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#1 |
Simple? What's simple?
![]() Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Southeast CT
Posts: 1,472
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Toying with the idea of C30 to K30 conversion
Gents,
I'm toying with the idea of doing a 4x4 conversion on my '72 GMC. It gets used for hauling firewood out back and other things for which it would be useful. ![]() So, that said, looking for input or info from anybody who's done this before. I've done some searching and I've come up with not a whole lot. I also have a slight dilemma in that this truck has a PTO driven hydraulic bed setup and I'd like to not have to completely rework everything to move it to clear the transfer case. With all this in mind, I've come up with this: -78+ SM465 (32 spline output 4wd with NP208 transfer case adapter) -BW4401 or BW4470 1 ton transfer case from a 87-00 K3500 -D60 driver's side pumpkin - this would come from a Ford 1 ton and swap the knuckles/brakes to Chevy parts As far as the front springs go, I'd probably use 3/4T rear springs, and make custom hangars so I don't have to drill through the frame. This would also give me a bit of a front end lift. I'd probably then add some blocks in the rear, or possibly flip the hangars and add longer shackles, to keep it level. Obviously I need custom drive shafts for this. The rear I should just be able to shorten the mid-shaft. I don't see any particular reason to swap my engine cross member, as all the front end components are bolted to it and can be removed. If I need to, I'd probably use one from a K20. I understand it'll be a bit of work, but this seems doable to me. Am I crazy or not? Comments / advice appreciated!
__________________
CURRENT '50 GMC 100 shortbed Gen IV 4.8 LS - 4L65E (Secret truck, Shhh!!!) Build '63 Buick Wildcat Coupe 401ci Nailhead (Very much in pieces) Photos '66 Impala SS convertible 327-QJet-glide (4 speed swap one of these days...) Photos '69 CST/10 4x4 SWB Stepper 350 2bbl - NV4500/NP241C (Broken Truck!) '72 Sierra Grande 2WD LWB fleetside 350-TH350 Refresh '99 K2500 Silverado RCLB 5.7 Vortec - NV4500/NP241C (Daily) '99 K2500 Suburban 7.4 Vortec - NV4500/NP246 (still working out the bugs) SOLD '71 Custom/10 2WD LWB fleetside - '72 GMC K/3500 Dually (Sold to redryder) |
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#2 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: May 2013
Location: wall,nj
Posts: 865
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Re: Toying with the idea of C30 to K30 conversion
Do it.!
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#3 | |
Currently Blazerless
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: St. Joseph Mo.
Posts: 4,826
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Re: Toying with the idea of C30 to K30 conversion
Quote:
__________________
1972 C/30 133" W.B. C&C 1970 GMC 3500 157" W.B. single wheel C&C |
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#4 | |
Simple? What's simple?
![]() Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Southeast CT
Posts: 1,472
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Re: Toying with the idea of C30 to K30 conversion
Quote:
As far as the trans goes, the problem is that there is a driveshaft running from the PTO on the passenger's side of the case out to the hydraulic pump unit under the bed, which is all plumbed into the cylinder and pivots. I could conceivably switch the PTO to the other side of the trans, but I'm not sure if I can make the hydraulics line up on the other side of the truck. The GM D60 sure would be a lot easier, though
__________________
CURRENT '50 GMC 100 shortbed Gen IV 4.8 LS - 4L65E (Secret truck, Shhh!!!) Build '63 Buick Wildcat Coupe 401ci Nailhead (Very much in pieces) Photos '66 Impala SS convertible 327-QJet-glide (4 speed swap one of these days...) Photos '69 CST/10 4x4 SWB Stepper 350 2bbl - NV4500/NP241C (Broken Truck!) '72 Sierra Grande 2WD LWB fleetside 350-TH350 Refresh '99 K2500 Silverado RCLB 5.7 Vortec - NV4500/NP241C (Daily) '99 K2500 Suburban 7.4 Vortec - NV4500/NP246 (still working out the bugs) SOLD '71 Custom/10 2WD LWB fleetside - '72 GMC K/3500 Dually (Sold to redryder) |
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#5 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Colfax-California
Posts: 8,552
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Re: Toying with the idea of C30 to K30 conversion
I am in the process of converting my 69 to 4x. Got the tires off and the new engine mounts installed. Ready to drop the front x-member and it dumped 8'' of snow....crap.
Have a dually chevy 60 waiting, making my own front spring hangar and also going to fit in a 56'' spring and try to get it to lay relatively flat so the truck isn't lifted to terribly high |
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#6 |
Simple? What's simple?
![]() Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Southeast CT
Posts: 1,472
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Re: Toying with the idea of C30 to K30 conversion
Further research ... Chelsea indicates a different part number for the driver's side PTO but I can't determine why, they have the same drive gear ... so I think I can just flip the whole assembly over.
