Frame Upgrade Question

[1964Panel]

Good Morning All,
I am proud owner of a 1964 Chevy Panel Truck (half ton)
I am planning on swapping out the complete front K member (Crossmember) with a mid 70's unit. My understanding this will be a direct bolt, then i just saw a thread saying only if they are both half ton. so is it true a 3/4 ton front will not bolt in, and if so, what is the differences?
also, is there an online reference that details the frame specs over the years.

I need to make sure i build a safe frame

Thanks all!
cb

[Captainfab]

Welcome to the forum

You can bolt up a '71-'87 C20 front suspension just as easily as a C10 suspension. Take a look in the '60-'66 FAQ thread at the top of the main '60-'66 forum page. There are a few front suspension threads listed in there. The most complete one is titled 'Disc Brake Upgrade Reference Thread'

[padresag]

Originally Posted by 1964Panel

Good Morning All,
I am proud owner of a 1964 Chevy Panel Truck (half ton)
I am planning on swapping out the complete front K member (Crossmember) with a mid 70's unit. My understanding this will be a direct bolt, then i just saw a thread saying only if they are both half ton. so is it true a 3/4 ton front will not bolt in, and if so, what is the differences?
also, is there an online reference that details the frame specs over the years.

I need to make sure i build a safe frame

Thanks all!
cb

the frt axle is a bolt in only. There is no k member crossmember as such. there is only the small crossmember which supports the rad.
if you are talking about the frt springs and brackets; they have to be relocated
ron

[chevyrestoguy]

Are we talking 2WD or 4WD?

If it's a 2WD, the entire cradle and suspension will bolt in. You will have to drill 2 new holes and elongate 2 existing holes. Super easy. Buy a steering box adapter from Capt. Fab, and you'll have power steering as well. I would recommend this swap to anyone who wants to stop and steer better. Plus, you're using all GM parts, and that's a nice feature when you have to buy replacement pieces from the local parts store.

If it's a 4WD, it gets a little trickier. You'll have to do some fab work, but not too much.

[1964Panel]

Good Morning All,
It is 2WD.
Here is two pic i shot this morning
Thanks all
Chris

[padresag]

when you use "K" that pretty well refers to 4 wheel drive
ron

[1964Panel]

interesting, I have also known the K member is the main assembly that is the center unit that the control arms bolt to and supports the engine,,,
well because it looks like a K
since im a jeep and dodge guy, 4wd means dana 30,44,60 front axles (dont flame me )
sorry for the confusion
Chris

Example of a fabricated unit

[padresag]

[QUOTE=1964Panel;5606230]interesting, I have also known the K member is the main assembly that is the center unit that the control arms bolt to and supports the engine,,,
well because it looks like a K
since im a jeep and dodge guy, 4wd means dana 30,44,60 front axles (dont flame me )
sorry for the confusion
Chris

Example of a fabricated unit [/QUOTE
in chevrolet light trucks 2 wheel drive are "C" model designation and 4 x 4 are "K" designation in the models. in your panel look at the ser#. 1st there should be the #4 for the year and then there will be a "C" which will tell you that it is a 2 wheel dr.conventional cab
I understand this in your relationship with a dodge
ron

[1964Panel]

Yup. I follow what you are saying, I guess when i was thinking K member, It did not dawn on me that K and the 4x4 designation