Converting to c-20 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Jeffp1979 · 01-02-2014, 11:33 PM

Hello all, I had been kicking around converting my c-10 to c-20 I have located the front knuckles for $45 ea the rear end with 4.10 and posi for $150 from a local scrapyard that my buddies body shop buys everything from I got a price on upper and lower a arms with ball joints installed and new rotors and calipers, I've got some old 8 lug steelies from an 81 c-30 srw I owned a few years ago, am I missing anything? It seems like something is slipping past me.

Thanks

Remon. · 01-03-2014, 03:54 AM

Cool. You don't see this conversion much.

What you are missing is a thicker frame

No, just kidding. A bigger leaf pack something I would do to make it a C20. Depends much on the conversion, but most of the time C10 is 6 leafs and C20 is 8. Some with big overload leaf.

Take into account that it will never be a proper C20 (considiring the frame for example or different a-arm connections, etc.). But I guess it's just for some extra payload?

MalibuSSwagon · 01-03-2014, 01:34 PM

Yes, you'd need the 8-leaf packs. I installed a set on my C10, wrote up a quick DIY too.

DIY: 3/4 ton rear springs on 1/2 ton

You would also need the HD front coil springs.

crashz · 01-03-2014, 03:53 PM

Don't forget your door sticker. While it does nothing to actually support a load or tow more weight, it legally limits the trucks capacities.

By swapping the heavier suspension and axle parts, you probably have reduced the legal load capacity. But if you are only loading it to the GVWR on the sticker, I bet you'll find the truck handling it much better. I've found that adding load range D or E tires with some suspension upgrades makes a world of difference on 1/2 ton trucks, even with light loads.

Jeffp1979 · 01-03-2014, 08:57 PM

Hey thanks for answering back, the information is great, as far as the reasons behind the swap I have an 87 half ton that wasn't really what I wanted or needed when I got it but the money was right and the truck is in excellent original shape. I have a John Deere 301 with a 7 foot bushhog that I keep for mowing my pastures but am looking at maybe doing some weekend work and also have a few head of cows but am going to look more towards a stocker operation since I have lost some acreage I can make more fattening and selling calves than I can producing a cow calf operation so I need something to be able to haul to market with every 60-90 days or so.

01-02-2014, 11:33 PM	#1
Jeffp1979 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Florida Posts: 19	Converting to c-20 Hello all, I had been kicking around converting my c-10 to c-20 I have located the front knuckles for $45 ea the rear end with 4.10 and posi for $150 from a local scrapyard that my buddies body shop buys everything from I got a price on upper and lower a arms with ball joints installed and new rotors and calipers, I've got some old 8 lug steelies from an 81 c-30 srw I owned a few years ago, am I missing anything? It seems like something is slipping past me. Thanks

01-03-2014, 03:54 AM	#2
Remon. Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Netherlands Posts: 116	Re: Converting to c-20 Cool. You don't see this conversion much. What you are missing is a thicker frame No, just kidding. A bigger leaf pack something I would do to make it a C20. Depends much on the conversion, but most of the time C10 is 6 leafs and C20 is 8. Some with big overload leaf. Take into account that it will never be a proper C20 (considiring the frame for example or different a-arm connections, etc.). But I guess it's just for some extra payload?

01-03-2014, 01:34 PM	#3
MalibuSSwagon Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Weare,NH Posts: 1,589	Re: Converting to c-20 Yes, you'd need the 8-leaf packs. I installed a set on my C10, wrote up a quick DIY too. DIY: 3/4 ton rear springs on 1/2 ton You would also need the HD front coil springs. __________________ Eric 1992 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser 1986 Chevrolet C10\|5.3L\|TKO600\|Shortbed\|Custom Deluxe 1983 Malibu Wagon\|TPI 305\|T5 5 speed\|3.73 non-posi

01-03-2014, 03:53 PM	#4
crashz Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: MA Posts: 207	Re: Converting to c-20 Don't forget your door sticker. While it does nothing to actually support a load or tow more weight, it legally limits the trucks capacities. By swapping the heavier suspension and axle parts, you probably have reduced the legal load capacity. But if you are only loading it to the GVWR on the sticker, I bet you'll find the truck handling it much better. I've found that adding load range D or E tires with some suspension upgrades makes a world of difference on 1/2 ton trucks, even with light loads. __________________ 2012 Chevy 2500HD, 6.0L, 6spd auto, 4x4, ECSB 1987 GMC V3500 Dump, 6.2L diesel, TH400 1983 GMC K2500 - awaiting its restoration and Cummins swap.

01-03-2014, 08:57 PM	#5
Jeffp1979 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Florida Posts: 19	Re: Converting to c-20 Hey thanks for answering back, the information is great, as far as the reasons behind the swap I have an 87 half ton that wasn't really what I wanted or needed when I got it but the money was right and the truck is in excellent original shape. I have a John Deere 301 with a 7 foot bushhog that I keep for mowing my pastures but am looking at maybe doing some weekend work and also have a few head of cows but am going to look more towards a stocker operation since I have lost some acreage I can make more fattening and selling calves than I can producing a cow calf operation so I need something to be able to haul to market with every 60-90 days or so.



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