63 C20 4x4 Step Side Long Bed

[Chevrolet_Racer]

Whats up guys, I am new to the forum. It looks like a good place for a rookie like myself to be pointed in the right direction with certain things. I have been slowly restoring my father-in-laws truck, a 1963 C20 4x4 with the 230. Originally the truck was his dads and he ordered it from the factory, it has a lot of sentimental value. Anyways here are some pictures…

[Chevrolet_Racer]

Here are some progress pictures...

[Chevrolet_Racer]

Ive just about got the engine all buttoned up also.

[Chevrolet_Racer]

some more of the motor

[Chevrolet_Racer]

And last weekend we got the bed off of it

[Chevrolet_Racer]

So I've done my searching around on here, and the front diff out of this truck is the closed knuckle dana 44 I believe. Obviously it has drum brakes on it, and I am wanting to convert to discs. From what I understand the easiest/cheapest way to do this is switch a later model front diff from a K20 into it? Could someone explain or correct me on which 8-lug front differential I need to make this work. Also adding power steering would be awesome, but I'm not trying to re-invent the wheel here. Any thoughts would be awesome. And if there is already a thread about all these topics that I missed, I would love the link to that. Appreciate the input

[Classic v6 GMC's]

Looks like a good project and some nice work. Are you leaving the patina paint?

[TJ's Chevy]

Awesome truck!!! Another 6 banger build!!!! Join the brother hood.

[Chevrolet_Racer]

Originally Posted by Classic v6 GMC's

Looks like a good project and some nice work. Are you leaving the patina paint?

Thank you, the plan is to leave the patina paint for the time being, one day when it is handed down to me it'll get a turbo ls and full restoration. haha
The plan is to make it a good reliable driver, and hopefully be able to tow my race car to the track.

[mattbert56]

Originally Posted by Chevrolet_Racer

So I've done my searching around on here, and the front diff out of this truck is the closed knuckle dana 44 I believe. Obviously it has drum brakes on it, and I am wanting to convert to discs. From what I understand the easiest/cheapest way to do this is switch a later model front diff from a K20 into it? Could someone explain or correct me on which 8-lug front differential I need to make this work. Also adding power steering would be awesome, but I'm not trying to re-invent the wheel here. Any thoughts would be awesome. And if there is already a thread about all these topics that I missed, I would love the link to that. Appreciate the input

70s. Front diff. It'll be an open knuckle. If your looking for a real 4x4 monster. You can look for a d44. With a flat top pas anger knuckle so you can do cross over steering. The closed knuckle axles are fine IMO. They just don't have the best turning. I'm not sure if you have to change the steering box but I think you do... captn fab offers a conversion plate to adapt a late model power steering box. But them u need power steering pump...and brackets for a inline 6.. which are pricey unless you can fab your own. Good luck and sweet build. It's cool to see you restoring the truck to its former glory. And glad your keeping the Half dozen in a row power plant

[1963c-10]

Great looking project. Looks like your off to a great start. Keep us updated with posts and pics!!!

[Chevrolet_Racer]

Originally Posted by mattbert56

70s. Front diff. It'll be an open knuckle. If your looking for a real 4x4 monster. You can look for a d44. With a flat top pas anger knuckle so you can do cross over steering. The closed knuckle axles are fine IMO. They just don't have the best turning. I'm not sure if you have to change the steering box but I think you do... captn fab offers a conversion plate to adapt a late model power steering box. But them u need power steering pump...and brackets for a inline 6.. which are pricey unless you can fab your own. Good luck and sweet build. It's cool to see you restoring the truck to its former glory. And glad your keeping the Half dozen in a row power plant

I think you're right about just keeping it simple and leaving the closed knuckle. Just curious where did you buy all your brake components? I was viewing your build and it seems very similar to what I am trying to do so if you don't mind I'll probably be picking your brain a lot haha

[mattbert56]

By all Means go for it.. I used 71 c20 rear brake springs. Those had most of the parts. I had to special order a few. Wheel cylinders I used what was factory. They should have them on the shelf. Front brakes I found on the shelf at O'Reilly. The steering knuckle seals I can only fond from dana the axle company. There the same as jeeps. The early cj5s. My "u" joints were in good shape so I never replaced em. And the king pin bearings and races I got off summit. I'll post the part numbers in a minute. Another member here is 61k10. He is another good guy to ask questions to. He's rebuild all Stuff also. Any questions you might have just shoot me a pm or leave a reply on my build.

[Chevrolet_Racer]

Originally Posted by mattbert56

By all Means go for it.. I used 71 c20 rear brake springs. Those had most of the parts. I had to special order a few. Wheel cylinders I used what was factory. They should have them on the shelf. Front brakes I found on the shelf at O'Reilly. The steering knuckle seals I can only fond from dana the axle company. There the same as jeeps. The early cj5s. My "u" joints were in good shape so I never replaced em. And the king pin bearings and races I got off summit. I'll post the part numbers in a minute. Another member here is 61k10. He is another good guy to ask questions to. He's rebuild all Stuff also. Any questions you might have just shoot me a pm or leave a reply on my build.

Sweet, thank you very much

[mattbert56]

No problem.

[pimpston65]

longbed stepside!!! and 4x4!!!!!!!! nice...

[Lokin4AReason]

liking this =0)

[61K10]

Nice truck--have an old buddy that has a 65 3/4t K20 long bed step. Quad 4x4 has some closed knuckle parts for the dana 44HD.

[RANDY COX]

KOOL truck and that it's been in the same family for so long...looking forward to more updates and pixs we love pixs...

[mattbert56]

Summit racing has them and cheep. if your races are good the bearings are $5.95 a piece. new races are $4.95 and are China. Better ones out there of course. part # 11590 and 11520. Here are those part numbers for the bearings and races. Same ones i used. Quality is pretty good. fit right in. No complaints

[61K10]

A little info for parts-----the HD44 is different than the standard 44 (1/2ton) for the knuckle wiper seals. 1/2t have a bolts and the 3/4 have 12bolts. the carrier (ring & pinion) and axles are the same I think. hubs are 8 lug on the HD44 and locking hubs are avl cheap compared to the 1/2t axle.

[Chevrolet_Racer]

Took a vacation to the UK, going to give some updates once I'm back soon... as my signature says I have a drag car as well, so it's hard finding the perfect balance of time between both projects. haha

[Chevrolet_Racer]

https://www.youtube.com/user/KitRacing9

here is a little more about me, if y'all looking for some entertainment