Making a K10 into a K20? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**Daubs** · 01-28-2005, 02:36 PM

Really like the way 3/4 ton's look = 16 inch rims, eight bolts, etc.

Having trouble locating 3/4 ton 4x4 and wondering just what difference between the two besides axels, shocks, leafs and maybe different frame. Obviously different emissions and engine / tranny combo in the heavier trucks.

Is it as simple as swapping axle's out? What else?

My ultimate goal would be a 4" lift with 16 inch rims, AT tires.

Mudder · 01-28-2005, 02:46 PM

Personally I would look for the newer axles with disk brakes.

784X4GUY · 01-28-2005, 03:59 PM

Yeah the 3/4 tons are nice, but I kinda like the 1 tons with the big block

*1FaastC10* · 01-28-2005, 05:29 PM

frame is identical. if you can find a set of 73+ K20 axles, they should bolt right in no problem.

**Yukon Jack** · 01-28-2005, 06:10 PM

The 73+ K20 axles will require the spring perches to be moved for the rear axle. 73+ K30 rear axles have the correct width spring perches.

b454rat · 01-28-2005, 08:43 PM

Depending on what year your truck, everything will bolt on. If you have a 67-72, any year front will bolt in. But the only real difference in a 1/2 to 3/4 ton is the 8 lugs. Innards are the same, brakes are the same, axles are the same. You could take an 8 lug setup from the ball joints out and put it on yours. If you have drum brakes or closed knuckle, then it won't be as easy. For the rear, If you have the 67-72, then a 1 ton rear from 73-up will bolt in. If you have 73 and up, then you need a 3/4 ton rear, NOT the 1 ton, the spring pad width is different. I have a Dana 60 front for sale, and can get a 14 bolt full floaters, so why not make a 1 ton?????

*1FaastC10* · 01-28-2005, 11:02 PM

brakes are not the same, the 3/4 tons use larger rotors.

wanted · 01-29-2005, 01:34 AM

Also, if you have power brakes the booster is different. maybe the master as well. can't remember.

nu2-72 · 01-29-2005, 11:22 AM

Call the Auto Zone at Belt and Messanie. There is a gal that works there. her husband works at Harley in KC. They have a 3/4 4x4 4 spd for sale. Sometimes the truck is there, sometimes at the house in Savannah.
This is the one that has the 71 cab on the 72 frame. Titled as a 71. 350 Goodwrench motor, 4 spd., 205, 8 lug, 33 x 10.5 x 16 tires and very nice wheels. Look like my Eagles. Bedsides are straight, tailgate nice, front panel and tubs are nice. The floor has some rust.
Front end fair. He has 2 extra doors and a fender that go with it.
Cab is air cab but air missing. Rockers have been replaced w/ corners. Fair job. Area above the windshield has been replaced inside. This is the biggest issue I had. They did not do a very good job here.
The truck is White, starts and drives well. No frills but a good starting point.
He told me $3000.00 3 weeks ago.
Wrecked the wifes car so may be willing to deal now..

**Daubs** · 01-29-2005, 12:41 PM

Thanks nu2-72! I will call.

*1FaastC10* · 01-29-2005, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yukon Jack

The 73+ K20 axles will require the spring perches to be moved for the rear axle. 73+ K30 rear axles have the correct width spring perches.

this is true for 67-72 trucks, for 73-87 trucks, its the other way around. we dont know what year truck he is dealing with.

nu2-72 · 01-29-2005, 10:04 PM

We do know what he is dealing with. He does not own a truck yet but is WTB a 71/72 3/4 4x4 4 spd. Bottom of his sig and also in other posts.

Slick71 · 01-30-2005, 11:49 AM

Daubs...My truck was a 71 1/2 ton and I purchased a 72 3/4 ton for the axles. The axles were a direct swap and it was easy installing them. If I remember correctly, you've gotta buy new U Joints for the driveshaft, where it connects to the new 3/4 ton axles...if you plan to reuse your 1/2 ton driveshafts. The other guys are correct about changing spring perches on some of the 73 + year axles, but it's an easy modification! Good luck

BTW...don't know if your interested, but I've got mine for sale. Need around $6000. Email me if interested.

*1FaastC10* · 01-30-2005, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nu2-72

We do know what he is dealing with. He does not own a truck yet but is WTB a 71/72 3/4 4x4 4 spd. Bottom of his sig and also in other posts.

read further, it also mentions an 85-87. again, we DO NOT KNOW WHAT WE ARE DEALING WITH.

**Daubs** · 01-30-2005, 10:02 PM

Thanks for the info guys.

I'm still looking for a truck, either 71-72 or 85-87 4x4.

Created this post to see what it would take to turn a K10 into a K20. Like the 8 lug 16" rims. Want to explore all my options now, before I purchase a truck.

72k5 · 01-31-2005, 12:20 AM

I know for the 72, and I believe for the later model trucks, the front uses a larger rotor, but the calipers are the same. You can just use your calipers on the 3/4 ton rotors.

