Body mounts (another dang 4x conversion thread)

[Storm Chaser]

Yep, I'm considering doing the 2x to 4x conversion. I know it is "easier to just change the whole frame to a 4x4 frame"... but it really isn't an option. I have a crew cab, and in my part of Indiana, there are no 4x4 crew frames available close, and when I do find them they are expensive!

So what I am thinking is maybe going with the B52 kit from DIY4X. I'm aware of everything else I need to to it (heck, I already have most of it). My question is about the body mounts, or more specifically the body mount perches on the frame.

If you aren't familiar with the B52 kit, it is basically the front spring hanger with the rad support perch built into it. To install it, you remove your old perches from the frame, and the piece in the kit replaces it.

My question is- are the perches (rad support and even cab mount perches) the same height from the top of the frame from a 2wd to a 4x4? The reason I ask, is because on the 88-98 trucks, all the perches on a 4x4 are higher up on the frame rail than a 2wd, and the frame is slightly higher in the bed area also. I learned this the hard way when I halved the front of a 4x4 to the rear of a 2wd. Is it like this on the 81-87 trucks too, or are they all at the same height?

The reason I ask, is because the B52 kit seems to be aimed at trucks that are already 4x4's, so if there is a difference, then I'm gonna have trouble with the height of the rad support. Anyone know?

[Storm Chaser]

Dang, where is everyone? Or are my questions just getting too hard?

[freelancegenius]

My question is- are the perches (rad support and even cab mount perches) the same height from the top of the frame from a 2wd to a 4x4?

To my best knowledge, yes. The top of the front body mounts (for the core support) are flush with the frame rails, 2- or 4-wheel drive. Same goes with the positions of the other body mounts.

When I converted my 1-ton, I built my own front spring mounts and welded them on with plenty of gussets. Strong and cheap!

I'm by no means an expert, so if someone with better info wants to correct me...

[Storm Chaser]

I thought they might be the same, but they weren't with the 88-98 bodystyle, so I thought I'd check. I know how they sit on my 2wd frame, and a buddy has a 4x4 frame he's working on, but I haven't had time to go look at his.

I was gonna build a crossmember like I did on my other project, but I don't think I want this one to sit that high.

[bluex]

2wd



4wd


The 2wd is an 84 C10. 4wd is an 87 K5. I'm going the opposite way of you....

[87Bob]

Originally Posted by bluex

2wd



4wd


The 2wd is an 84 C10. 4wd is an 87 K5. I'm going the opposite way of you....

Shoot you guys ought to get together and just swap pieces.

[Storm Chaser]

Shoot you guys ought to get together and just swap pieces

If bluex was closer, it would be a great idea! Funny thing is, we're hoping to move to South Carolina in a year or two.

bluex, you already got your 2wd crossmember, or are you doing something different there?

There was a thread on here somewhere where a member had a Blazer and a truck- one a 2wd and the other a 4x4, and he pretty much swaped them over with each other's parts. It was a great read, but for some reason, I can't find it anywhere.

Does anyone know if the steering box has to be changed, or just the arm?

[bluex]

Is this the one?

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=168231

I've been through this thread about 50 times!

I have a rolling chassis I got about 3 years ago from an 84 GMC. I bought it from a guy that got the entire truck just for the cab. I wound up getting the chassis, bed and fuel tank from him. I was going to use it on my '78, but have since decided that frame will be ok. I was worried about where it was put back together when I made it SWB. I have hauled quite a bit in it since then and there is no sign of any problems around the welds so I will keep it.

The 84 chassis also has some damage on the dr side rail, so I will probably wind up scrapping it when I get the 2wd stuff off.

I plan on changing the steering box. I'm not sure there is any difference between the two except for the pittman arm. I'm also rebuilding the suspension and brakes as they go under the K5. I have a project thread in my sig, but the updates are rather slow...

[Storm Chaser]

Yep, that is the thread I was looking for (bookmarking now so I don't lose it). I'll also be checking out your build.

Got your PM about the hangers. Problem is, is the 4x4 trucks use different core support brackets on the frame than 2wd trucks use. The 4x4 brackets also act as a support for the spring hangers, and the 2wd ones won't work in that capacity. In order for me to use them, I'd have to replace the ones I have with the 4x4 style. Plus I am thinking of going with the longer springs, which the DIY4X will allow me to do. Ya might wanna shoot me a PM letting me know what you want for them, you never know with me (I change my mind like a woman sometimes). I already have the deal for the rear of the springs- the part that is riveted to the frame for the shackles to mount to, I just have to take some measurements off a buddy's frame to figure out where they go.

I plan to install the front hangers and rear shackle mount sometime this winter, when I find a decent dog house to swap on. The beauty of it is that I can install these parts and still drive around as a 2wd until I gather the rest.

Does anyone know if the 4x4 crossmember is the same between 1/2 tons and 3/4 tons? I would assume it is, since it is not a suspension part on the 4x4's.

[bluex]

I am not planning on using the spring perches after I take them off the K5. I'll be putting the 2wd core support mounts on it. I offered them to you if you didnt want to spend the $$ on the B52 kit. Otherwise they will probably be going to scrap with the rest of the 2wd frame.

Also, check out colorado k5. I have read about a few 2 to 4wd swaps over there. There will be more info about that conversion there.

If there is any confusion, when I'm done the C10 frame will be junk and the K5 will be 2wd and hopefully most of the 4wd stuff will pay for the suspension and brake rebuild.

[Storm Chaser]

I got ya. I guess I didn't figure you were going to change the core support mounts. From everything I've seen researching this the past few days, it seems that everyone who converted to 2wd just kept the 4x4 mounts instead of going through the process of removing the rivets (except for the above thread where they were needed on the other truck). The 4x4 ones are beefier, since they help support the suspension, but since they are in the same location, I don't see where they wouldn't work in a 2wd application. How much are you thinking for the hangers and the mounts?

[Storm Chaser]

So what about the steering box? I seen that those who do the crossover steering swap use the 2wd box because the arm can be turned to where they need it. I'll probably think about crossover steering at some point, but for now, I'll be going stock. Can the arm be moved to a position to mimic the 4x4 box?

The reason I'm staying stock at the moment is because I have most of the parts to install the corporate 3/4 ton front axle (in other words, no flat top knuckles to machine for crossover). Someday in the future, I imagine I'll upgrade to a 60, or at least a 44, so I figured I'd do the crossover then.