C10 k10 2wheel drive to 4 wheel drive

[HotRodPC]

You need a deal like this member got. $400 for all of this rolling chassis and lift kit. If you ever get to Eastern, OK, he going to be selling the frame after he gets what he wants off of it. We see stuff like this at times, where you can buy a 4x4 frame for $200 or so. Sure saves alot of work over converting a 2wd frame, and I've seen sold a 2wd frame to a guy who had a front wreck and bent his frame. He needed a front clip and frame, and transfered it all over in a weekend. So you might get out of your 2wd frame, what you can buy a 4x4 frame for.

http://www.gmsquarebody.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3300&page=4

 

[Chevtruck]

Just to let everyone know that the 4 wheel drive frames are made of thicker steel than the two wheel drives are. I measured it with a micrometer and the 4x4 frame makes the 2 wheel drive frame look like a ford ranger frame. I don't know if everyone knows this already, but if you didn't, you do now.

 

[HotRodPC]

Just to let everyone know that the 4 wheel drive frames are made of thicker steel than the two wheel drives are. I measured it with a micrometer and the 4x4 frame makes the 2 wheel drive frame look like a ford ranger frame. I don't know if everyone knows this already, but if you didn't, you do now.

Great info. Thanks for participating. So this C10 vs K10 you meaured? Half ton to Half ton?
How about this, can you measure a C10 and a C20, and then a K10 and a K20 for comparisons. Many say the 3/4 ton K20 is thicker too than the 1/2 K10 and I've never measured but it looks pretty damn close to me. Seem the difference is the rear springs, and the axles is about it between the K10 and K20.

 

[Chevtruck]

I measured an 85 k10 and an 84 c10. The k10 frame was thicker than the c10 frame even where the k10 frames was. What first got me wondering was the sticker in the glove compartment saying that you can put a truck camper on the k10 but not the c10. I figured if the only difference between them was the front end and some crossmembers the c10 should have the same payload capacity, so I checked into it. It would be interesting to see if there is a difference between the frames of k20s and c20s. I don't have any 3/4 ton trucks here. Only the half tons. I figured that the frame thickness would be important for anyone restoring one of these trucks like me. This is my first project truck too, so this is a pretty good learning experience. I don't know of anyone else who restored a truck at my age. Im not sure if it happens very often, if at all.

 

[HotRodPC]

I'm actually more concerned of the K10 vs K20 frames. 4x4 1/2 ton vs 4x4 3/4 ton. It's easy to convert springs and axles to a 3/4 but is it then a K20 of is it still just a K10 with K20 springs and axles? I've heard the K20 is 1/32 thicker, I've heard 1/16 thicker. Some say the the K10 will flex better than the K20 and there are those who disagree totally. It would be nice to KNOW for sure.

 

[Chevtruck]

It really would be nice to know. I have thought about putting heavier springs under my k10 just for the payload, but then it's a rough ride, and without the axles it obviously isn't a k20. I think the best is to check out your local scrapyard, go to one that has cars all lined up so people can take parts off and take a micrometer. If you can find a k10 and k20 and measure them, then you will know for sure. My guess is that the 3/4 ton frame will be thicker than the 1/2 ton.

 

[HotRodPC]

It really would be nice to know. I have thought about putting heavier springs under my k10 just for the payload, but then it's a rough ride, and without the axles it obviously isn't a k20. I think the best is to check out your local scrapyard, go to one that has cars all lined up so people can take parts off and take a micrometer. If you can find a k10 and k20 and measure them, then you will know for sure. My guess is that the 3/4 ton frame will be thicker than the 1/2 ton.

Yes, You would think the K20 would be thicker.

 

[Camo]

The year might have been different thickness. I have done this several times. measured the frame rails with a mic and never found any real differences that couldnt be chalked up to manufacturing tolerances.

Even putting a 2500 frame under it , you would still have a 1500 vin so you could only tow/carry what a 1500 was rated for legally. Been down that road before.

 

[bigben129]

How is this project doing?

 

[rscustomrods]

I have a 78 K10 and a 79 K20. I will check the frame thickness and let you know

 

[HotRodPC]

I have a 78 K10 and a 79 K20. I will check the frame thickness and let you know

Awesome Awesome !!! That would be great info to know.