Inherited my grandpas truck. Have question. Convert to 4x4?

[GMJay]

Hey guys,
First post here. Heres the deal. Ive already seen some info on my question, I have been searching but not quite finding the 'Summary' of what i need. So dont flame me for not looking at exsisting threads.

Heres the deal. Grandpa passed. I now own his truck, its on its way here (Idaho) from AZ now. Its a 1972 C20 custom camper. Orange, with white top.

He bought thia truck brand new in 1972. It has barely been driven in the last 20 years. It has something like 130,000 origional miles. Obviously this is a very sentimental truck.

That being said, its Idaho. And grandpa wouldnt call me crazy for looking into this....Converting to 4wd. The truck would be tough to use in farm country 4-5 minths of the year without it.

Because of the 1 owner , sentimental value, etc etc etc. I really do not want to do a frame swap. At first in my head I was like. "Tranny swap, axle, transfer case, DONE!"

But as I read more on here it seems unanimous that a frame swap was easier. And the few conversions I did find guys had nothing stttopping them from making heavy mods.

Assuming I found a donor K20...can anyone help me summarize a list of things I would need to do To get it done??? Long post I know. But I need to weigh my options here. Thanks in advance for helping out. Ill post pics when it arrives.

[Mike C]

Frame swap. The 4x4 frames have parallel frame rails and the 2x4 are tapered. Even if it's a leaf spring truck, the 2x4 is 2 1/4" and the 4x4 is 2 1/2" (Unless it is a Longhorn ie 133" wheelbase truck).

All spring mounts, shock mounts, and most crossmembers are different. (Once again excepting the Longhorn)

EVERYTHING is different on the 2x4 truck. And while it can be done, it's not a "factory" style 4x4 conversion but a custom four wheel drive and that's why you see so many radical changes incorporated.

My opinion would be to either keep it and drive it as is or find a same vintage 4x4 complete chassis and swap your body and bed on after R&Ring the donor.

Edit: What engine trans are in the truck? 4x4 really needs a small block and a high hump to work with the factory components.

[GMJay]

Thank you. I will probably not have the heart to do TOO much cutting. And a framw swap is out of the question. I will keep it as is unless I get lucky.

I think there is a VERY good chance it is a longhorn. I can confirm later today. But it its LONG. Assuming it is....does that make my hopes of keeping the frame any more realistic? What circumstances change if its a longhorn?

[GMJay]

Oh. Its a newer crate 350/th350 combo. Im not 100 perxent positive on the tranny. But for whatever reason grandpa had a crate 350 professionally swapped in about 10 years ago.

[Greasey Harley]

I don't know what part of Idaho to your in, but my neighbors, over here at Swamped and Locked, in Hayden, can convert anything to four wheel drive!
...bring your checkbook.

[undertaker72]

gmjay, it sounds like you have a very nice truck already , and they didn't make a factory
4x4 longhorn, if I were you , just my 2 cents keep grandpas truck as you remember and enjoy it , find a poject truck and build your 4x4 they way you want , there are plenty of people on here that will help you with advise and sometimes labor , and always good parts avalible on the parts for sale section , if you need a 4x4 chassis let me know im in Utah and have about ten from frames to projects and can help you out good luck with your truck post some pics when it gets there, kevin

[GMJay]

Yes, I agree. If it cant be done while maintaining the integrity of what the truck is to me, besides being probably one of the true survivors in the country. I probably will not be able to bring myself to do it.

Sounding like a buff and polish. And its the designated hay and 12 pack truck.

[i82much]

I couldn't do it, I'd have to keep it more or less the way he bought it. There are plenty of good old 4x4 Chevy and GMC trucks in Idaho that need to be rescued. Keep grandpa's and get a 4x4 too!!!

[davepl]

Go buy a used 4x4 to drive those 4-5 months a year. Grandpa made it 130,000 miles with one wheel drive (unless it's posi). My Dad did it in Saskatchewan. I did it in Saskatchewan. I do not weep for Bostonians, man, because I've seen some things, man. Sometimes I wake up and it's like I'm back up there, man, and it's still snowing, won't stop, and the snow just keeps coming out of the clouds, man [slap]. Oh wait, that's better.

Anyway, don't cut up or mess up the truck. You'll hate yourself one day eventually. I know nothing about you but can wager you're under 30 or you wouldn't even consider it. The things that make this particular truck of value to you will be lost when you change it to be, for all intents and purposes, a different truck but the same color.

