Converting C20 to K20?

[NichIowa]

I have been told that all suspension parts are interchangeable between our trucks all the way up to 1987. just want to verify before I start anything I can't handle. Also if anyone has done this, pointers? Thank you for all the help.
Ramsey

[eedgell]

Not all interchangeable. The rear leaf springs are longer on the 73 to 87, as well as the front springs, speaking for 4x4's. The rear's on the 73 up have wider spring pearches, but the front diffs are bolt for bolt. You really need 67-72 mod year parts for this project. 73 up parts can be used, but with modifications. Beware!!!! P.S the 73 up 1 ton rear is the correct pearch width.

[1969k10stepside]

eedgell has it covered for the most part.If you dont mind some fabrication and adding a body lift you might find it easier to put the body of your truck on a newer 4wd frame...As eedgell said the front and rear springs are longer,the front axle is the same but the rear has different spring perch locations as well as shock mounts.A 14 bolt from a 1 ton will work w/ out moving spring perches but you will have to relocate shock mounts.The hardest part is probably getting the front axle located and centered in the frame.

[eedgell]

Shock Mounts!....... I am terrible at detail!! I WILL work on it.

[Terraizer]

Why would you have to put a body lift on it? I'am going to be converting my 1971 C-20 to 4x4 using a 78 K20 Dana 44 front and 14 bolt rear, SM465 and NP205. Just need to find a set of front spring/body mounts for a 67-72 and i should be good to go.

[1969k10stepside]

You have to add a body lift if you go with the 67-72 body on a 73-87 chassis route

[eedgell]

1969k10stepside, was refering to the use of the 73 up frame, not just axles. Your 14 bolt rear will need the spring pearches moved in unless it is from a 1 ton srw.

[Terraizer]

I see, swapping frames seems like way more work then just modifing the stock frame, plus i can't stand body lifts. I don't have a problem with moving spring pertchs and redoing shock mounts kind of goes with the territory of modifing something.

[special-K]

I`d rather do the few adaptations to mount`73-up 4wd parts to a pre-`73 frame than make a body fit the later frame.You need to adapt body mounts and r&r entire body,not to mention all the little incidentals.

[CrashEd]

Your C/20 body mounts are the same as the K/20s . And no body lift is needed if you use the C/20 frame. Using the 73 springs will save you from having to mess with your emergency break cable holes it sets the rear shackle bushing behind it. If it wasn't so far away i would just trade you a 2wd frame that has already been converted to 4x4 for your frame. If your truck is a 4 gear now then it will save you from having to cut you tunnel cover for a high cover.
Ed

[msgross]

check out DIY 4x4 for some nice spring perches... He might be able to make something custom for you too...

[special-K]

I may be wrong,but I was assuming he`s going with`73-up 4wd donor and 67/72 body.If it`s same vintage body,I`d swap bodies.