1970 C10 2WD Can it be converted to 4X4?

[Rigo's 70 C10]

Can it be done? If so, where can i find info?
thanks,
Rigo

[OrrieG]

Search function on this site is a good start its a common question...

[Senator350]

it's been being done for 30 years!
check your area for 4X clubs. those guys have done solid axle swaps (SAS)... and that's what you're thinking about doing.

check with your local welders... it's the sort of thing they were doing when nobody else was. they were also doing diesel conversions, etc...

[skchevota]

Originally Posted by Rigo's 70 C10

Can it be done? If so, where can i find info?
thanks,
Rigo

I have done a few. You can use custom brackets to run any spring you want, you can use stock brackets from a Donner truck or you can use 73-87 brackets and run those springs. You will need to change the engine craddle to a 4x4 unit, and unless you want crossover steering( the better way) then you will need a 4x4 steering box. Then of coarse you will need to add a transfercase.
Do some searching on here you will learn a lot!

[70bbcdave]

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[70bbcdave]

I just joined finally but have a 1970 402 big block camper special that I want to convert to 4wd. I also have an 89 3/4ton 4wd suburban doner vehicle. Just curious where to go from there should I put the 70 on suburban frame?
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[1tuff71]

IMO it would much easier to just add the spring hangers and all related parts to convert your 2wd frame than to swap the body to a later Sub frame but depending on your skill level and what you want your end result to be. By that I mean later model engine IFS susp. vs live axle etc. Search this site and get some ideas theres a TON of info and some very very intelligent guys here that are a wealth of info. One company that come to mind for some help is Off-Road Design. They have a ton of cool stuff including a 4 link coil over kit that is really cool. I would also go with 3/4 or 1 ton running gear

[70bbcdave]

Originally Posted by 1tuff71

IMO it would much easier to just add the spring hangers and all related parts to convert your 2wd frame than to swap the body to a later Sub frame but depending on your skill level and what you want your end result to be. By that I mean later model engine IFS susp. vs live axle etc. Search this site and get some ideas theres a TON of info and some very very intelligent guys here that are a wealth of info. One company that come to mind for some help is Off-Road Design. They have a ton of cool stuff including a 4 link coil over kit that is really cool. I would also go with 3/4 or 1 ton running gear

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[70bbcdave]

Thanks for the advice I'll be doing alot of research on here I have some time and not alot of money but trying to make this truck 4wd is a must
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[SunSoaked]

Some of this and the "Search" function..

[70bbcdave]

Originally Posted by SunSoaked

Some of this and the "Search" function..

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[70bbcdave]

No doubt
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[RedRoad]

Does your C20 have coil or leaf springs in the rear? If leaves I would just add hangers to the front if coils I would look for a good 69-72 frame.

In the end it would be easier and cheaper to buy a real 4x4, it would also retain its value at time of resale. You will never get your $ back out of a conversion unless the donors are basically free.

[70bbcdave]

Originally Posted by RedRoad

Does your C20 have coil or leaf springs in the rear? If leaves I would just add hangers to the front if coils I would look for a good 69-72 frame.

In the end it would be easier and cheaper to buy a real 4x4, it would also retain its value at time of resale. You will never get your $ back out of a conversion unless the donors are basically free.

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[70bbcdave]

It does have leaf springs in the rear and I have a 3/4 ton 4wd 89 suburban with solid axles to use as a donor. No sure if I can use everything from that to make this work
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[RedRoad]

That makes it a lot easier. I would go with the DIY 52" spring conversion to get a better ride and more flex done with more common springs.

http://diy4x.com/product.php?product...cat=250&page=1

If both trucks are auto that will make things a bit easier, the front axle and drive train should work with the right cross members. The rear axle will work with a relocation of the spring perches and shock mounts. Not sure if the rear spring hangers are in the same location in a rear leaf C20 compared to a K20 so more research will have to be done as far as lift is concerned.

[70bbcdave]

Originally Posted by RedRoad

That makes it a lot easier. I would go with the DIY 52" spring conversion to get a better ride and more flex done with more common springs.

http://diy4x.com/product.php?product...cat=250&page=1

If both trucks are auto that will make things a bit easier, the front axle and drive train should work with the right cross members. The rear axle will work with a relocation of the spring perches and shock mounts. Not sure if the rear spring hangers are in the same location in a rear leaf C20 compared to a K20 so more research will have to be done as far as lift is concerned.

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[70bbcdave]

The 52 inch leaf springs are they stock on a 89 suburban?
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[RedRoad]

52" are rear 1/2 ton springs.

Im not sure if this will work

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb...133029440.html

A cross over steering would be nice but you would need an early flat top knuckle on the passenger side. Up side is you can still use the 2wd steering box

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=535092

[americanmusc1e]

have you looked for a 67-72 4x4 frame? i considered converting my 2wd, but I found an entire K20 frame and cab for $500. which is more than I paid for the 84 K10 frame and cab that I stole the axles from.

[i82much]

I say start with a 4x4 if you want a 4x4. All this converting drivetrains, shortening longbeds, etc., is the mechanical equivalent of converting a Bruce into a Caitlyn. It may mostly look how you want it too, but deep down you know it isn't the real thing, especially if you know where to look

[andrewmp6]

If its a truck for you and your going to keep it a long time i would do it,If you want to sell it just remember the vin will show its a 2wd and to some that will lower the price.Like said you really need a 4x4 roller frame from the same body style truck to use for parts.And you i believe you need to change trans tunnel out to the high hump if you dont have that already.

[1976gmc20]

My understanding was that the C-10 frame was a lot lighter than a K-10 frame, which was supposed to be the same frame as a K-20 (axles and springs being the only difference).

[69chevytrucker]

just so we are on the same page you want to do something like go from this

to something like this

to end up like this

no it can't be done!!!
oh wait yes it can lol

[69chevytrucker]

now i just put my 69 body on a 84 blazer frame if you can get a 80s 4x4 frame you can just cut the mounts off and make new ones that work piece of cake