoration. I want to swap the inline 6 out for a v8 (maybe a 350) and convert it over to 4wd. I also want to lift it 6-8 inches. Anyone got any suggestions or ideas as far as compatibility with this model and how to go about lifting it and making it 4wd? Please give me your thoughts and ideas. Thanks.
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Find a 1964, 65, or 66 K10 the K indicates Four Wheel Drive, then all you have to do is use your body and swap it onto the K10 frame. You will have most of the parts that you need in the swap by doing it this way. Kieth

[flipbox86]

not finding many 60's k10 frames...or atleast reasonable ones. what other years would work? i've seen a lot of 70's and 80's frames. i'd like to find a 4x4 frame with a good v8 and tranny in it. that would make things even easier.

[TopFuel1966]

The later frames are different. It would be much easier to seek out a '64 - '66 K-10 lwb chassis than it would be to convert your present truck to 4whd. They're out there, keep looking until you find one.

[pmkrew]

It seems to be a popular swap going to an 70-80's 4x4 frame, I recently saw one on an 84 chassis. Of course there will be work involved in it but if you just have to make it a 4x4 go for it.

Good luck!

[Captainfab]

The easiest frame swap to convert to a 4x4 would be a '60-'66 frame and running gear, as already mentioned. The second easiest would be a '67-'72 frame and running gear. To mount your body on a '73-'87 frame and running gear will require a significant amount of work. Going that way will give you about a 3" body lift. This is acceptable on a 4x4, but not on a 2wd, IMO.

What will work for you will depend on your mechanical,fabrication and welding skills.