Question About Frame Differences?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

*72longbed* · 10-12-2003, 07:57 PM

Does anybody know if there is a difference in frame dimensions between a C-10 and a K-10? I've heard different opinions, now I'd like to ask the experts.

Thanks for your help.

72

HeavyK20 · 10-12-2003, 09:29 PM

The main difference is the frame rails on the 4wd are parallel, about 34" wide, from the front of the cab to the rear bumper. The frame rails on the 2wd start out 34" wide under the cab and then get wider around the rear axle and come back in to 34" at the rear. I think the widening of the frame around the rear axle is actually for coil spring trucks, but all 2wd's use a coil frame even if they have leaf springs. Also, a 2wd leaf spring truck has diffferent hangers and the springs are mounted wider than a 4wd. All of the body mounts are the same between a 2wd and a 4wd.

palallin · 10-12-2003, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by HeavyK20
All of the body mounts are the same between a 2wd and a 4wd.

For the 3/4 ton, yes; for a half ton, NO: 1/2 ton 2wd are different from the larger and 1/2 4wd.

*72longbed* · 10-13-2003, 10:06 AM

Thanks to both of you, but I had heard that the 4x4 frames were narrower in the front, (from the front cab mount thru the engine cradle mounting area), to allow for the front leaf spring suspension. Is this true?

72

HeavyK20 · 10-13-2003, 04:10 PM

I believe the frames are the same from the cab forward. If you are planning on converting a 2wd to 4wd there is a dimple in the 2wd frame, where the parking brake cable goes through, that would have to be reworked in order to mount the shackle brackets.

You're right palallin, I forgot about the different heights in mounting pads.

blaz72 · 10-14-2003, 07:48 PM

Frames are the same(cab forward) body monts the same on both

Rod · 10-17-2003, 09:51 PM

The rear cab mount is at a different height on the frame on a 4x4 compared to a 2wd 1/2 ton.

*72longbed* · 10-18-2003, 07:46 AM

Thanks Rod,
I'll bet thats to give a little more room for the transfer case. What do you think? Do the body lines still line up between the cab and bed on 4x4's?

72

10-12-2003, 07:57 PM	#1
72longbed Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: PA Posts: 1,411	Question About Frame Differences?? Does anybody know if there is a difference in frame dimensions between a C-10 and a K-10? I've heard different opinions, now I'd like to ask the experts. Thanks for your help. 72

10-12-2003, 09:29 PM	#2
HeavyK20 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: New Richmond, WI Posts: 547	The main difference is the frame rails on the 4wd are parallel, about 34" wide, from the front of the cab to the rear bumper. The frame rails on the 2wd start out 34" wide under the cab and then get wider around the rear axle and come back in to 34" at the rear. I think the widening of the frame around the rear axle is actually for coil spring trucks, but all 2wd's use a coil frame even if they have leaf springs. Also, a 2wd leaf spring truck has diffferent hangers and the springs are mounted wider than a 4wd. All of the body mounts are the same between a 2wd and a 4wd. __________________ Eric 1969 K20, 465/205 package

10-13-2003, 04:10 PM	#5
HeavyK20 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: New Richmond, WI Posts: 547	I believe the frames are the same from the cab forward. If you are planning on converting a 2wd to 4wd there is a dimple in the 2wd frame, where the parking brake cable goes through, that would have to be reworked in order to mount the shackle brackets. You're right palallin, I forgot about the different heights in mounting pads. __________________ Eric 1969 K20, 465/205 package Last edited by HeavyK20; 10-14-2003 at 06:56 AM.

10-17-2003, 09:51 PM	#7
Rod Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Eastern - Manitoba Canada, Winnipeg Posts: 4,369	The rear cab mount is at a different height on the frame on a 4x4 compared to a 2wd 1/2 ton. __________________ Senior active founding member. 70 3/4 ton GMC Suburban 4x4 250/4 spd. 71 1/2 ton Suburban Chevy 4x4, 350/350 72 Chev 1 ton tow truck 402BB w/Holmes 440 wrecker on propane 2005 FLSTSCI Harley Springer 85 FXSB Harley Lowrider 72 Triumph 650 Bonneville 5spd "Poor people don't have hobbies" Quote from wife.

10-13-2003, 10:06 AM	#4
72longbed Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: PA Posts: 1,411	Thanks to both of you, but I had heard that the 4x4 frames were narrower in the front, (from the front cab mount thru the engine cradle mounting area), to allow for the front leaf spring suspension. Is this true? 72

10-14-2003, 07:48 PM	#6
blaz72 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: connecticut Posts: 21	Frames are the same(cab forward) body monts the same on both

10-18-2003, 07:46 AM	#8
72longbed Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: PA Posts: 1,411	Thanks Rod, I'll bet thats to give a little more room for the transfer case. What do you think? Do the body lines still line up between the cab and bed on 4x4's? 72



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