That said, I've got a line on an 84 K30 parts truck... which would make this infinitely easier. Too many options! ![]()
__________________
CURRENT '50 GMC 100 shortbed Gen IV 4.8 LS - 4L65E (Secret truck, Shhh!!!) Build '63 Buick Wildcat Coupe 401ci Nailhead (Very much in pieces) Photos '66 Impala SS convertible 327-QJet-glide (4 speed swap one of these days...) Photos '69 CST/10 4x4 SWB Stepper 350 2bbl - NV4500/NP241C (Broken Truck!) '72 Sierra Grande 2WD LWB fleetside 350-TH350 Refresh '99 K2500 Silverado RCLB 5.7 Vortec - NV4500/NP241C (Daily) '99 K2500 Suburban 7.4 Vortec - NV4500/NP246 (still working out the bugs) SOLD '71 Custom/10 2WD LWB fleetside - '72 GMC K/3500 Dually (Sold to redryder) |
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#7 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Saskatoon,SK,Canada
Posts: 2,476
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Re: Toying with the idea of C30 to K30 conversion
I've thought about doing it too and the PTO is a concern also. I figured I'd just switch to an electric pump if I did it and not worry about building around the mechanical hydraulic pump. Things can be much simpler when the pto set up is out of the picture. It sure is nice on how fast the bed will lift with the mechanical set up though. Tap the gas and up she goes!
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Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada |
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#8 | |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Chandler AZ
Posts: 1,149
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Re: Toying with the idea of C30 to K30 conversion
Quote:
__________________
1970 Longhorn, Front Disc, 350/4 bolt, 882 heads, HEI, Edelbrock, 700R4, HO-52/4.11. 1996 Corvette, Collector Roadster, LT4, 396, 450RWHP, 6sp, 4.11/Dana44/posi 5 point roll bar And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Gal 6:9 |
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#9 |
Proprietor of Dale's Corner
![]() Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Vacaville , CA
Posts: 16,127
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Re: Toying with the idea of C30 to K30 conversion
No it's the shape of the case, if you swap sides it would be upside down to have output shaft facing right direction. The case would point up and it wouldn't have oil....
__________________
"Some Days Chickens And Some Days Feathers" Dale XNGH ECV Sam Brannan 1004 R.I.P. 67ChevyRedneck R.I.P. Grumpy Old Man |
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#10 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Ill.
Posts: 584
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Re: Toying with the idea of C30 to K30 conversion
i'm watching these for my future build
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__________________
Hi everyone, It's nice to know there's other people just as crazy about these old trucks as I am. ![]() |
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#11 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Colfax-California
Posts: 8,552
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Re: Toying with the idea of C30 to K30 conversion
When I get mine done I will start my own thread for all to see
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#12 | |
Simple? What's simple?
![]() Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Southeast CT
Posts: 1,472
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Re: Toying with the idea of C30 to K30 conversion
Quote:
If you look at page 4, it shows the exploded view of the case. It's intended to be mounted with the shift fork pivot and switch facing up, but the actual gear housing is 100% symmetric top to bottom. It appears that I can simply swap the unit across the case, and install the selector cover in the correct orientation. I'll have to reverse the cable bracket to keep the correct pull direction, but I see no reason why it shouldn't work like that. I'm going to call Chelsea and inquire about this in the next couple of days. They list I think 5 different models of PTO for this trans, and all of them show left or right mounting with reversed assembly orientation, except this single speed model. It shows a different part number for the driver's mount, which is not a 100 series and I haven't been able to find any information about it.
__________________
CURRENT '50 GMC 100 shortbed Gen IV 4.8 LS - 4L65E (Secret truck, Shhh!!!) Build '63 Buick Wildcat Coupe 401ci Nailhead (Very much in pieces) Photos '66 Impala SS convertible 327-QJet-glide (4 speed swap one of these days...) Photos '69 CST/10 4x4 SWB Stepper 350 2bbl - NV4500/NP241C (Broken Truck!) '72 Sierra Grande 2WD LWB fleetside 350-TH350 Refresh '99 K2500 Silverado RCLB 5.7 Vortec - NV4500/NP241C (Daily) '99 K2500 Suburban 7.4 Vortec - NV4500/NP246 (still working out the bugs) SOLD '71 Custom/10 2WD LWB fleetside - '72 GMC K/3500 Dually (Sold to redryder) |
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#13 | |
Proprietor of Dale's Corner
![]() Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Vacaville , CA
Posts: 16,127
|
Re: Toying with the idea of C30 to K30 conversion
Quote:
__________________
"Some Days Chickens And Some Days Feathers" Dale XNGH ECV Sam Brannan 1004 R.I.P. 67ChevyRedneck R.I.P. Grumpy Old Man |
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#14 |
Simple? What's simple?