Now there's nothing wrong running out and working on a truck that's similar to what your dad/grandpa/uncle had. But don't screw up one that IS that actual vehicle, as opposed to merely like it.

I have my Dad's first new car, which was my first new car, and years after my Dad died I shipped it off to MCR for a 2500+ hour restoration. It's likely jewelry now, and should last another generation, but they're only original once, as the saying goes. Don't monkey with it.

[GMJay]

Lol. 31 actually. I was only inquiring. Id like to think im at least a few years ahead of my time. If it was a spring and acles swap. No harm no foul. Grandpa would approve. But I cant take a grinder to it. if I bought it from Joe Smith and someone already eff'd with it maybe. But the circumstances are much different than that. Like I said. My new hay truck and 6 pack Getter. I got plenty of other projects to cut on.

[truckster]

Originally Posted by davepl

I have my Dad's first new car, which was my first new car, and years after my Dad died I shipped it off to MCR for a 2500+ hour restoration. It's likely jewelry now, and should last another generation, but they're only original once, as the saying goes. Don't monkey with it.

I almost had a heart attack as I was reading your post. Around here MCR is a recycler/crusher.

GMJay, keep grandpa's truck. You'll be sorry in the future if you don't.

[dads longhorn]

I agree with i82much. Don't cut, don't modify, protect ,protect granpas truck. Find something else to use

[markedgar5]

Originally Posted by undertaker72

gmjay, it sounds like you have a very nice truck already , and they didn't make a factory
4x4 longhorn, if I were you , just my 2 cents keep grandpas truck as you remember and enjoy it , find a poject truck and build your 4x4 they way you want , there are plenty of people on here that will help you with advise and sometimes labor , and always good parts avalible on the parts for sale section , if you need a 4x4 chassis let me know im in Utah and have about ten from frames to projects and can help you out good luck with your truck post some pics when it gets there, kevin

I agree. The closer you leave it as your grandfather had it. The more it will mean to your children as it is passed down. Just my opinion.

[swamp rat]

You should be asking this question in the 4X4 section, there is a guy in the 4X4 builds section that is doing the same conversion, his may be a 1/2T. My K20 has the rear of the frame getting wider than the front, it is stock.

[Wizo]

IMHO; don't do anything to grandpas old truck except, put gas in it,maintain it,enjoy it and give the old gal a good wash now and then. Some years from now you will understand and appreciate it even more. Im doing the same thing with Papas old Lorry. Cherish the memories gotta go for now, someones been cutting onions again.

[El Dorado Jim]

I have done what you want to do,I ,with and for my oldest son,converted a 70 gmc C20,to 4-wheel drive..I was given a 4x4 frame,and we bought all the axles,trans-,trans.case springs,etc...at swap meets ,local paper,and craigslist...it took alot longer to round up all the parts...I would buy a donor truck next time...you will have all the parts you need and see how things are put together,,,,,you even need a wider shroud when you make it a 4-wheel drive...the motor sits back farther in the frame.....I say build the truck like you want to,your grandpa would be proud that you are using his truck..you will enjoy a 4-wheel drive alot more than a 2-wheel...I don't own anything but 4-wheel drive trucks......Good luck on your build and let me know if you have any questions about the build....I can post pics of the finished truck if you want...

[El Dorado Jim]

Originally Posted by El Dorado Jim

I have done what you want to do,I ,with and for my oldest son,converted a 70 gmc C20,to 4-wheel drive..I was given a 4x4 frame,and we bought all the axles,trans-,trans.case springs,etc...at swap meets ,local paper,and craigslist...it took alot longer to round up all the parts...I would buy a donor truck next time...you will have all the parts you need and see how things are put together,,,,,you even need a wider shroud when you make it a 4-wheel drive...the motor sits back farther in the frame.....I say build the truck like you want to,your grandpa would be proud that you are using his truck..you will enjoy a 4-wheel drive alot more than a 2-wheel...I don't own anything but 4-wheel drive trucks......Good luck on your build and let me know if you have any questions about the build....I can post pics of the finished truck if you want...

also, if you get a 69 or 70 donor truck they have drum brakes on the front,a better donor truck would be a 71 or 72....although if you get a 69 or 70 you could change the front end out of any 70's and 80's solid axle trucks ,they bolt right in..I would recommend the disc brake front end and open knuckle axles......

[jeffahart]

Put the money of the conversion toward an offroad toy. Get a nice quad or dirt bike. Put it in bed of truck.... thrash the dedicated offroad toy. Enjoy the truck daily.

My 2 cents.