Build a 4x4?

[67HEAVEN]

Since I'm still becoming mechanically-acquainted with these great old trucks, please help a newbie out with the answers to some of these questions.

1967-72 generation:
- if a C10 and a K10 were stripped down to a bare frame, are there any differences?

- if yes, what are those differences in the frame?

- aside from a transfer case, extra driveshaft, etc., I'm guessing that the K10 got 6-lug wheels, heavier brakes???, beefier springs and shocks???, anti-sway bars???, stronger body mounts (or more of them)???......you get the idea. Who has a list of differences between a C10 and K10?

- if a much better frame and body were available as a C10, would it make sense to utilize that frame and body to build a K10 (assuming that this is a complete body-off, non-numbers-matching restoration anyway)?

All advice is appreciated.

[70rs/ss]

the frames are different, but not much. What are you trying to do? 2X or 4X much easier to buy what you want than to change a 2wd into a 4wd, but it could be done.

[70rs/ss]

I have a 67 Short fleet 4X4 for sale BTW I see you have one in mind or you want one, LMK.



link:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/c...ct=1980&cat=12

[68K20 x Drill]

K has a different engine crossmember, and leaf spring mounting points which are missing from the C.
Check out DIY4x4.com

[1969k10stepside]

- if a C10 and a K10 were stripped down to a bare frame, are there any differences?

Yes,there are major differences.

- if yes, what are those differences in the frame?

I've had 2wds,and now only 4wds but the frames are different all together.Below are pics of my 2wd frames,compared to my short 4wd frame..Notice the rear frame is straight on the 4wd,and not on the 2wd,and the front of the frames are different too.

- aside from a transfer case, extra driveshaft, etc., I'm guessing that the K10 got 6-lug wheels, heavier brakes???, beefier springs and shocks???, anti-sway bars???, stronger body mounts (or more of them)???......you get the idea. Who has a list of differences between a C10 and K10?

The K10 had 6 lug axles,same rear axle,but a front axle.The rear driveshaft was larger,and there is a front driveshaft of course.The motor is mounted farther back,and uses a different crossmember to mount the motor,and there is a different crossmember for the adapter plate (Item that connects the tranny to the t-case).There is also a torque bracket on the 4wd frames.The crossmember the trailing arms bolt to on 2wds,aren't on 4wds obviously.The cab mounts are different.The brakes,not really different than a 2wd.The 3/4 ton 4wds (K20) had heavier brakes,and springs than 1/2 tons (K10).There were no swaybars on the 4wds.The floors in the cab are different also,the 4wds had a high hump floor,and if you had a 2wd with a th350 tranny it had a low hump floor.There is also differences in other stuff like transmission linkages,fan shroud,bumper brackets,etc.Even if your truck has rear leafs,the frame is still different,the springs are different,the rear axle has the wrong spring perches,and the spring hangers are different.The front radiator mounts on the frame are different,and the steering box is different..just to name some stuff.

- if a much better frame and body were available as a C10, would it make sense to utilize that frame and body to build a K10 (assuming that this is a complete body-off, non-numbers-matching restoration anyway)?

If I found a good body,I would make the mods to the cab to make it a high hump floor if it isn't,and find a original 4wd chassis to mount it on.That would be the best,and easiest way to do it.There are 4wds out there,if you look in the right spot.Better yet,buy a whole 4wd truck with a rusty body,and swap the good body on it so you aren't hunting down little 4wd specific parts for a year.


Dustin

[67HEAVEN]

Thanks for the answers.

1969k10stepside,

Thanks for the very detailed response. Your advice seems sound to me, so I'll abandon (for now at least) any thoughts of converting a C10 to a K10.

So, I guess I'm looking for a K10.

[jkade]

How hard would it be to make a 85 k10 frame work? I know the wheelbase is a little different. I am building a 2wd blazer on bags and I might would like to make the 67 into a 4x4 when I build it. I have access to a complete rolling 85 k10 with all suspension.

[1969k10stepside]

Jkade,pm Mudder.He done his '67 with a newer 4wd frame..It will require shortening the frame most likely,making body mounts,adding a body lift,etc,etc.LWB 67-72 4wd frames are fairly cheap,I'd just buy one of them and shorten it and not deal with other issues.

[special-K]

Cab mounts are different.The motor sits back,so the fan shrouds are different.All 4wds had a taller removeable trans tunnel.Only 4spd and big block 2wds had the hi-hump.If you swap a 2wd body onto a 4wd frame(both 67-72),it`s easy to make a 4wd out of a 2wd.Numbers won`t match,as you know.Won`t be worth as much as an original in like condition,but will still sell for decent money.

[jkade]

Just thinking ahead, it may never happen but I love 4x4's also. I think a ls1 with a sm465 would be pretty sweet or with a nv4500. Of course it would have to have 4" or 6" of lift. I think it would be cool to have one laying frame and have one in the air.