1 Ton Help!!!!!!!! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

BigGMCSuburban · 11-28-2011, 01:53 AM

I have A 79 Chevy 2 wheel drive crew cab dually 454 1 ton I am converting to 4wd, I have A 83 Chevy crew cab dually 1 ton 4x4 donor truck, I have changed all the rear suspension parts, spring hangers,etc, thats all done with no problems, now for the front??? seems everything in the front are different on both trucks. I dont want to cut the frame on the 2 whl dr and stub in the 4x4 front stub....What years of donor 4x4 trucks will work on this swap, cutting the frame is my last resort, I know something out there will work, but what?????Please Help....

pig rig · 11-28-2011, 02:12 AM

I dont play with the 4wd's but I do belive the frame rails are the same and from what I've read its not a total bolt in swap there is a few post on this swap on this board just start looking

CowboyProtectionUnit · 11-28-2011, 02:16 AM

Subscribed cause I'm Curious now

BigGMCSuburban · 11-28-2011, 02:27 AM

having both frames next to eachother and doing lots of measuring the 2 whl frame is shorter in height than the 4x4 frame, by A good half inch

324matt · 11-28-2011, 02:41 AM

From what ive read on thousands of posts on this exact topic...... You are way ahead to swap the 2wd truck onto the 4wd chassis.. Good luck though!
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BigGMCSuburban · 11-28-2011, 02:48 AM

heres my reason for doin this.. The 83 4x4 dually was A rusty MN truck, body was shot and someone had cut up the rear frame rails and welded A bunch of metal and A hugh drop bumper to it, the 2 wheel dr is A rust free Colorado trk and has an awesome body and frame

CowboyProtectionUnit · 11-28-2011, 03:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 324matt

From what ive read on thousands of posts on this exact topic...... You are way ahead to swap the 2wd truck onto the 4wd chassis.. Good luck though!
Posted via Mobile Device

HUH?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! You Comment Confuses me sir lol

hick · 11-28-2011, 03:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CowboyProtectionUnit

HUH?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! You Comment Confuses me sir lol

Take the body off the 2wd truck (cause it the nice one, hence making it a 4x4) and just put it on the 4x4 frame as opposed to trying to SAS the 2wd frame...

hick · 11-28-2011, 03:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigGMCSuburban

having both frames next to eachother and doing lots of measuring the 2 whl frame is shorter in height than the 4x4 frame, by A good half inch

Really?

Damn

CowboyProtectionUnit · 11-28-2011, 03:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hick

Take the body off the 2wd truck (cause it the nice one, hence making it a 4x4) and just put it on the 4x4 frame as opposed to trying to SAS the 2wd frame...

Ahhhhhhh is seeeeee that's what I Would Do.... BODY SWAP

BigGMCSuburban · 11-28-2011, 03:54 AM

I would have put the nice body on the 4x4 frame if it was not A rusty, cut up, welded pile of junk, That was the first intention, but the frame was not worth using, so I am using the 4x4 frame as the donor

CowboyProtectionUnit · 11-28-2011, 03:59 AM

ahhhhhh i see............... makes sense now lemme know how it all turns out...cause I gotta 88 Crew Cab Dually 2wd that'm I'm planning on converting to a 4x4 hence my interest

GM72K10 · 11-28-2011, 07:16 AM

Frames should be the same, will check the 79 book tonight, this is from 86.

80SPORT · 11-28-2011, 10:26 AM

Other than having to pull out the crossmembers I dont think you will have any major problems
if the frames are indeed a bit different you could use some spacers or fab some brackets.

Still would be a lot easier than doing a 4x4 van conversion...and lots of those were done

Just pull the front sheet metal,motor/trans.and front crossmembers and go to it

I assume you checked serial #s on both trucks and they are both 1 tons originally

Mattman2010 · 11-28-2011, 12:46 PM

The body mounts changed in between 80 and 81. So you will need to find the front core support/spring mounts from a 73-80 truck. The 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton and 1 tons all use the same front mounts. There is no difference. Yes the frames do have a half inch difference up front. You will have to build new motor mounts, as the 4x4 ones will not fit, unless you want to cut a 1/2 inch out of it and weld it back together. The cross member will still set in the frame rails, there might be a little bit of fitting that might need to be done.

I agree, it would have been best if you would have swap the body over to the already 4x4 frame. The body will fit as long as you use the body mounts that came on the 4x4 frame.

If you have any more questions with the 4x4 conversion, just let me know. I have done it on my crew cab.

