C10 to K10 conversion

[Mr.Tarver]

I have an 85 c10 that I'm strongly thinking about swapping to a k10. I'm not going to sell it and buy a k10. I have a dana 44 and 12 bolt already, but it bothers me to some degree because that isn't what the truck would have under it originally and stuff like that gets to me. My question is would it bother anyone else? I think I should get a pair of 10 bolts, but would anyone else go through the trouble?

[kwmech]

Use the 12b rear. A lot of 10 bolt owners upgrade to a 12 bolt or even a 14 bolt semi float 'cuz the 10 bolt breakage when wheel'n

[KQQL IT]

After a recent swap to 2wd- id get a donor 4x chassis and cut it and the front cab mount

[Badride76]

I had looked into doing this on a 1976, best way I figured to do it would be find someone selling a rolling chassis and swap the whole thing. You will have to cut out the floor to put in a raised one that fits the 4x4 driveline. Good luck and post up a build.

[THI]

If you are already turning it from 2WD to 4WD it is no longer "original" anyway so why worry about the axles not being correct for a 1985? Just my opinion for what it is worth.

You will either need to find a doner frame to get the parts you need or a complete rolling chassis. Also as mentioned you will need the center hump from a 4WD truck or heavy duty C20 or C30 for the clearance of the driveline. Also, 1985 was the changeover year for 4WD crossmembers to the newer "W" shape crossmember and shorter t-case adapters.

[kennyw]

You can buy the parts needed to convert your 2wd chassis to 4x4 from www.offroaddesign.com or you can find a donor chassis and grind out the rivets to get factory brackets. Keep your 2wd steering box and go with crossover steering though with the bolt on steering brace at a minimum. Crossover makes a big difference in handling on a 4x4.

But, if you are going through the trouble of a conversion, I would also consider 3/4 ton axles for lower gears if you want 33" or larger tires. Most 1/2 ton axles don't come with low enough gears and it is cheaper and stronger to use the larger axles.

[c30]

Two options for you. I have a 76 Blazer chassis here. It's a rolling chassis with axles, springs and power steering box with complete steering linkage including sway bar.
You could easily transfer the spring mounts to your frame. An advantage to doing this is the vin on your frame will match the cab and title. Some states are pretty anal about this.
Also, I am getting ready to pull the 67 body off the squarebody 4x4 chassis that it came with. It's a short bed chassis that was reconditioned by the previous owner. It is all clean, painted, no rust anywhere. It runs and drives great.
Both of these will be listed for sale soon