Adding 4wd to a 2wd 63 C10 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

diablo03 · 03-09-2014, 12:58 PM

I'm looking for the simplest way to make my C-10 a K-10. Would an entire frame swap be simpler, can I use the 4 on the floor that came with the truck or would switching trannys be better?

could I just buy the parts from somewhere like LMC and bolt them on to my current frame and setup?

looking to see how much of a project this would be....please help!

Thanks

**Captainfab** · 03-09-2014, 01:56 PM

Converting a 2wd to 4wd is not a small project no matter which way you go. But some methods are much easier than others. I always recommend keeping your original frame if at all possible. It is much better to have your cab and the frame with the same VIN number, for legal reasons. Now if you can find a '63-'72 K series frame, with a title or what ever paperwork needed to make the swap legal in your state, that will help some. What you do not want to do is get a '73-'87 frame and put your body on that frame. That is WAY too much work IMO. What I would do is find a '73-'87 K series truck and use all the suspension and running gear under your '63 frame. Like I said, it is not going to be a small project, but IMO that is the best way to go.

FetchMeAPepsi · 03-09-2014, 02:13 PM

I'm not 100% positive (about anything) but from what I can tell it's just three drive shafts (shorter than yours now), a transfer case, a front axle and hubs, some new springs, and a hole in the floor, then you've got a 4wd.

If I was about to do that I'd just buy a 4x4 then get any parts I didn't like on it from my 2wd. Probably alot cheaper that way.
Let us know which way you go. Sounds like a fun project to follow.

akbat · 03-09-2014, 05:33 PM

I have a 66 c10 on a 72 4x4 frame. Pretty staight forward swap. Frame rails are the same from 60-72. I had to re drill cab rear mounting bolt holes to match the 72 frame and the radiator core support. The cab mounts in the front matched perfectly. The rear ones were about an inch off in width. The bed bolts right up. The rear bumper bolts right up. The front bumper need 2 new holes at the bottom.

I bought a 70 project with a good frame and running gear. Got front disc brakes, PS, PB and AT all at once with the swap. A lot of work, but not a lot of fabrication. Much more pleasant to drive.

03-09-2014, 12:58 PM	#1
diablo03 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: St Louis MO Posts: 151	Adding 4wd to a 2wd 63 C10 I'm looking for the simplest way to make my C-10 a K-10. Would an entire frame swap be simpler, can I use the 4 on the floor that came with the truck or would switching trannys be better? could I just buy the parts from somewhere like LMC and bolt them on to my current frame and setup? looking to see how much of a project this would be....please help! Thanks __________________ 1963 Chevy C10 (under construction).....build thread 2009 Honda Shadow 2008 Mazda 5 2013 Ford Sedan Interceptor AWD 2017 Harbor Freight 4x8 trailer (great for hauling parts) 2017 Honda Rebel

03-09-2014, 01:56 PM	#2
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,252	Re: Adding 4wd to a 2wd 63 C10 Converting a 2wd to 4wd is not a small project no matter which way you go. But some methods are much easier than others. I always recommend keeping your original frame if at all possible. It is much better to have your cab and the frame with the same VIN number, for legal reasons. Now if you can find a '63-'72 K series frame, with a title or what ever paperwork needed to make the swap legal in your state, that will help some. What you do not want to do is get a '73-'87 frame and put your body on that frame. That is WAY too much work IMO. What I would do is find a '73-'87 K series truck and use all the suspension and running gear under your '63 frame. Like I said, it is not going to be a small project, but IMO that is the best way to go. __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

03-09-2014, 02:13 PM	#3
FetchMeAPepsi Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Edmond, Ks Posts: 595	Re: Adding 4wd to a 2wd 63 C10 I'm not 100% positive (about anything) but from what I can tell it's just three drive shafts (shorter than yours now), a transfer case, a front axle and hubs, some new springs, and a hole in the floor, then you've got a 4wd. If I was about to do that I'd just buy a 4x4 then get any parts I didn't like on it from my 2wd. Probably alot cheaper that way. Let us know which way you go. Sounds like a fun project to follow. __________________ Step by steps: Remove primer to reveal original paint Rebuild a carburetor See My Build - Cecilia! Some people are like slinkys. Not worth much but funny as heck when pushed down stairs.

03-09-2014, 05:33 PM	#4
akbat Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 19	Re: Adding 4wd to a 2wd 63 C10 I have a 66 c10 on a 72 4x4 frame. Pretty staight forward swap. Frame rails are the same from 60-72. I had to re drill cab rear mounting bolt holes to match the 72 frame and the radiator core support. The cab mounts in the front matched perfectly. The rear ones were about an inch off in width. The bed bolts right up. The rear bumper bolts right up. The front bumper need 2 new holes at the bottom. I bought a 70 project with a good frame and running gear. Got front disc brakes, PS, PB and AT all at once with the swap. A lot of work, but not a lot of fabrication. Much more pleasant to drive.

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