What if any are the frame diffrences on 4x4 k30 to 2x4 c30

[old Chevy guy]

I just acquired a 1987 K30 cab and chassis with a dump body on it. Id like to fix it up and use it as a work truck but the rear half of the chassis if real rusty and crusty . Its not rotted through but it is thin. I need to know if I could use a 2 wheel drive c 30 frame from an 83 and bolt up the front 4 wheel drive components to it? Simply are the main frame rails the same?

['68 Newtricks]

WAAAAAAAAY too much work, they are not even close

Maybe cut off the back, after the trans, and attach it to the front half of the K30. Tetris cut the frame and fish plate. You might have to deal with lift height but it's easier than dealing with a thin frame.

[andrewmp6]

The 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton share somethings but the 1 ton is a horse of a different color.

[GM72K10]

Originally Posted by old Chevy guy

I just acquired a 1987 K30 cab and chassis with a dump body on it. Id like to fix it up and use it as a work truck but the rear half of the chassis if real rusty and crusty . Its not rotted through but it is thin. I need to know if I could use a 2 wheel drive c 30 frame from an 83 and bolt up the front 4 wheel drive components to it? Simply are the main frame rails the same?

If its another cab and chassis frame its the same,C30 or K30, 2wd or 4x4. the frame that is.

[old Chevy guy]

Yes it is a cab and chassis frame C30 just 2 wheel drive. So I could put my 4 wheel drive front end components on? is it bolt on or will I have to drill out new holes? also are the rear spring hangers longer/taller for lack of a better description, like a pickup would be when its 4 wheel drive? Thanks for the info!

['68 Newtricks]

Originally Posted by GM72K10

If its another cab and chassis frame its the same,C30 or K30, 2wd or 4x4. the frame that is.

interesting
What's the difference between a 3+3 CC 1 ton and a "cab and chassis" frame? Or are we getting names wrong?



If the frames are the same........then from the trans crossmember forward, no.... it is not an easy task switching them out. It IS a horse of a different color If the frames are NOT the same, then I can't answer the question and would love to see a swap pulled off.

[old Chevy guy]

I Believe the 3+3= crew cab.

[GM72K10]

Originally Posted by '68 Newtricks

interesting
What's the difference between a 3+3 CC 1 ton and a "cab and chassis" frame? Or are we getting names wrong?



If the frames are the same........then from the trans crossmember forward, no.... it is not an easy task switching them out. It IS a horse of a different color If the frames are NOT the same, then I can't answer the question and would love to see a swap pulled off.

Its not an easy task but the 1 ton frames are the same. Two cab and chassis frames, its a do able project. 1 ton pickup frames are also the same, dually or non dually. I used a CUCV (military D30) frame under my K30 dually that needed a new frame. Just needed to change a few things. If the holes weren't there the dimples were.

[GM72K10]

Frame chart
C is 2wd
K is 4wd
30903 is 1 ton pickup with 8 foot bed
30943 is 1 ton crew
31003 is C & C for 9 foot body 135.5 wb
31403 is C & C for longer body, 159.5 wb

[old Chevy guy]

Thanks ! great information, can you also tell me about the rear shackle and spring hangers? Are the 4x4 one's extended like on a pickup? My son got the 87 K30 dump for free and it runs drives and dumps as well as has working 4 wheel drive. Having nothing invested we are trying to decide if its worth fixing. We already have a good cab and front clip that was free from another endeavor. There's a frame on Craig's list but its just the two side rails and the cross members, no rear axle no front suspension. The guy claims its in mint condition and it has a rear plate on it that incorporates a pintle hitch and d rings like you see on a lot of dump trucks. What do you think that frame would/should be worth? He's asking $700 which I think is high given that its an 83 and comes with nothing else. Im sure he will go lower but probably not as low as Id like. Opinions?

[crashz]

I'm in the same boat with my 87.

I looked at that frame (the seller is nearby) and its in good shape.

Yes, the front hanger for the rear axle needs to be for a 4wd. Its taller by~3 inches or so.

The rear shackle hangers for the front axle need to be drilled into the frame in the right spots. Its a lot of work.

Those are the obvious differences. As stated before, the front axle hump looks a little different.

The 83 frame that you speak of has reinforcing plates directly below the firewall area. They appear factory installed (riveted in) and make it look very beefy. The 4wd trucks do not have those, in fact they would interfere with the shackles.