Straight axle conversions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

69chevyc20 · 09-17-2004, 08:04 PM

I want to do a 4wd straight axle conversion to my 2wd 69 chevy C20 but I dont know where to get a kit or if there is a cheap and easy junkyard alternative.

I dont plan making it 4wd I just want to raise the truck up and siplify the front components and at the same time make it ride better.

Has anyone done this?

If so what newer model parts will bolt in?

Please help

cdowns · 09-17-2004, 08:45 PM

design a front crossmember for rigidity and clearance issues,get a straight axel and springs design the steering geometery and bolt it together

Brainchild · 09-17-2004, 08:50 PM

You can just unbolt the lower control arms,upper control arms,shocks,and use the shackles,and steering box from a 4x4,and bolt the straight axel in

RON WOODGEARD · 09-18-2004, 08:01 AM

In my younger days, I used to use Ford Econoline Van front straight axles on many of my cars for that Drag Look.. Check the width dimensions from spring to spring in relationship to frame rail to frame rail. You'll have to box the frame where the Shackles will bolt up to.. Mounting is the easiest job, Doing the Steering geometry is the toughest. But it's not that bad.... Then you mount 90/10 shocks and go play ....

ChevLoRay · 09-18-2004, 10:30 AM

Based on the comments, looks like you have two alternatives, depending on your definition of "straight" axle.

The 4WD "straight" axle is one.

The beam axle is the other.

In '69, GM (Chevy) had a G-20 series van that had a 3000lb capacity I-beam axle. In standard configuration, the front springs had a capacity of 1275lbs, each. The optional springs were 1375lbs capacity, each.

To each, his own.

Back in the mid-late 60's, the gasser look was one style we enjoyed. The beam axle was just like Ron Woodgeard described. The most vivid examples that I recall in my area were two: A '65 ChevyII 2-dr sedan and my ex-brother in law's '55 Bel Aire 2dr sedan. The 55 had been a decent driver, maroon and white, with a 421 Pontiac and 4-speed, when he bought it in '68. During the next few years, the engine was bored and fitted with a Mickey Thompson Dual Ram Log Offset intake and dual carbs; the front end was changed to a beam axle with NO BRAKES; the rear wheel tubs were hogged out to huge+; the front end, doors and trunk lid were swapped out for fiberglass components...and it had one of the then-popular "never ending line and other weird stuff" paint jobs. It was fast, but no good on the streets, even though he would drive it every now and then.

Just can't visualize a truck with those modifications, unless it's a Willys.

09-17-2004, 08:04 PM	#1
69chevyc20 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Omega, GA 31775 Posts: 6	4wd straight axle conversions. Anybody done this? I want to do a 4wd straight axle conversion to my 2wd 69 chevy C20 but I dont know where to get a kit or if there is a cheap and easy junkyard alternative. I dont plan making it 4wd I just want to raise the truck up and siplify the front components and at the same time make it ride better. Has anyone done this? If so what newer model parts will bolt in? Please help __________________ 69 chevy C20 307/3 speed 4.10 posi. Last edited by 69chevyc20; 09-18-2004 at 10:53 PM.

09-17-2004, 08:45 PM	#2
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	design a front crossmember for rigidity and clearance issues,get a straight axel and springs design the steering geometery and bolt it together __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

09-17-2004, 08:50 PM	#3
Brainchild Still drivin' a Rat Rod Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Monett Missouri Posts: 4,925	You can just unbolt the lower control arms,upper control arms,shocks,and use the shackles,and steering box from a 4x4,and bolt the straight axel in __________________ Rusty Member #13872 Instead of saying.....you are a discomfort in the back of my front.....one should be able to say...... you are a pain in the a$# 71 GMC LWB 49 Chevy 85 Chevy G20 Check out my website

09-18-2004, 10:30 AM	#5
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Based on the comments, looks like you have two alternatives, depending on your definition of "straight" axle. The 4WD "straight" axle is one. The beam axle is the other. In '69, GM (Chevy) had a G-20 series van that had a 3000lb capacity I-beam axle. In standard configuration, the front springs had a capacity of 1275lbs, each. The optional springs were 1375lbs capacity, each. To each, his own. Back in the mid-late 60's, the gasser look was one style we enjoyed. The beam axle was just like Ron Woodgeard described. The most vivid examples that I recall in my area were two: A '65 ChevyII 2-dr sedan and my ex-brother in law's '55 Bel Aire 2dr sedan. The 55 had been a decent driver, maroon and white, with a 421 Pontiac and 4-speed, when he bought it in '68. During the next few years, the engine was bored and fitted with a Mickey Thompson Dual Ram Log Offset intake and dual carbs; the front end was changed to a beam axle with NO BRAKES; the rear wheel tubs were hogged out to huge+; the front end, doors and trunk lid were swapped out for fiberglass components...and it had one of the then-popular "never ending line and other weird stuff" paint jobs. It was fast, but no good on the streets, even though he would drive it every now and then. Just can't visualize a truck with those modifications, unless it's a Willys. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

09-18-2004, 08:01 AM	#4
RON WOODGEARD Resident Young Old Dude ! Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Nevada Posts: 1,948	In my younger days, I used to use Ford Econoline Van front straight axles on many of my cars for that Drag Look.. Check the width dimensions from spring to spring in relationship to frame rail to frame rail. You'll have to box the frame where the Shackles will bolt up to.. Mounting is the easiest job, Doing the Steering geometry is the toughest. But it's not that bad.... Then you mount 90/10 shocks and go play ....



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