2x4-4x4 conversion

[draino76]

I have a 79 1/2ton 4x4 350 automatic gmc with horrible cancer but good power and drive train, and a 66 gmc 1/2ton 2wd sans motor and tranny. has anyone attempted a body swap and if so how easy/hard is it? I would love to make the 66 a high ridin 4x4.

[k1rodeoboater]

There's a guy up in Raleigh that I got some parts from who's doing that exact swap. 63 (IIRC) to a 79 4x4 chassis. He got all his info from this forum, so it's on here somewhere. Search in the 4x4 portion of the forum.

[Captainfab]

Many years ago I installed a '62 body onto a '74 C10 short wheelbase frame. I didn't like it at all, but the customer was happy. You will have to fabricate all ned frame brackets for the body mounts. In order for the body to sit level with the frame, you will end up with about a 3" body lift. IMO this is acceptable for a 4x4, but not for a 2wd. On a 2wd it ends up sitting about like a stock K10.

[draino76]

Well I want it to set up about 6in over the stock 4wd stance, but if the project is going to be a nightmare I may need to come up with another plan. I just love the early 60's lifted 4wd trucks, and they are not easy find anymore so I thought I might try to piece one together.

[sailed2japan]

it's definately doable and if it's what you want it will be worth it in the end.

[Captainfab]

IMO it would be easier to just put the 4x4 springs, axles, transfer case, etc. under your '66 frame. Everything from the '79 will fit or can be easily modified to fit. Plus you can build it with a suspension lift while you're at it.

[65ChevyUtah]

I am in the process of finishing up putting a 65 on a 79 frame and if i were to do it all over again I would take all the suspension off the 79 frame and put it on the 65 frame. Its working out ok but alot more work than I thought.

[61_FL_Apache]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

IMO it would be easier to just put the 4x4 springs, axles, transfer case, etc. under your '66 frame. Everything from the '79 will fit or can be easily modified to fit. Plus you can build it with a suspension lift while you're at it.

I like this plan better.

[63']

Im doing a 63 c10-79 K10 swap. So far it looks like the frames are pretty compatiable. I had just ground off the rivets on the 2 inside cab mounts and swapped them to the outside. The cab mount holes will need to be enlarged and you will have a slight body lift, but it should look nice on a 4x4. The radiator support holes are also almost the same. I also am using the 79 stepside bed as it almost the same as my 63 but much better cond.

[k1rodeoboater]

Originally Posted by 63'

Im doing a 63 c10-79 K10 swap. So far it looks like the frames are pretty compatiable. I had just ground off the rivets on the 2 inside cab mounts and swapped them to the outside. The cab mount holes will need to be enlarged and you will have a slight body lift, but it should look nice on a 4x4. The radiator support holes are also almost the same. I also am using the 79 stepside bed as it almost the same as my 63 but much better cond.

LOL...are you who I think you are? Got a tailgate and MC/Booster from you

[Captainfab]

The frames are enough different to make for more work than you might be seeing. Have you set your body on the frame yet and got everything lined up? Like I said above, you will end up with about a 3" body lift. To do this right, new body mounts need to be fabricated. IMO it is easier and better to swap the 4x4 running gear under the original frame. This way you also won't run into issues with your local/state DMV with having different VIN numbers on the cab and frame.

Originally Posted by 63'

Im doing a 63 c10-79 K10 swap. So far it looks like the frames are pretty compatiable. I had just ground off the rivets on the 2 inside cab mounts and swapped them to the outside. The cab mount holes will need to be enlarged and you will have a slight body lift, but it should look nice on a 4x4. The radiator support holes are also almost the same. I also am using the 79 stepside bed as it almost the same as my 63 but much better cond.

[63']

The frames are enough different to make for more work than you might be seeing. Have you set your body on the frame yet and got everything lined up? Like I said above, you will end up with about a 3" body lift. To do this right, new body mounts need to be fabricated. IMO it is easier and better to swap the 4x4 running gear under the original frame. This way you also won't run into issues with your local/state DMV with having different VIN numbers on the cab and frame.

Yeah I agree it is going to take some work to get everthing to fit. Looks like its possible, I know other people have done it both ways, lots of good info on here. Good idea to check your local DMV laws as well most states are different when it comes to this.

Either way you decide to do the swap it sounds like a cool project....post lots of pics.

LOL...are you who I think you are? Got a tailgate and MC/Booster from you
Yesterday 07:13 PM

Yep, hope your project is going well.

[k1rodeoboater]

Glad to see that you're on here now.

[draino76]

Sounds like I have some options to think about,and lots of good info. I have also seen lots of good pics on the 4x4 page were very similar projects have been taken on. Now to just find the time..... My baby is feeling neglected with this long winter, I need to get it out and stretch its legs soon!