![]() Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Southeast CT
Posts: 1,472
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Re: Toying with the idea of C30 to K30 conversion
Moving ahead with this conversion. Just picked up a parts donor yesterday
![]() Sorry for the crummy cell pic. Anyway, 1987 Sierra V3500 4x4 manual with a TBI 350. Stay tuned for a swap thread sometime soon.
__________________
CURRENT '50 GMC 100 shortbed Gen IV 4.8 LS - 4L65E (Secret truck, Shhh!!!) Build '63 Buick Wildcat Coupe 401ci Nailhead (Very much in pieces) Photos '66 Impala SS convertible 327-QJet-glide (4 speed swap one of these days...) Photos '69 CST/10 4x4 SWB Stepper 350 2bbl - NV4500/NP241C (Broken Truck!) '72 Sierra Grande 2WD LWB fleetside 350-TH350 Refresh '99 K2500 Silverado RCLB 5.7 Vortec - NV4500/NP241C (Daily) '99 K2500 Suburban 7.4 Vortec - NV4500/NP246 (still working out the bugs) SOLD '71 Custom/10 2WD LWB fleetside - '72 GMC K/3500 Dually (Sold to redryder) |
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#15 |
Currently Blazerless
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: St. Joseph Mo.
Posts: 4,826
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Re: Toying with the idea of C30 to K30 conversion
That's the way to do it!! You should have about everything you need.
__________________
1972 C/30 133" W.B. C&C 1970 GMC 3500 157" W.B. single wheel C&C |
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Wappingers Falls, NY
Posts: 25
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Re: Toying with the idea of C30 to K30 conversion
When you have a complete, similar donor, isnt is easier to just do a cab and wheel swap?
Or am I taking all the fun out of it?
__________________
F/S: 1972 C30 Stakebed parts truck F/S: 1967 C10 lwb stepside very rough 1978 C10 Longbed |
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#17 | |
Simple? What's simple?
![]() Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Southeast CT
Posts: 1,472
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Re: Toying with the idea of C30 to K30 conversion
Quote:
I actually looked at a couple before I picked this one up, because I needed something where, at the very least, the spring hangars and shackles were in good shape (beyond the axles), and finding that up here in the land of road salt is a tall order!
__________________
CURRENT '50 GMC 100 shortbed Gen IV 4.8 LS - 4L65E (Secret truck, Shhh!!!) Build '63 Buick Wildcat Coupe 401ci Nailhead (Very much in pieces) Photos '66 Impala SS convertible 327-QJet-glide (4 speed swap one of these days...) Photos '69 CST/10 4x4 SWB Stepper 350 2bbl - NV4500/NP241C (Broken Truck!) '72 Sierra Grande 2WD LWB fleetside 350-TH350 Refresh '99 K2500 Silverado RCLB 5.7 Vortec - NV4500/NP241C (Daily) '99 K2500 Suburban 7.4 Vortec - NV4500/NP246 (still working out the bugs) SOLD '71 Custom/10 2WD LWB fleetside - '72 GMC K/3500 Dually (Sold to redryder) |
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#18 | |
Simple? What's simple?
![]() Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Southeast CT
Posts: 1,472
|
Re: Toying with the idea of C30 to K30 conversion
Quote:
I'm going to take some measurements, but since my PTO is the smaller (7/8") output shaft I think it might possibly be doable - maybe a little grinding needed?
__________________
CURRENT '50 GMC 100 shortbed Gen IV 4.8 LS - 4L65E (Secret truck, Shhh!!!) Build '63 Buick Wildcat Coupe 401ci Nailhead (Very much in pieces) Photos '66 Impala SS convertible 327-QJet-glide (4 speed swap one of these days...) Photos '69 CST/10 4x4 SWB Stepper 350 2bbl - NV4500/NP241C (Broken Truck!) '72 Sierra Grande 2WD LWB fleetside 350-TH350 Refresh '99 K2500 Silverado RCLB 5.7 Vortec - NV4500/NP241C (Daily) '99 K2500 Suburban 7.4 Vortec - NV4500/NP246 (still working out the bugs) SOLD '71 Custom/10 2WD LWB fleetside - '72 GMC K/3500 Dually (Sold to redryder) |
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#19 |
One of the First
![]() Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: St. Augustine,FL.
Posts: 4,054
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Re: Toying with the idea of C30 to K30 conversion
I know this old, but have you made any progress?
__________________
DAVID PASSMORE ST AUGUSTINE ,FL ZIP 32084 '71 SWB K/10 CUSTOM DELUXE (Chili) '72 BLAZER K/5 Muscle Truck (Mule) '72 LWB K/20 CHEYENNE (Blackie) |
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