4x4 conversion

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joshbustos04

Junior Member
Joined
Dec 9, 2024
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1
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1
Location
utah
First Name
josh
Truck Year
1979
Truck Model
c30
Engine Size
454
I have a 79 1ton dually and I want to convert it to 4x4. Will swapping the frame with a 1/2 ton 4x4 frame work?
 

PrairieDrifter

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Location
North Dakota
First Name
Mason
Truck Year
84,79,77,76,70,48
Truck Model
Suburban k10, bonanza k10, k30, k20, c10, gmc 1/2ton
Engine Size
350, 350, 350, 350, 350, 350
Yes but you can't do 1 ton dually stuff anymore.
 

SquareRoot

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Location
Arizona
First Name
Mike
Truck Year
85
Truck Model
K20
Engine Size
350
Anything is possible. Rear aXLe won't bolt up without some work. I say do it! Don't forget to keep a build thread on here with lots of pics.
 

Strick

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Nov 25, 2020
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Location
Dunn, NC
First Name
Harold
Truck Year
1979
Truck Model
C20 Crew
Engine Size
350
The ton frame is definitely different than a 1/2 or 3/4...unless it's a Crew. I too have a '79 dually that I'm going to convert. I was able to source all the components from a single cab K30 that I bought for parts. I cut the frame just behind the rear spring mount on the front so that I'd have whatever when the time comes.
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The 2wd rear spring hangers will have to be replaced in all four corners and replaced with 4wd; unless you want to run lift blocks. You can use all the 4wd spring hangers from a donor truck on the front but be advised that the front hanger is also the radiator support mount. I don't think there is any difference between the 4wd frames from the front cab mount forward so finding the front crossmember and mounts should be easier than finding the rear.
 

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