Need some direction for a '68 K20 build

[backwoodsK20]

I bought a 68 Chevy K20, 292/SM420/Rockwell transfer case. Truck runs and drives but is mechanically rough. I got a '79 K20 for parts, which i'll be using the diffs from to transfer to the '68. Here's my plan, any advice on the flaws would be appreciated.

-Remove springs and diffs from parts truck, including mounting shackles, and make them fit on the '68 (frames are the same width so why not, the original '68 springs are cracked anyway).

-Parts truck suspension has a 3" block in the rear, none up front. Is it a good idea to add maybe a 2" block to the front?

-I bought a pair of 36" Swampers on 16x8" chevy aluminums. with the mild block lift, would these fit? Rims have 0 offset. Would I need spacers for the front to allow clearance for steering? are spacers even a good idea?

-Lastly I decided to swap the front clip over to the '70 style.

-Truck needs all new brake system, I picked up a master cylinder and booster from an '86 chevy. brake lines will have to be brand new.

The goal of this project was the to make it an inexpensive build, but at the same time I don't want to take shortcuts that would compromise safety while driving. Truck on top is what I have now. The pic below is what I want it to look like.

[72 Copper C-10]

I think it would be cool idea. From what I understand 68 k20s are pretty rare, especially in decent condition. If it was my truck I would keep it factory and numbers matching as possible. If you were going to continue with your plan I would keep all of the parts you take off, and don't change or modify anything thats hard to undo. in the end its your truck, so have fun with it!

[andrewmp6]

You never use a lift block in the front and in the back they are not really the best thing to use for a lift.

[Stocker]

x2 on never, ever using lift blocks in the front. If it needs lifted, it needs to have lift springs. Not so critical on the rear springs, plenty of guys run blocks. Probably a good idea to use your donor axles, it's a good way to get front discs. As to the '69-'70 style front clip, it's your truck and it's a matter of taste, but a lot of us think the '67-'68 style is the best-looking ever made. So you're keeping the 292? I like that -- it's plenty torquey from what I hear, plus it's the stock setup and there's probably not a lot of them around since so many were changed to a V8.

[Your41Plague12]

X2 on keeping the 68 front clip. That's a really sharp looking truck! I'm all for swapping the axles and springs though, that's a good upgrade. I'd keep the stock ones though, for selling purposes down the road. Other than that, a small block in the rear is fine. Any more than a 4" block in the rear might be questionable though, due to excessive axle wrap. Never use a block in the front either.

[72 Copper C-10]

I agree with everyone about the lift springs, you shouldn't use a block. Check out Offroad design they have awesome front spring set ups, they might be alittle more money wise but its definitely worth it

[andrewmp6]

With the truck as old as it is i would think hard on lift springs front and back.The rear springs are probably factory and sagged over the years.So if you put 3 inch lift springs in the front even with a 3 inch block in the rear it will sit front end higher probably.Which front clip to use is up to you,I would leave it alone or maybe go gmc and get the quad head lights to be different.

[Spartan]

I would keep it as stock as possible. If you want a lifted 4x4 go with a 72. I see too many butchered 67's and 68's.
That's my opinion but it is your truck to do what you will with and since I value choice I say follow your vision.

[argonaut]

in my opinion the 67-68 front end looks WAAAAAAAAAAY better than the cheesy plastic 71-72 stuff. but as others have said, to each his own.

As far as the suspension, you can adapt the later model stuff without too much difficulty. I'd say with a 4" lift you could fit thin 36" tires in there.

[duallyjams]

Originally Posted by argonaut

in my opinion the 67-68 front end looks WAAAAAAAAAAY better than the cheesy plastic 71-72 stuff. but as others have said, to each his own.

As far as the suspension, you can adapt the later model stuff without too much difficulty. I'd say with a 4" lift you could fit thin 36" tires in there.

X2
and never use blocks on the front

[CanadianK10]

Welcome from Southern Ontario

Nice truck, heres my 67 K10 with the same powertrain, got it back a couple weeks ago from paint and have been having a great time with it. Put about 500 miles on it since I got it back.

I may do a smaller lift on mine down the road as well



- Adam

[backwoodsK20]

Thanks for all the opinions; the tires i have are 36x12.5/16 swampers. Ill just have to see how they fit and if no good ill go down to thinner 35's. Yes i will be keeping the 292 under the hood, and im keeping everything original to the truck except the springs. The rear springs are literally split in two and held together by the u-bolts. Unfortunately the box is shot (the pic is decieving) but its getting a clean donor box from another '68.

[sboris]

IMO the 68 clip rocks!( But the 70 would look great too). That pic you have of the 70 looks to be at least a 6 inch. Just wanted to show you a 4 inch with 315/75r/16, close to 35s I think on 10" wheels. When flexing in a turn, I get a SLIGHT rub on the bottom front corner (front fender). These are wider than yours I'm sure, but maybe a little reference point for ya.

[backwoodsK20]

That looks awesome! Where did you get those rims?! I need a set

[sboris]

Thx. Ordered them through summit. They are wheel vintiques brand..

[Gobuffalo]

X2 on Off Road Designe they have a lot of good suspension upgrade parts for your truck. I used their shackle flip kit on my 70 suburban. It's good for 4" of lift on a stock spring. I added a 2" lift spring for a total of 6" of lift.

[El Dorado Jim]

Originally Posted by sboris

IMO the 68 clip rocks!( But the 70 would look great too). That pic you have of the 70 looks to be at least a 6 inch. Just wanted to show you a 4 inch with 315/75r/16, close to 35s I think on 10" wheels. When flexing in a turn, I get a SLIGHT rub on the bottom front corner (front fender). These are wider than yours I'm sure, but maybe a little reference point for ya.

Beautiful truck!

[coopdog]

i put a 4 inch lift aswell, its the perfect hight, alot of people tell me it looks stock

[Bladeboy1998]

I'm actually kinda glad this thread got brought back up, this is the same route I want to go when I do my build. If you don't mind me asking, about how much did all this cost, and about how much time did all the swapping take?

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by coopdog

i put a 4 inch lift aswell, its the perfect hight, alot of people tell me it looks stock

Coop, that is a drop-dead gorgeous truck.... but there's no way it looks stock. People telling you that just don't remember what stock looked like. Now some of the old 3/4T 4x4 Fords often rode at about that height...

[coopdog]

Thanks man, ya people that say it looks stock must have just throught the 3/4 4x4 chevys of the seventys sat really high like the 70s Ford highboys. In this pic you can see the height better