Destructo · 01-31-2005, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yukon Jack

The 73+ K20 axles will require the spring perches to be moved for the rear axle. 73+ K30 rear axles have the correct width spring perches.

73-87 K20 and K10 share the exact same spring pad width and shock mounts, K30 trucks have a narrower pad spacing

3/4 ton rotors are larger and use the same caliper as K10 in 73-87 trucks, rear drums are also larger.

nu2-72 · 01-31-2005, 04:40 PM

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php3?t=138549

MMMMMM!!

*1FaastC10* · 01-31-2005, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nu2-72

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php3?t=138549

MMMMMM!!

let me also point out a little something else for you...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daubs

Thanks for the info guys.

I'm still looking for a truck, either 71-72 or 85-87 4x4.

Created this post to see what it would take to turn a K10 into a K20. Like the 8 lug 16" rims. Want to explore all my options now, before I purchase a truck.

hopefully, nu2-72, you will understand this time. now :TFU:

DennyB · 01-31-2005, 08:05 PM

OK, you two play nice now

Destructo · 02-01-2005, 01:10 AM

the post nu2-72 said this in it

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daubs

Wondering if anyone has taken the axles from an 80's 3/4 ton and put them under a 71-72 1/2 ton 4x4? Will the leaf springs bolt right on to the 71 mounts?

What issues did you run in to?

Thanks for the feedback guys. This board has been incredibly helpful to me. D.

In that post he is asking about putting a 73-87 14 bolt into a 71/72.

nu2-72 · 02-01-2005, 05:16 PM

My appologies to all. Daubs has PM'd me several times and posted several times regarding the placement of later axles into the 71-72 trucks. I thought that the question was pretty clear and the issue of purchasing a truck of a diferrent year was another thing altogether.
Daubs, if you would like to swing by sometime I have a 14FF on the stands with the perches and shock mounts already moved. A 10 bolt Corporate on the floor in the original position. A front Dana 44 3/4 on the stands going through a rebuild now and a Dana 44 1/2 ton in the shop as well. You can compare late model to early and 1/2 to 3/4.

01-28-2005, 02:36 PM	#1
Daubs Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Eastern Nebraska Posts: 611	Making a K10 into a K20? Really like the way 3/4 ton's look = 16 inch rims, eight bolts, etc. Having trouble locating 3/4 ton 4x4 and wondering just what difference between the two besides axels, shocks, leafs and maybe different frame. Obviously different emissions and engine / tranny combo in the heavier trucks. Is it as simple as swapping axle's out? What else? My ultimate goal would be a 4" lift with 16 inch rims, AT tires. __________________ '72 Chevy K-20 Crate 350, SM465, 4.10's

01-28-2005, 03:59 PM	#3
784X4GUY Did someone say MUD? Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Pullman,WA Posts: 1,089	Yeah the 3/4 tons are nice, but I kinda like the 1 tons with the big block __________________ Im in the market guys...so keep ya eyes peeled -------------------- Mini trucks are for guys who cant get it up!

01-28-2005, 06:10 PM	#5
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,683	The 73+ K20 axles will require the spring perches to be moved for the rear axle. 73+ K30 rear axles have the correct width spring perches. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

01-28-2005, 08:43 PM	#6
b454rat Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Binghamton, NY Posts: 3,454	Depending on what year your truck, everything will bolt on. If you have a 67-72, any year front will bolt in. But the only real difference in a 1/2 to 3/4 ton is the 8 lugs. Innards are the same, brakes are the same, axles are the same. You could take an 8 lug setup from the ball joints out and put it on yours. If you have drum brakes or closed knuckle, then it won't be as easy. For the rear, If you have the 67-72, then a 1 ton rear from 73-up will bolt in. If you have 73 and up, then you need a 3/4 ton rear, NOT the 1 ton, the spring pad width is different. I have a Dana 60 front for sale, and can get a 14 bolt full floaters, so why not make a 1 ton????? __________________ 2000 GMC CCSB 454/4L80 6” lift SAS 1999 Chevy CCSB 454/NV4500 6” lift 1999 GMC Yukon 350/4L60 4" SAS

01-29-2005, 11:22 AM	#9
nu2-72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Amazonia, Mo. USA Posts: 2,821	Call the Auto Zone at Belt and Messanie. There is a gal that works there. her husband works at Harley in KC. They have a 3/4 4x4 4 spd for sale. Sometimes the truck is there, sometimes at the house in Savannah. This is the one that has the 71 cab on the 72 frame. Titled as a 71. 350 Goodwrench motor, 4 spd., 205, 8 lug, 33 x 10.5 x 16 tires and very nice wheels. Look like my Eagles. Bedsides are straight, tailgate nice, front panel and tubs are nice. The floor has some rust. Front end fair. He has 2 extra doors and a fender that go with it. Cab is air cab but air missing. Rockers have been replaced w/ corners. Fair job. Area above the windshield has been replaced inside. This is the biggest issue I had. They did not do a very good job here. The truck is White, starts and drives well. No frills but a good starting point. He told me $3000.00 3 weeks ago. Wrecked the wifes car so may be willing to deal now.. __________________ 72 3/4 4x4 350 4spd 72 3/4 4x4 350 auto 2004 Duramax Silverado 4x4 2006 Duramax Crew cab 4x4 2010 Harley Ultra Limited 2011 Harley Street Glide

01-28-2005, 02:46 PM	#2
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	Personally I would look for the newer axles with disk brakes.

