Thinking about buying a K20

[1970CustomC10350]

HI everyone! We are going to look at a 69 K20 today. Is there anything we should watch out for? It is more or less a parts truck judging by the pictures. We have a decent 2 wheel drive 71 C20 and I'm thinking we will probably mold the two together and have a fairly nice 4x4. Is there any differences in cab to frame mounts and stuff like that, that would become an issue? Also, anybody that has a K20 I would love to hear about your truck. Like how does it handle, how does it 4 wheel ect. I have no idea what kind of options came on the K20's so I'm pretty naive about them. For instance did they make any full time K20's or where they all part time? Any info would be great guys.

[jeremy zander]

Welcome,I am a k20 fan.They did not make a full time 4wd.They usually rust out before they stop driving(rockers,cab corners).the drivetrain is all workable and plenty of available parts to increase the fun..350 motor 350 tranny np205 tcase.all very good stuff...

[Mike C]

Just plan on ditching the drum brake front axle sooner rather than later, rest of the driveline should be fine. Could be either an Eaton HO52 rear axle or Dana 60, both should be fine for your usage.

[1970CustomC10350]

Thanks guys! Keep the tips and info coming. When you go to dump the the front drums is it a matter of swapping later model parts in or a kit or do you need to replace the whole front axle?

[71blksuper4x4]

replacing the whole front axle would be the easiest and about the same money. Trevor

[1970CustomC10350]

Thanks again. We are off to go look at it and see what it is worth. Replacing the whole front axle is kind of a bummer though. It might be kind of hard to find a replacement donor vehicle. Hopefully it will have a good rear axle and transfercase anyway.

[milled]

Go to a local you pull and pay to get a axle (or craigs list). next make sure to match the gears in the front diff to the rear, ie 4.56 to 1 or 4.10 4.10 raito. also take the ubolts and hardware. The years you're shooting for are 1971 thru 1987 3/4 ton or single wheel one tones .

[Mike C]

You can also use a Suburban 8 lug axle through '91 but you may need to swap the lug studs from metric to standard. I know they went to metric studs on pickups in '88 and the MIGHT have done the same on Subs and old body style trucks that were still in production through '91.

I have bought (2) different 3/4 ton parts Suburbans. $300 for the first one with a blown motor, and $200 for the second with a bad trans.

[1970CustomC10350]

Well went and looked at it. Cant say I'm delighted. What left of the body is shot. The drivetrain and suspension is fairly complete though. It's missing the front driveshaft and rear shocks is all I noticed. It has an HO52 rear and what I think is a Dana 44 front with drum brakes.

[1970CustomC10350]

I'm not sure what the transfer case is but I don't think it is a new process. Did Borgwarner make one for these trucks? It a manual transmission if that helps. If the guy will deal a little I think we'll drag it home. The Suburban thing is kind of funny. A year or two ago I scrapped a 3/4 ton Suburban. The gear ratios had to have been diffrent. Will they bolt right in or do have to move spring perches ect.?

[1970CustomC10350]

I just figured out from previous posts on the board it has a Rockwell T221 transfer case. I was hoping for a new process. I'll have to do some more reading on it.

[1970CustomC10350]

After a day or so thinking about it I think we will let this one go and hold off for a 71 or 72. It was a valuable learning experience though. Considering we might have to change the front axle and transfer case at some point, we would really not be getting alot for our money. The timing could be better as well.

[KrazyRay]

I'm doing a similar project...a 72 2WD super on a 72 4WD custom frame. One thing to mention is while the body is off it is really easy to work on the drive train. If you put in a 700R4 out of a square body donor than you can run HEI without it being too close to the firewall. The 700R4 pushes the motor toward the front by a couple of inches. (The 4WD engines are set back 3 inches more than the 2WD). I'm not sure, but I think you can then use the 2WD fan shroud which is easier to come by.

[Mudder]

We do have a forum here for 4x4 topics.

[1970CustomC10350]

Thanks for the replies. Not trying to go out of bounds, wrong forum. I just figured my question and subject was more 67-72 truck specific than just a 4x4 general question. Thanks