4x4 conversion - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

boot85 · 07-28-2007, 06:46 PM

What all would I need to do to convert a c20 to a K20 if I had a donor truck and didn't want to use the frame or body from the donor. I tried to search the archives but couldn't find any, I know there has to be a couple out there.

boot85 · 07-28-2007, 06:49 PM

I am thinking that I would need to use the crossmembers and the leaf spring hangers to get the 2wd frame converted to a 4wd frame. I am wondering if all of those will just bot up to existing holes on the 2wd frame. Would like to know what is ahead of me if I would try this.

1969k10stepside · 07-29-2007, 12:08 AM

If you have the donor 67-72 4wd chassis,use your body on that chassis.That's the easiest way.If not,take all of the spring hangers,springs front and back,shackle mounts,transfer case crossmember and torque mount and the engine crossmember,and both driveshafts,etc.The 4wd trucks had the motor sit back more in the chassis so its not all the same.If you dont move the motor to the 4wd spot,there is differential to motor clearance issues.Keep in mind the frame rises more up front on a 4wd too.Bolt in swap?No.Conversion for a beginner?No.But it can be done.The easiest way is to use the 4wd chassis on the 2wd body though.You can probably get the rolling chassis cheap as to buying all the parts individually.Keep in mind you still have to get a 4wd style tranny and transfer case.

Mudder · 07-29-2007, 01:42 AM

Moved to 4x4 where the info can be found.

GMCMAX · 07-30-2007, 12:49 AM

Check this maybe: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=188520
done it, lots of changeover even with a donor, learned a few things about differences in frames....... IIRC the rear frame on coil rears is different from leaf
frames, need high hump cab or cab lift to clear tcase...........

ABHaulR · 07-31-2007, 06:32 PM

its not that bad a job. i convrted mine but used a 88 sub for the parts truck. paid 800.00 for the sub. whent in halfs with a friend, he took the motor i got the rest. had to convert the master cyl for disks. mine was c20 with coils and now its a k20 with coils...

. rides good but has alot of body lean in turnning. will soon convert over to springs. you'll have to get a 4x4 engine cross member, fab your own or purchase an after market one. the axle will not clear the 2wd crossmember. you have to change the steering box. unless you decied to go cross over. get drive lines made, thats all i can think off right now. hope this helps.
Dwayne

jake60 · 08-04-2007, 06:14 PM

It's not necessary to move the engine back for additional engine to differential clearance but it is real tight. You might want to consider splitting the difference between the stock 2x engine location and the 4x4 location.

Rear leaf spring hangers will work w/o mods on a 2x frame.

It's really not a difficult mod.

07-28-2007, 06:46 PM	#1
boot85 71 Chevy Join Date: May 2006 Location: Madison, Wisconsin Posts: 83	4x4 conversion What all would I need to do to convert a c20 to a K20 if I had a donor truck and didn't want to use the frame or body from the donor. I tried to search the archives but couldn't find any, I know there has to be a couple out there. __________________ 71 C10 72 C20 62 Chevy II 2DR HT

07-28-2007, 06:49 PM	#2
boot85 71 Chevy Join Date: May 2006 Location: Madison, Wisconsin Posts: 83	Re: 4x4 conversion I am thinking that I would need to use the crossmembers and the leaf spring hangers to get the 2wd frame converted to a 4wd frame. I am wondering if all of those will just bot up to existing holes on the 2wd frame. Would like to know what is ahead of me if I would try this. __________________ 71 C10 72 C20 62 Chevy II 2DR HT

07-29-2007, 12:08 AM	#3
1969k10stepside Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: USA Posts: 21,019	Re: 4x4 conversion If you have the donor 67-72 4wd chassis,use your body on that chassis.That's the easiest way.If not,take all of the spring hangers,springs front and back,shackle mounts,transfer case crossmember and torque mount and the engine crossmember,and both driveshafts,etc.The 4wd trucks had the motor sit back more in the chassis so its not all the same.If you dont move the motor to the 4wd spot,there is differential to motor clearance issues.Keep in mind the frame rises more up front on a 4wd too.Bolt in swap?No.Conversion for a beginner?No.But it can be done.The easiest way is to use the 4wd chassis on the 2wd body though.You can probably get the rolling chassis cheap as to buying all the parts individually.Keep in mind you still have to get a 4wd style tranny and transfer case.

07-29-2007, 01:42 AM	#4
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	Re: 4x4 conversion Moved to 4x4 where the info can be found.

07-30-2007, 12:49 AM	#5
GMCMAX Active Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Lower Mid-East Ca. Posts: 326	Re: 4x4 conversion Check this maybe: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=188520 done it, lots of changeover even with a donor, learned a few things about differences in frames....... IIRC the rear frame on coil rears is different from leaf frames, need high hump cab or cab lift to clear tcase........... __________________ Never try to teach a pig to sing; it wastes your time and annoys the pig! Gets More Chicks My lugnuts require more torque than your honda makes! 68 GMC, 4X4 conversion w/73 k20 running gear and springs, 350 4spd, 4.10's, D44 powerlok front, 14BFF govlock rear, 33" tires, lifted 4".

07-31-2007, 06:32 PM	#6
ABHaulR Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: West Valley City, Ut Posts: 311	Re: 4x4 conversion its not that bad a job. i convrted mine but used a 88 sub for the parts truck. paid 800.00 for the sub. whent in halfs with a friend, he took the motor i got the rest. had to convert the master cyl for disks. mine was c20 with coils and now its a k20 with coils... . rides good but has alot of body lean in turnning. will soon convert over to springs. you'll have to get a 4x4 engine cross member, fab your own or purchase an after market one. the axle will not clear the 2wd crossmember. you have to change the steering box. unless you decied to go cross over. get drive lines made, thats all i can think off right now. hope this helps. Dwayne Attached Images __________________ 72' GMC Suburban 10 1/2" of Lift, 40" Tires! Waiting for restoration 67' Chevy, What to do??? And Bad Ass American Bulldogs! Last edited by ABHaulR; 07-31-2007 at 06:33 PM.

08-04-2007, 06:14 PM	#7
jake60 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buffalo Park Posts: 75	Re: 4x4 conversion It's not necessary to move the engine back for additional engine to differential clearance but it is real tight. You might want to consider splitting the difference between the stock 2x engine location and the 4x4 location. Rear leaf spring hangers will work w/o mods on a 2x frame. It's really not a difficult mod. __________________ "Common sense is very uncommon" Rudyard Kipling



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