I can get pictures maybe today of what the difference in the front mounts look like and what mounts you should need if that will help.

88bagedntaged · 11-28-2011, 04:25 PM

I have done this very swap chack out my photo bucket !

http://s1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc410/crewcab881/

88 R20 and I used a 1985 R30 and a 1975 blazer for the 4x4

**Dieselwrencher** · 11-28-2011, 05:01 PM

Like guys just mentioned, it can be done. I'd use the 2wd frame if it's in better shape. My buddy is doing his 73-80 2wd frame right now using a 88 V30 as the donor. We don't care about the engine mounts because it's getting a real engine any way.

bikes&bowties · 11-28-2011, 05:20 PM

I wouldn't use the stock front shackle set up it I were you though. I've done 2 and I regret doing them that way. I would use a shackle like what's on the rear spring and a cup welded to the bottom of the frame for it to go into. If I had a computer I would draw up a diagram for you but I don't. Maybe I'll draw it up and take a picture. Also just measure where you want the center of the axle in the front wheel well and measure 23 inches each way of that for youre mounts. Like I built all my own mounts for the 79 (see sig below) and ran 52's so I didn't use stock locations. I also weld them on because it's easier than drilling holes....
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bikes&bowties · 11-28-2011, 05:39 PM

as you can see it is a much simpler design than stock and it yields an inch and half or so of lift.

Posted via Mobile Device

BigGMCSuburban · 11-29-2011, 01:33 AM

Thanks for everyone's info, it all is good to know, every little bit helps, will keep updating as it goes...Thanks everyone. pics will be up soon.

11-28-2011, 01:53 AM	#1
BigGMCSuburban Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Owatonna MN Posts: 5	1 Ton Help!!!!!!!! I have A 79 Chevy 2 wheel drive crew cab dually 454 1 ton I am converting to 4wd, I have A 83 Chevy crew cab dually 1 ton 4x4 donor truck, I have changed all the rear suspension parts, spring hangers,etc, thats all done with no problems, now for the front??? seems everything in the front are different on both trucks. I dont want to cut the frame on the 2 whl dr and stub in the 4x4 front stub....What years of donor 4x4 trucks will work on this swap, cutting the frame is my last resort, I know something out there will work, but what?????Please Help....

11-28-2011, 02:12 AM	#2
pig rig Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: washington the state Posts: 730	Re: 1 Ton Help!!!!!!!! I dont play with the 4wd's but I do belive the frame rails are the same and from what I've read its not a total bolt in swap there is a few post on this swap on this board just start looking __________________ my sports car rolls on six wheels only because I'm to fat to get in and out of new corvette http://hubgarage.s3.amazonaws.com/ph...ped_detail.JPG

11-28-2011, 02:16 AM	#3
CowboyProtectionUnit Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Beemer, NE Posts: 420	Re: 1 Ton Help!!!!!!!! Subscribed cause I'm Curious now __________________ Eric "Target" Sherwood Professional Bullfighter For Hire God Bless and Gods Speed! TheCowBoyProtectionUnit@yahoo.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eric-T...59496227444241

11-28-2011, 02:27 AM	#4
BigGMCSuburban Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Owatonna MN Posts: 5	Re: 1 Ton Help!!!!!!!! having both frames next to eachother and doing lots of measuring the 2 whl frame is shorter in height than the 4x4 frame, by A good half inch

11-28-2011, 02:41 AM	#5
324matt Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Prarietown IL Posts: 118	Re: 1 Ton Help!!!!!!!! From what ive read on thousands of posts on this exact topic...... You are way ahead to swap the 2wd truck onto the 4wd chassis.. Good luck though! Posted via Mobile Device

11-28-2011, 02:48 AM	#6
BigGMCSuburban Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Owatonna MN Posts: 5	Re: 1 Ton Help!!!!!!!! heres my reason for doin this.. The 83 4x4 dually was A rusty MN truck, body was shot and someone had cut up the rear frame rails and welded A bunch of metal and A hugh drop bumper to it, the 2 wheel dr is A rust free Colorado trk and has an awesome body and frame

11-28-2011, 03:54 AM	#11
BigGMCSuburban Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Owatonna MN Posts: 5	Re: 1 Ton Help!!!!!!!! I would have put the nice body on the 4x4 frame if it was not A rusty, cut up, welded pile of junk, That was the first intention, but the frame was not worth using, so I am using the 4x4 frame as the donor

