69-70 K20 questions

[TwoFiftyShifter]

I have recently thought about trading trucks with my Dad. Both are project trucks that start stop and steer. I've got an 84 K10 and he has a 69 or 70 K20. It was previously a wrecker. I love the truck and it has less rust than my truck, but it just hasn't been down the road in 20 years so it will take some work. It has a V8 which might be a 350 and it has a 4 speed 465 tranny. I've driven it in the yard a bit, jeez it may have 4.57 gears. Base model as far as options go.

Which axles and transfer case would this truck have had if it was stock? What is the easiest way to get it to a 3.xx axle ratio for better drivability? I really like the 84 but it needs quite a bif of rust repair on the cab and the 70 is just cooler in a way. More potential? Don't have any good pics but here is one that shows the bed that had a wrecker unit.

[SS Tim]

Is it a 69 or a 70? They are slightly different trucks.
Either way you are probably looking at a Dana 44 front (hopefully the HD option) in 4.55 and a H052 rear in 4.57. IMHO snow plows and wreckers are probably the least desirable from a restoration standpoint. Of course actual condition is the primary decision point, but these two vocations tend to beat trucks to death.

Then again I could see that making a very nice gooseneck hauler too (with an updated driveline). Any chance of some more pictures on how that bed was clipped?

[wbc409]

Gear sets for the front axle are still readily available. Best bet for a gear change in the rear if it's an Eaton would be to replace it with a 14 bolt rear.

[SS Tim]

Originally Posted by wbc409

Gear sets for the front axle are still readily available. Best bet for a gear change in the rear if it's an Eaton would be to replace it with a 14 bolt rear.

While I agree re-gearing the front is an option. If it is a stock (closed knuckle, drum brake) front axle a later open disc axle would be a better choice all around for most people. A Dana 60 or a 14 bolt out back would complete the update.

[special-K]

You'll need to go to 14-bolt rear to get 3.73s.

[jeffahart]

Take them both and tell the old man he can drive the 84 whenever he wants as long as he fixes what he breaks, and does not drop it off with and empty tank!

Seriously though, if the frame is straight I would take the 69/70 and get a new bed. Obviously, options galore with the drive and power train. Is that a new replacement cab? I think it's a better generation to put time and bucks into.... but I'm biased!

[69K20Builder]

I have a 1969 K20 4x4.. it has a hood and front fenders off a 67. It has a Dana 44 hd front and a gm 12 bolt in the rear. Has a np208 transfer case paired with a th350 transmission. Previous owner put that stuff under there. Took the cover off the front diff and it was exploded. I got it 2 weeks ago and plan on doing a complete build. Just ordered my floor pans, rockers, and a cab corner. Its rough but I love it. It's my first C/K build.

[Dieselwrencher]

69Ksobuilder, very nice truck and welcome to the forum. You should start a thread on your truck in the 4x4 section. There is a project and build sub forum there as well.