4x4 Frames - Converting 2wd Long box to 4wd on a 1965

[ND-1965C10]

I currently have a 65 c10 Long box and in a few years will be getting a second from my uncle. Since I already have one that I think is pretty nice I am wanting to take my uncles and use it a little more instead of only taking out on nice days for cruising. I would like to take his and make a 4x4. It is a long box. I am in the process of thinking about what I will need to make this project happen and wanting to round up the parts now so when it is in my possession I can get to work right away. I am thinking it would be easier to get a new frame to put under it. About 5 years ago my brother took a 78 and did the same thing so I feel confident I am not getting in over my head.

My thoughts are that I want to find a 63 to 66 k10 frame and might have a line on one where I just need to "run" into the guy. I was recently thinking through that I might be able to use a frame from a 73-87 body? Has anyone done this to where you can tell me if this is possible or what challenges I will hit? With my brothers there was not any issues (cab mounts were a little different only but that could have been because it was a 79 frame).

Any insight/thoughts/suggests/help would be greatly appreciated! A couple pics from my brothers to get you interested in the process!

[ND-1965C10]

Seems like this was a tough question? I found a 1965 K20 that am planning on using the frame. Project will move slow for awhile but will post pics as the fun begins. Donor has a few interesting options on it that I will ask about as I get pics of. One looks to be an electric parking brake?

[patrickk1]

I looked at doing the same thing. Based on my research on the forum, you can use a 73-87 frame but the frame kicks up sooner at the rear of the cab so the mounts need spacers made. Essentially when the 63-66 cab is mounted on the 73-87 frame, it looks like you have a 3" body lift on the truck. There are some modifications that need to be made to the mounts too. These can all be found on the forum. I have heard a subruban frame would work better as it does not have the same kickup on the frame as the trucks do, but I have not verified this.

I am working on my 65 GMC where I am using a 2003 dodge ram 2500 frame. Based on the measurements I made of both trucks (I already have the dodge frame), the cab should fit very well on the dodge frame with me fabricating new mounts. I went with the dodge frame because it is a fully boxed frame and already had mounts for the cummins, although I may need to push the motor back 3"-6". The only downside is that I will have to raise the bed floor a little bit.

[padresag]

Lyle in Bonner's Ferry Id. has long and short 4 x 4 frames 60 =66
contact gmc1966@frontier.com
ron

[Auctioneerhere]

I have done it. It is kinda a pita. Honestly if I was going to drive mine everyday, I would use the correct frame.

[ND-1965C10]

Finally got some pics of the 64 3/4 donor truck I am going to use. Pretty rough as was used pretty hard in it prior life. Has old decal spots where was a gas station truck prior.

[1976gmc20]

Well, you should be able to make one good 4x4 truck out of the two of them

You might check out the front end on the K20. Those old closed knuckle axles can get kind of loose after a while.

[argonaut]

That orange pickup looks eerily similar to my k10 when I first got it. Same orange color. Same rooftop spot light.