01-28-2005, 05:29 PM	#4
1FaastC10 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 6,400	frame is identical. if you can find a set of 73+ K20 axles, they should bolt right in no problem.

01-28-2005, 11:02 PM	#7
1FaastC10 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 6,400	brakes are not the same, the 3/4 tons use larger rotors.

01-29-2005, 01:34 AM	#8
wanted Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: duluth, mn Posts: 63	Also, if you have power brakes the booster is different. maybe the master as well. can't remember.

01-29-2005, 12:41 PM	#10
Daubs Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Eastern Nebraska Posts: 611	Thanks nu2-72! I will call. __________________ '72 Chevy K-20 Crate 350, SM465, 4.10's

01-29-2005, 10:04 PM	#12
nu2-72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Amazonia, Mo. USA Posts: 2,821	We do know what he is dealing with. He does not own a truck yet but is WTB a 71/72 3/4 4x4 4 spd. Bottom of his sig and also in other posts. __________________ 72 3/4 4x4 350 4spd 72 3/4 4x4 350 auto 2004 Duramax Silverado 4x4 2006 Duramax Crew cab 4x4 2010 Harley Ultra Limited 2011 Harley Street Glide

01-30-2005, 11:49 AM	#13
Slick71 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Savannah, MO. Posts: 513	Daubs...My truck was a 71 1/2 ton and I purchased a 72 3/4 ton for the axles. The axles were a direct swap and it was easy installing them. If I remember correctly, you've gotta buy new U Joints for the driveshaft, where it connects to the new 3/4 ton axles...if you plan to reuse your 1/2 ton driveshafts. The other guys are correct about changing spring perches on some of the 73 + year axles, but it's an easy modification! Good luck BTW...don't know if your interested, but I've got mine for sale. Need around $6000. Email me if interested. __________________ 1972 Chevy Blazer 4X4 Savannah, MO. www.thefarmatadair.com Last edited by Slick71; 01-30-2005 at 11:52 AM.

01-30-2005, 10:02 PM	#15
Daubs Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Eastern Nebraska Posts: 611	Thanks for the info guys. I'm still looking for a truck, either 71-72 or 85-87 4x4. Created this post to see what it would take to turn a K10 into a K20. Like the 8 lug 16" rims. Want to explore all my options now, before I purchase a truck. __________________ '72 Chevy K-20 Crate 350, SM465, 4.10's

01-31-2005, 12:20 AM	#16
72k5 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Livermore, CA Posts: 566	I know for the 72, and I believe for the later model trucks, the front uses a larger rotor, but the calipers are the same. You can just use your calipers on the 3/4 ton rotors. __________________ 350 ETec 170 heads, Performer, HEI, Holly TBI, 700r4, 14 bolt rear, F&R lockers, lots of off road improvements.

01-31-2005, 04:40 PM	#18
nu2-72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Amazonia, Mo. USA Posts: 2,821	http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php3?t=138549 MMMMMM!! __________________ 72 3/4 4x4 350 4spd 72 3/4 4x4 350 auto 2004 Duramax Silverado 4x4 2006 Duramax Crew cab 4x4 2010 Harley Ultra Limited 2011 Harley Street Glide



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01-31-2005, 08:05 PM	#20
DennyB Led Sled! Discs R 4 ME! Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Toms River, NJ, USA (Transplanted Hoosier) Posts: 7,327	OK, you two play nice now __________________ "Never ride faster than your Angel can fly" I.M.O.M,W,J&C Patriot Guard Rider

02-01-2005, 05:16 PM	#22
nu2-72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Amazonia, Mo. USA Posts: 2,821	My appologies to all. Daubs has PM'd me several times and posted several times regarding the placement of later axles into the 71-72 trucks. I thought that the question was pretty clear and the issue of purchasing a truck of a diferrent year was another thing altogether. Daubs, if you would like to swing by sometime I have a 14FF on the stands with the perches and shock mounts already moved. A 10 bolt Corporate on the floor in the original position. A front Dana 44 3/4 on the stands going through a rebuild now and a Dana 44 1/2 ton in the shop as well. You can compare late model to early and 1/2 to 3/4. __________________ 72 3/4 4x4 350 4spd 72 3/4 4x4 350 auto 2004 Duramax Silverado 4x4 2006 Duramax Crew cab 4x4 2010 Harley Ultra Limited 2011 Harley Street Glide

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.