1971 C/10 to K/20 Conversion

[newstedcomeback]

I got the gas tank installed. all new fuel lines ran to the engine. The wiring for the tail lights and fuel pump/ sending unit. I deeply regret taking the front clip all apart. I wont make that mistake again. I had a hell of a time trying to get all the panels fit together. But yesterday I finally got my gaps where I want them. this week I plan on putting the battery back in and testing the electrical circuits.

[mattbert56]

Lookin good!! That 4 inch lift looks roght at home on your trUck. Keep up the good work.

[Dieselwrencher]

It's coming along really nice! Keep up the great work!

[jeffahart]

Hey,
what are you going to do with your saddle tank openings? I'm considering making boxes to store choker chains and rope. I hate to close up usable space. I keep my ropes behind the seats buy I hate not having chains on hand.

[newstedcomeback]

Originally Posted by jeffahart

Hey,
what are you going to do with your saddle tank openings? I'm considering making boxes to store choker chains and rope. I hate to close up usable space. I keep my ropes behind the seats buy I hate not having chains on hand.

Well "one of these days" I'm gonna burn in a panel and patch them up.. I have a nice tool box that sits level with the top of the bed for storage. Its more than enough storage space for what I need, Plus I removed the tank from behind the seat so I have extra storage there. Apparently the 8' long bed is such a dreaded curse (says every craigslist jackass that comes over to buy stuff) they always say "Aww man, too bad its not a short bed" Drives me nuts, its a truck. I have a few buddy's with short beds and step sides that always call me up when they need to move a couch.

[mattbert56]

Originally Posted by newstedcomeback

Well "one of these days" I'm gonna burn in a panel and patch them up.. I have a nice tool box that sits level with the top of the bed for storage. Its more than enough storage space for what I need, Plus I removed the tank from behind the seat so I have extra storage there. Apparently the 8' long bed is such a dreaded curse (says every craigslist jackass that comes over to buy stuff) they always say "Aww man, too bad its not a short bed" Drives me nuts, its a truck. I have a few buddy's with short beds and step sides that always call me up when they need to move a couch.

Amen. Hah. Short beds are really inconvenient if you plan o using the truck for its intended use. U saw how my Toyota looked when I came and picked up some stuff at Ur place. Thing was packed to the gills and it only had 4 things in it hahah thank god for long beds.

[twistedchevy]

Subscribed, I'm going to do a 2wd to 4wd body swap soon on my suburban.

[newstedcomeback]

I havnt been able to spend very much time on the truck lately, But I have been trying here and there. I put the grill and bumper on last night. all of the gauges are hooked up and working. the wiring is all cleaned up and so far everything is working. this weekend I will try to finish up the gas tank install.

[newstedcomeback]

Well, its been a while. Sorry I fell off the radar. The wife and I had a son, we are very excited! he is our first. he was born last month and I have been very busy.

I got my truck running and have moved it around the driveway and down the street a couple times. it is awesome, and now that its somewhat drivable, time to celebrate by taking it back apart!! haha I decided to take the truck in a new direction and make it a 1 ton. I want to run the 37"

I came across a 1985 k3500 on craigslist that I just couldnt pass up. I took it home and tore it apart. I got my SRW dana 60 with 4.10 gears, an extra 14 bolt, 454 big block, turbo 400 with a round pattern NP 205. and a full hydroboost system. SCORE!!!! it was a running truck with a 4" lift and 35" bfg mud terrains. everything is in great shape. Im going to use the dana 60, the th400 and the 205. I need to replace the seals on them and clean them up a little. I have been slowly chipping away at the project. but the baby comes first.

I will eventually sell my dana 44 and the 700r4/np208 setup.

I cant believe how beefy the dana 60 is compared to the dana 44. and its much easier to take apart the kingpins than it is for the balljoints.

More pics will come soon.

[mattbert56]

Welcome back ha. U plan on putting the 454 in your pickup?

[newstedcomeback]

Originally Posted by mattbert56

Welcome back ha. U plan on putting the 454 in your pickup?

No, I don't think so. My small block is pretty stout. I'm pretty sure that I'm gonna sell it to you. with an intake, carb and some headers, You will pick up a couple hundred ponies over that 6 cylinder. lol. it is in good shape. the truck only had 70,000 miles and the engine ran strong. it was rebuilt at some point and the guts look great. I pulled off the oil pan also.

You gotta come by soon and dig through my parts pile. I have a bunch of stuff from this 85. I have both saddle gas tanks ready to go. it was carburated. and the tanks are at least 20 gallons each. I know I have a bunch of stuff that you need. lol

[mattbert56]

Hehe I'm trying not to leave work and herd my 65 to your house haha you busy at all holoween day? Those saddle tanks caught my ears for sure.

[newstedcomeback]

Originally Posted by mattbert56

Hehe I'm trying not to leave work and herd my 65 to your house haha you busy at all holoween day? Those saddle tanks caught my ears for sure.

Im always around. you can text me. any weekday after 4. I even have the cool electric valve that switches between the tanks.

[mattbert56]

Ooooh. Now your just bragging. Haha has your kid been along you to sleep at all?

[y5mgisi]

Sweet score on the one ton!

[Dieselwrencher]

Congratulations on your son and sweet score on the tonner donor! Your truck will be a beast of a rig now for sure!

[newstedcomeback]

I am working on cleaning up the 60, I got a can of POR15 from mattbert and I ordered all new seals and steering stuff. I also picked up a set of 37x12.5x16.5 BFG baja TA. Humvee tires. They are military surplus from a wholesaler in Wisconsin. $500 on eBay. I would totally reccomend them. They were made in late 2011 and have over 90% tread left. It's gonna be pretty sweet. Here's a side by side to the 35's that I have on the truck right now. Thanks for your support guys. I am very busy with my son but I am still chipping away at the truck.

[newstedcomeback]

37's

[newstedcomeback]

Better pic of the tread

[andrewmp6]

Those military 37s will ride a little rough since they are load rated for a armored h1.

[Dieselwrencher]

Nice tires! I can't imagine those tires are over a Load Rating E and the truck is a lifted leaf sprung rig so it'll probably not ride like a caddy anyhow.

[newstedcomeback]

The tires are load range D. 3,850 lbs each. I'm not concerned with them being a rough ride. the truck used to have coil springs on all 4 corners, lowered, 10" wide cooper Cobras and 1 1/4 sway bars front and rear. It had its days of comfortable ride. Now I'm ready for it to be a beast.

I mounted one of the tires today. It really fills up the wheel well. i hope the front will fit without trimming. I will find out soon.

[ryanroo]

time to change the thread title to K30! dana 60s for everything!

[twistedchevy]

Hey, thanks for the tires.

[newstedcomeback]

Well, I know I have been absent for a while but dont worry I have been keeping busy with the family and the truck has not been neglected.

The dana 60 is finished, I changed all the wheel bearings and seals, during the axle shaft u joint replacement, the shaft slipped a little and my shop press damaged the u joint yoke on the axle shaft. I ordered a replacement long side axle shaft from http://www.dennysdriveshaft.com/ it is a genuine Spicer brand and it is .250" larger diameter than the original one!!

I was just about to put the diff cover back on, and I just couldnt help myself. I broke down and ordered a spartan locker unit for the carrier. If im going this far into the build, I might as well make it a fully functional 4x4 with lockers front and rear.

I will try to do the axle swap soon, But I have a 4 month old son, the rain just started and I still need to change the rack & Pinion in the wife's toyota camry. I will stay on track. the next project is to rebuild the NP205. more updates will come soon.

Thanks for the support guys.