How to convert a 72 c30 to 4wd?

[Masstowingllc]

I wanted to see how I could convert my 72 c30 to 4 wheel drive if anyone has done it I found someone with a 1972. k30 that they wanted to make a 2wd so i wanted to see if i could swap parts with them? I was hoping I wouldn't have to swap the whole frame and stuff because it would be too much work pulling everything. Does anyone have a pic of the front end of a c30 and a k30 so I can compare and see what the difference between them is?

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by Masstowingllc

I found someone with a 1972. k30

The first factory built K30s were in 1973.... if he has a '72 K30, it was converted. Or it's a K20.

As to your 2WD to 4WD conversion question, I'm sure it's been done and there are probably build threads here. Someone else will have to chime in with details though, or you can search the board for info.

[SS Tim]

There are several ways to do it. There are even two period companies that did conversion kits, NAPCO and Marmon-Herrington. However these were very much vocational trucks and not highway use pet trucks so many are today. Additionaly the parts are hard to find and expensive.

Most people seem to gravitate toward duplicating a K20 setup but the Dana 44 is really too light for anyone "needing" a 1-ton. However that does give you a pattern and some factory parts to work with. Adding a Dana 60 axle would give you the strength and disc brakes the period trucks did not. Yep, a true period NAPCO for example had drum brakes on a closed knuckle axle developed from the Eaton H052 with constant velocity axle joints.
Finally a K20 frame is much lighter than a C30 or C20 longhorn frame. So if you intend on doing anything you need a K30 class truck for make sure the frame is up to it. There have been a number of posts on the subject and a search should yield many links to read through. You can even go to my profile page.