3/4 ton axles

[Stm3784]

I'm looking at a k10 in really decent shape. I'd like to do an axle swap with springs and everything to make it 3/4 ton. Would I be able use newer axles and spring (88-up)? If I can I do this is there and fabrication to the frame I would have to? Please let me know thanks
Posted via Mobile Device

[Captainfab]

I would use the '73-'86 K series or '87-'91 V series springs and spring hangers as well as axles. You will have to change all of the spring hangers. Yes this will require cutting, welding and some fabrication.

I would not recommend converting to the '88+ K series independent front suspension. That would be a LOT of work and really no benefit, unless that is just what you want.

['63GENIII]

What year K10 are you looking at?

My first axle swap ('63 K15) used a '73 Dodge Dana 60 rear and a '73 Chevy K20 Dana 44 front.

The latest swap (same truck) kept the front 44 and the 60 was swapped for an '05 2500HD 14BFF. Rear springs were '07 Silverado and front springs are '73 or '74 K10 rears (used up front).

Hangers, shackles, cutting, grinding, welding and some assembly required.

Patience and batteries not included.

[Stm3784]

Originally Posted by '63GENIII

What year K10 are you looking at?

My first axle swap ('63 K15) used a '73 Dodge Dana 60 rear and a '73 Chevy K20 Dana 44 front.

The latest swap (same truck) kept the front 44 and the 60 was swapped for an '05 2500HD 14BFF. Rear springs were '07 Silverado and front springs are '73 or '74 K10 rears (used up front).

Hangers, shackles, cutting, grinding, welding and some assembly required.

Patience and batteries not included.

Posted via Mobile Device

[Stm3784]

Originally Posted by '63GENIII

What year K10 are you looking at?

My first axle swap ('63 K15) used a '73 Dodge Dana 60 rear and a '73 Chevy K20 Dana 44 front.

The latest swap (same truck) kept the front 44 and the 60 was swapped for an '05 2500HD 14BFF. Rear springs were '07 Silverado and front springs are '73 or '74 K10 rears (used up front).

Hangers, shackles, cutting, grinding, welding and some assembly required.

Patience and batteries not included.

66. This brings me to my next question. Is it easier to have a 78 k20 frame and change the front of the frame, cab and bed to accommodate the core support and body?
Posted via Mobile Device

[Captainfab]

It is not easier. You will have to fabricate all but one set of body mounts on the frame. With the '73-'87 frame you will end up with about a 3" body lift. The other option in using that frame is to modify the floor of the cab to accommodate the different frame. Either way it is a lot of work with cutting, welding and fabricating.

Plus then you have the possible legal issues with having a frame and cab with different VIN's. You would have to check your state motor vehicle laws as to how to make the swap legal.

Originally Posted by Stm3784

66. This brings me to my next question. Is it easier to have a 78 k20 frame and change the front of the frame, cab and bed to accommodate the core support and body?
Posted via Mobile Device

['63GENIII]

Captainfab hits the nail on the head again. Its a lot of work. I would say considerably more than using what you already have.

Not saying that it can't be done or done well but there are hundreds of well intentioned guys out there that go this route only to ruin 2 vehicles.

Ive personally a cab / bed swapped truck with the intention of "making it right" only to realize that I didn't have the time, money or on point fab skills necessary to complete it in a timeframe that would allow me to actually safely drive it someday.

Heck, even with all the planning that I did with the '63s spring swap, it still spent the better part of 3 mos in the garage torn apart.

Darn job always gets in the way of my fun!

[Short 3/4]

[QUOTE='63GENIII;7951349]Captainfab hits the nail on the head again. Its a lot of work. I would say considerably more than using what you already have.

Not saying that it can't be done or done well but there are hundreds of well intentioned guys out there that go this route only to ruin 2 vehicles.

Ive personally a cab / bed swapped truck with the intention of "making it right" only to realize that I didn't have the time, money or on point fab skills necessary to complete it in a timeframe that would allow me to actually safely drive it someday.

Heck, even with all the planning that I did with the '63s spring swap, it still spent the better part of 3 mos in the garage torn apart.
I am also doing a 1/2 to 3/4 ton swap on a K10 (65) Not sure of your dream, but if you are looking for disk brakes, a better gear ratio and more common parts, the only difference between a 1/2 and 3/4 ton dana 44 is from the spindle out .Much info on the forum on a disk brake swap using early 70's parts. find a corperate or Dana 60/70 rear with a ratio that you like and all you have to do is have the mounting pads moved (cheap to have done). Then change the front R&P to match (cheap and common for this diff). If you don't like the closed knukle front end find one from the 70's and it will pretty much bolt in ( I think closed is cool but I'm strange that way ). You will be back on the road a lot sooner and cheaper and your truck will look stock, not hacked. To up grade the springs , go to a local spring shop and they can modify any way you want. Good luck, will be a nice truck when done.

[Short 3/4]

[quote=Short 3/4;7952435]

Originally Posted by '63GENIII

Captainfab hits the nail on the head again. Its a lot of work. I would say considerably more than using what you already have.

Not saying that it can't be done or done well but there are hundreds of well intentioned guys out there that go this route only to ruin 2 vehicles.

Ive personally a cab / bed swapped truck with the intention of "making it right" only to realize that I didn't have the time, money or on point fab skills necessary to complete it in a timeframe that would allow me to actually safely drive it someday.

Heck, even with all the planning that I did with the '63s spring swap, it still spent the better part of 3 mos in the garage torn apart.
I am also doing a 1/2 to 3/4 ton swap on a K10 (65) Not sure of your dream, but if you are looking for disk brakes, a better gear ratio and more common parts, the only difference between a 1/2 and 3/4 ton dana 44 is from the spindle out .Much info on the forum on a disk brake swap using early 70's parts. find a corperate or Dana 60/70 rear with a ratio that you like and all you have to do is have the mounting pads moved (cheap to have done). Then change the front R&P to match (cheap and common for this diff). If you don't like the closed knukle front end find one from the 70's and it will pretty much bolt in ( I think closed is cool but I'm strange that way ). You will be back on the road a lot sooner and cheaper and your truck will look stock, not hacked. To up grade the springs , go to a local spring shop and they can modify any way you want. Good luck, will be a nice truck when done.

Sorry I didn't post post correctly ( I'm better with a hammer than a computer) Mine is at the end of 63's post

[63burban]

Why not just use 73-87 axles in your 66?