2X4 to 4X4 Conversion

[66-PMD-GMC]

I've been collecting parts to build a 60-63 dually for months now.
Originally I was going to just shorten the frame and keep it stock-ish height.
Next game plan was to drop it and streach a cab 30 inches...
Then I saw a crew cab 4X4 online... probably one of the cleanest trucks I've seen.
so here are the questions that I have for the group.
I'm using a 67-72 C35 2X4 frame.
I started looking for a front diff for the dual offset wheels. And front hardware to hang it... haven't found 1 C30/35 4X4 in any wrecking yard, flakeslist. .. anywhere..
Was a dually 4X4 made 63-87?
Will the front "hangers", cross members and etc... from a 73-87 fit my frame if I find them?
Am I wasting time?

[LVPhotos]

You just need the wheel spacers for the conversion. If is a Dana 60 or 70, 80, you just find those. Frame spacing will determine spring mounts. Don't forget the big 3 all used Dana axles Ford drops opposite of Chevy so keep in mind transfer case input.

[66-PMD-GMC]

I never considered looking outside of GM..
LOL

[LVPhotos]

My 2005 Ram has a 70 and have seen a dually conversion for it. Coils vs springs. Lots of newer Trucks have them.
http://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=C...26origin%3Dpla

[LVPhotos]

Here are some adapters.
http://www.wheeladapter.com/dually_adapters.php

[66-PMD-GMC]

I'm looking for a full differential. .
I don't want to get that crazy on this build..
But thanks

[jonzcustomshop]

1 ton 4X4's are a little more common around here in the snow belt...
I remember seeing 73-87 1 ton dually 4X4's quite often when they were on the road... not so much any more.
the suspension switch should be pretty straight forward when you find one, I assume drilling and removing all the 1 ton stuff, and just bolting it on your frame. similar with what I did on my suburban build.

here are a couple in mt
http://greatfalls.craigslist.org/pts/5038543279.html

http://kalispell.craigslist.org/cto/5114597677.html

2 in your area, but expensive:
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/5100014315.html

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/pts/5111947586.html

[66-PMD-GMC]

I bought a motors manual at the second hand book store.. they did make them... just need to find one if I decide to go that route

[Captainfab]

Around here a single wheel Dana 60 front differential is going for $1000-1200. The dually front diffs are less desirable and consequently a little less $$. If you want to stay with a passenger drop transfer case, you will want a GM or Dodge front diff.

Yes GM did make a K30/3500. I've seen lots of them around here. There's still a few around. In fact my EX used to have a '80 GMC K3500 crew cab dually.

[66-PMD-GMC]

I have everything from a k5.. trans/transfer case combo.
It will need to be a GM setup to keep things simple.
I'm not paying a grand or anywhere close to that for a used differential. .
I need a 4.11 gear set. . But I can swap gears in the rear diff easy enough.
The question is how do I hang the diff.?
Will I need to find a 67-72 donor?
Will a 73-87 donor chassis have hangers that will work?
I understand that there will be some fab work.
No worries there..

[Captainfab]

The springs and hangers from a '73-'86 K30 or a '87-'91 V3500 can be used.