K5 2WD Conversion

[hevy_chevy67]

Got a question.

I want to convert a 1970 K5 4x4 to a 2WD. My question is can I convert it to trailing arm suspension from a donor C10 truck? I've read conflicting info. Some say yes and then I saw a video on YouTube where the guy said you can't because the K frames go straight and don't widen out like a C frame does. I have a complete rolling 71 C10 donor frame to use. I would very much prefer to ditch the leaf springs.

And the K5 is currently a project with no drivetrain and only the diff's. I'm taking the body off. This is not a good running K5 that I'm converting in case you're wondering.

[BIG ORANGE]

Jmo, I would cut the C10 frame down and sell the K5 frame unless you need it.
I cut a swb C10 frame and built a beautiful 69 roadster w 67 frontend.

[zammer]

That is a good question, it looks like trailing arms have been added to a 4wd frame before but will require aftermarket components . Check out these links below that'll hopefully help. Looks like whats keeping it from being a pretty straight forward mod is you may need to get an aftermarket crossmember for a 4wd frame to get it to fit into the frame rails of a 4wd frame as the widths may be different there? Also the spring perches in the rear need to be placed somehow. It looks like Porterbuilt may make something that can help you if you go forward with it

What are your plans for height? Keeping factory height or dropping it?

Blazer conversion info from past:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=737375

Info on difference in 2wd vs 4wd frame sizes

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=707579

[hevy_chevy67]

Originally Posted by zammer

That is a good question, it looks like trailing arms have been added to a 4wd frame before but will require aftermarket components . Check out these links below that'll hopefully help. Looks like whats keeping it from being a pretty straight forward mod is you may need to get an aftermarket crossmember for a 4wd frame to get it to fit into the frame rails of a 4wd frame as the widths may be different there? Also the spring perches in the rear need to be placed somehow. It looks like Porterbuilt may make something that can help you if you go forward with it

What are your plans for height? Keeping factory height or dropping it?

Blazer conversion info from past:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=737375

Info on difference in 2wd vs 4wd frame sizes

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=707579

I'm wanting to do a static drop, nothing crazy. 5 or 6 in the rear.
I've done some more research since, looks like the big issue for me is the shock and coil mounts. I think a factory trailing arm crossmember should bolt it. I looked at some diagrams online and I believe the widths are the same until the 2wd dog leg out near the back half. I'll be taking the tub off soon and will verify that soon.

But it looks like Dead End Garage makes or made a conversion kit. Messaged him on IG, still waiting to hear back.

[bazookatooth]

Curious to hear what you come up with. I've been daydreaming about the same thing. Key word "daydreaming".

[jondancer]

If Deadend garage starts making parts again , they make the whole process easy .

[hevy_chevy67]

Deadend doesn't know when he will have more conversion kits in stocks, but I've got a local fabricator that does top notch work that is going to build me something. He's got a ton on the go but I imagine he will be able to get it in sometime over the winter.

[NDM]

I think I will start off with a leaf flip kit on mine then after a while build my own 4 link.
I would love a simple solution to trailing arms though.

[hevy_chevy67]

Well I'm past the point of no return lol. Mocked up my trailing arm crossmember and arms and got a 104" wheel base using two factory holes on the frame. Spent some time yesterday removing rivets to get all the unnecessary hardware off and frame is off to get sandblasted today.