4x4 1971 K20 build

[Rednwhitec20]

Last year in March I bought my first truck, a 1971 c20. It was running and driving but it was a very leaky one. I decided to put a brand new built 350 in it and had some fun. I decided I wanted a 4x4 truck. I am now selling my c20 to my step father (plan to buy it back sometime down the road) and use the money to build the k20.

I bought the k20 a couple of months ago. I probably over payed for it but I love these trucks so I bought it. And she sure is a project, a rusty one. So I'm going to be learning a lot during the process.

My build plan isn't crazy. The drive train is still under debate as money may be an issue as I am 16. I really want to 6.0 swap but if not I will rebuild the current motor to a 383 stroker backed by an nv4500. It has new springs with 2" of lift so I'm keeping that to save money and buying 33" tires and wheels to go back to a single wheel. I plan to just primer it black as of now and later paint it. I also plan on getting a new flatbed because it will be used as a dd and help on the farm. Sorry for such a long post
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[Rednwhitec20]

I took off all of the hydraulics and controls. Today I got the bed off and washed the frame to see how much frame repairs I need to do.

[cooperhw]

Originally Posted by Rednwhitec20

I took off all of the hydraulics and controls. Today I got the bed off and washed the frame to see how much frame repairs I need to do.

Looks somewhat familiar.

I am thinking I want to do a 4x4 someday too.

[flashed]

Very nice looking truck ,Im in for the ride.

[swamp rat]

Always up for K20 builds!

[Ol Blue K20]

Nice truck. I'm going to be watching, got yo love the K20's

[Rednwhitec20]

Sorry I have been busy lately helping my stepdad get soybeans out. We finished yesterday so today i found some time to work on her. I got the shocks off and pulled the rear-end. That impact got a work out. The shocks weren't really shocks anymore and would compress by the weight of itself. But after a while of loosen, tighten, penetrating oil, repeat I managed to get it pulled along with the leafs from the axle.

[redbaron]

Cool truck and story. I'm in.

[Rednwhitec20]

Thanks for all of the comments/replies. Tomorrow I plan on grinding off rivets for the cross member and the hanger. The frame has been rusted through where a rivet to the hanger is. I plan on blasting it, cutting out the hole where it has rusted, patching it and then putting a plate on the backside just for strength.

[Rednwhitec20]

This morning I went over to the shop and did some grinding. I was able to break away almost all of the rusted and welded square tubing that was on the bed mounts for the flatbed. I think I'll go back over later tonight and do some more work. Here's a picture of the rust holes I need to patch up.

[Rednwhitec20]

More grinding and beating

[Rednwhitec20]

Does anyone know where i can find a replacement crossmember? The one where the hangers are mounted is rusted out.

[flashed]

There is a member here from Ga named UNCLE that may have one ,he has lots of 1 ton stuff I think.

[Rednwhitec20]

Originally Posted by flashed

There is a member here from Ga named UNCLE that may have one ,he has lots of 1 ton stuff I think.

I sent him a message, he has ALOT of stuff! Thanks

[Rednwhitec20]

Grounded the frame from the cab back bare other that the rear crossmember to keep it somewhat square and easier to move. Also broke out the wire wheel and started cleaning off the spots I need to cut out and patch.

[Rednwhitec20]

Sorry I have not posted in a while. Saturday I spent 7 hours blasting black beauty. From the cab back the frame is down to bare metal. I also received all used parts from the cab back that are not rusted out. I plan on welding up the patch sometime this week and putting the plate in on the backside. I plan on using POR-15 for a frame/parts paint. Ill try to get some pictures taken tomorrow.

[Rednwhitec20]

Welded up. Double plated on the inside of the c-channel where I patched it and 28" in from the rear.

[Rednwhitec20]

Leafs are painted and ready to be assembled. Frame is painted and ready to be assembled. Hangers, bed mounts, crossmember ect. will be painted within the next few days. Reared is getting cleaned and painted too. Shocks will be here within the next few days.

[Dieselwrencher]

Very nice truck you have! Does the front have spacers on it or did they swap in a D60 to do the DRW set up?

[Rednwhitec20]

I believe it's still a d44 up front. Haven't looked much beyond the back half to be honest. But a d60 up front would be awesome. Because it would be getting a 5.9 if so, diesel that is

[Dieselwrencher]

Originally Posted by Rednwhitec20

I believe it's still a d44 up front. Haven't looked much beyond the back half to be honest. But a d60 up front would be awesome. Because it would be getting a 5.9 if so, diesel that is

There's nothing wrong with that! You can always do all that later on too.

[Rednwhitec20]

Originally Posted by Dieselwrencher

Very nice truck you have! Does the front have spacers on it or did they swap in a D60 to do the DRW set up?

Today while at the shop I looked and sadly is was a d44. I think I'm leaning towards a 383 stroker that I plan on putting 500 horse at the crank. But things change so we'll see.

[Rednwhitec20]

Is there any differences externally between the ho52 and the ho72?

[swamp rat]

Originally Posted by Rednwhitec20

Is there any differences externally between the ho52 and the ho72?

One of GM's great mystery products, well Eaton's actually.

Lots of debate on this, some 52's have the preload bolt on the side of the ring gear, some don't. some have the larger brake shoes (11" VS 13") and some don't.

The 72's all have the load bolt and larger brake shoe's.

the housing is suppose to be heavier duty on the HO-72.

I don't think anyone has pegged one item that differentiates one from the other.

Here's a thread from a while back, post 28 has a chart for 71's.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590959

[Rednwhitec20]

Thanks!