11-28-2011, 03:59 AM	#12
CowboyProtectionUnit Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Beemer, NE Posts: 420	Re: 1 Ton Help!!!!!!!! ahhhhhh i see............... makes sense now lemme know how it all turns out...cause I gotta 88 Crew Cab Dually 2wd that'm I'm planning on converting to a 4x4 hence my interest __________________ Eric "Target" Sherwood Professional Bullfighter For Hire God Bless and Gods Speed! TheCowBoyProtectionUnit@yahoo.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eric-T...59496227444241

11-28-2011, 07:16 AM	#13
GM72K10 Next! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Eastern Pa. Posts: 2,479	Re: 1 Ton Help!!!!!!!! Frames should be the same, will check the 79 book tonight, this is from 86. Attached Images __________________ 86 K30 CUCV M1028A1 86 K30 CUCV M1028a2 dually 86 K30 C&C 6.2 4:56s, 4M, 11,000 gvw, ex fire truck, now lowboy dump More square bodies and CUCVs than I care to admit to 2020 Silverado K3500HD Work truck

11-28-2011, 10:26 AM	#14
80SPORT Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: red deer alberta Posts: 777	Re: 1 Ton Help!!!!!!!! Other than having to pull out the crossmembers I dont think you will have any major problems if the frames are indeed a bit different you could use some spacers or fab some brackets. Still would be a lot easier than doing a 4x4 van conversion...and lots of those were done Just pull the front sheet metal,motor/trans.and front crossmembers and go to it I assume you checked serial #s on both trucks and they are both 1 tons originally

11-28-2011, 12:46 PM	#15
Mattman2010 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Pittsburg, KS Posts: 953	Re: 1 Ton Help!!!!!!!! The body mounts changed in between 80 and 81. So you will need to find the front core support/spring mounts from a 73-80 truck. The 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton and 1 tons all use the same front mounts. There is no difference. Yes the frames do have a half inch difference up front. You will have to build new motor mounts, as the 4x4 ones will not fit, unless you want to cut a 1/2 inch out of it and weld it back together. The cross member will still set in the frame rails, there might be a little bit of fitting that might need to be done. I agree, it would have been best if you would have swap the body over to the already 4x4 frame. The body will fit as long as you use the body mounts that came on the 4x4 frame. If you have any more questions with the 4x4 conversion, just let me know. I have done it on my crew cab. I can get pictures maybe today of what the difference in the front mounts look like and what mounts you should need if that will help. __________________ 1980 K10 - 6.2L Diesel/SM465/NP205 Build Thread 1984 K30 CC Dually - "The Tank" 12V Cummins/Nv4500/Np205/D60/D70HD 4" lift & 37's Build Thread 1960 C-60 Dump Truck Make it road worthy! Thread

11-28-2011, 04:25 PM	#16
88bagedntaged Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Dallas Tx Posts: 172	Re: 1 Ton Help!!!!!!!! I have done this very swap chack out my photo bucket ! http://s1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc410/crewcab881/ 88 R20 and I used a 1985 R30 and a 1975 blazer for the 4x4

11-28-2011, 05:01 PM	#17
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,140	Re: 1 Ton Help!!!!!!!! Like guys just mentioned, it can be done. I'd use the 2wd frame if it's in better shape. My buddy is doing his 73-80 2wd frame right now using a 88 V30 as the donor. We don't care about the engine mounts because it's getting a real engine any way. __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

11-28-2011, 05:20 PM	#18
bikes&bowties Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Washington Posts: 663	Re: 1 Ton Help!!!!!!!! I wouldn't use the stock front shackle set up it I were you though. I've done 2 and I regret doing them that way. I would use a shackle like what's on the rear spring and a cup welded to the bottom of the frame for it to go into. If I had a computer I would draw up a diagram for you but I don't. Maybe I'll draw it up and take a picture. Also just measure where you want the center of the axle in the front wheel well and measure 23 inches each way of that for youre mounts. Like I built all my own mounts for the 79 (see sig below) and ran 52's so I didn't use stock locations. I also weld them on because it's easier than drilling holes.... Posted via Mobile Device

11-28-2011, 05:39 PM	#19
bikes&bowties Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Washington Posts: 663	Re: 1 Ton Help!!!!!!!! as you can see it is a much simpler design than stock and it yields an inch and half or so of lift. Posted via Mobile Device



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11-29-2011, 01:33 AM	#20
BigGMCSuburban Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Owatonna MN Posts: 5	Re: 1 Ton Help!!!!!!!! Thanks for everyone's info, it all is good to know, every little bit helps, will keep updating as it goes...Thanks everyone. pics will be up soon.

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