c20 to c10 conversion

[n3xb360]

Hello everyone! I'm new to this forum and was wondering if you guys can point me in the right direction, I have a 71' GMC Custom Camper C20 and was wondering what the easiest way to convert from the 8 bolt pattern to 5 bolt pattern, the rear end I believe is a 14 bolt Dana 60 full floater and coil rear end, money isn't to much of an issue but maybe you guys can point me in the best direction!

[chevytruckguy70]

I am actually doing the same thing only 8 lug to 6 lug. My plan is to swap out the entire front end and rear axle. It was pretty easy to find the entire front suspension from someone who swapped out theirs for an air ride system. I also located the stock spindles from another person who bought a lowered system for his truck. The parts are out there, just takes time and luck to get them, usually pretty cheap too. My truck is a 72 c20, so it already has power discs up front. The calipers are the same between the c10 and 20. The master cylinder and booster aren't, but research tells me the c20 system works fine if not better than the c10 so I'm leaving my c20 system intact. Just know the master cylinder tanks are reversed between a c10 and c20.

I'm replacing the entire front suspension mainly because mine has severe corrosion. I have my front clip and engine out anyway which makes this easy for me. All you really need to do is replace the upper and lower a arms and get c10 spindles from a 71 through 83 I believe. Not sure of the years. I'll be putting 6 lug rotors on mine.

I found a pretty check parts truck that I will be using for the rear axle and anything else I may run into. Good luck on your build.

[Stranny64]

Hey wait a minute. What's wrong with a C20 custom camper 8 lug???

Just Kidding. Good Luck!!!

[70CHEVYBB]

Just finished mine up. Rear end from craigslist 50.00, eaton posi from craigslist 125.00, summit racing for ring and pinion and bearings 275.00. two new axles from ebay 102.00 each shipped. front disc spindles 40.00 from the forum, lower control arms local 20.00, rotors, calipers, bearings , ball joints tie rods, hoses brake lines, shoes, wheel cylinders, hardware, hydro booster, master and prop valve 575.00. This is not including new rims and tires that were 600.00

[n3xb360]

Well thanks guys I appreciate the direction! Front end doesn't seem to bad but the rear ends kinda got me confused :/ can I use a C10 rear end with the stock driveshaft? And does it matter a lot for the year of the rear end?

[70CHEVYBB]

I took out the 4 speed and put in a th400. I had to have the front of the front drive shaft shortened 1.5 inches but the rear shaft was fine. I did have to use a special u-joint to mate the shaft to the diff. 67-72 for the rear end

[Magicalzoomer]

Originally Posted by 70CHEVYBB

Just finished mine up. Rear end from craigslist 50.00, eaton posi from craigslist 125.00, summit racing for ring and pinion and bearings 275.00. two new axles from ebay 102.00 each shipped. front disc spindles 40.00 from the forum, lower control arms local 20.00, rotors, calipers, bearings , ball joints tie rods, hoses brake lines, shoes, wheel cylinders, hardware, hydro booster, master and prop valve 575.00. This is not including new rims and tires that were 600.00

Hey 70ChevyBB,

I am really interested in this swap. Right now I have a 1965 C20 but I want to switch to the 6 bolt pattern of the C10/Newer trucks and get some disk brakes. I also want to bag the truck. I was wondering what year/model all the parts you got were and if I would need all of these if I am running bags:

Rear End
Axles
Posi Diff(going to running 4l60E)
Front Disk Spindles
rotors, calipers, bearings , ball joints tie rods, hoses brake lines, shoes, wheel cylinders, hardware, hydro booster, master and prop valve

Thanks for your help!