c10 to k10

[rwondrash]

I recently bought a K10 with a decent body but the frame is in serous need of repair. My question is does any body know if the C10 frames are the same and will it only take minor work to convert my K10 stuff to the C10? Thank you for your help.

[rwondrash]

I also forgot to ask does the year also matter? The K10 is a 67 and could I use any frame from 67-72?

[Yukon Jack]

The 67 4wd frame is not ideal as it has different lenght front springs and power steering is a little more involved to add. Head over to the 4x4 forum on this site and you'll find some good reading about 67-68 4wd issues.

[Classic Bowties]

If it was myself dealing with your situation, I would just locate a donor 69-72 K frame and if you were considering a disc front axle for your build then just stick to looking for a 71/72 rolling k frame.

[Yukon Jack]

Yep, that's what I would do also - if your gonna go to the trouble of a swap, might as well swap in the best available and easy frame option.

[rwondrash]

And what about a 71-72 c10 chasis will that also work?

[LOW DOUGH]

Originally Posted by rwondrash

Does any body have a rolling chasis of a 71-72? And what about a 71-72 c10 chasis will that also work?

you can't ask that..... might get locked..... no want to buy threads... must be a member.

FYI

[rwondrash]

Ok sorry my bad

[Yukon Jack]

A c10 frame could be modified to work, but honestly, go the easy route and get a 71-72 K10 frame with drivetrain (or K20 frame and drivetrain if you don't mind changing to 8 lug rims) and save yourself a lot of time and work!

[CPNE]

One issue with a 2wd 1/2 or 3/4 ton frame is that the rear framerails are not straight as they are on a 4wd. This means that the leaf spring hangers off a 4x4 won't work without modification. If you choose this route, beware. 2nd best option after a true 4x4 frame is a leaf spring 2wd frame. Be aware the springs are wider apart due to the frame curvature, which means your axle spring perches need to be moved as well.

Or you can go with a 1 ton frame, but then you have 133 inch wheelbase and a whole slew of other issues because of that.

[rwondrash]

Is a K5 blazer frame the same as the truck frame? I have an oportunity to buy a 72 K5 blazer and not sure if the frames are the same.

[CPNE]

Originally Posted by rwondrash

Is a K5 blazer frame the same as the truck frame? I have an oportunity to buy a 72 K5 blazer and not sure if the frames are the same.

No, A Blazer has a 104 inch wheelbase, a SWB truck is 115 and a LWB truck is 127. Axles and springs and spring mounts are basically the same as found on a 1/2 ton 4x4 however

[rwondrash]

Thanks CPNE your info has been very helpful

[padresag]

I believe that the 4wd frame is also deeper by am inch than a 2wd frame
ron

[72stepside4WD]

You guys know your stuff! Is there a easy way to identify the year of the frame/undercarriage? I ask b/c I always refer to my 4x4 as a 72, however, I know that my truck was pieced together from two different trucks. The cab and 402 engine came off a 72 long bed, but how can I tell what year the frame is without pulling off the cab? About the frame, it is a SWB 115" with leaf springs front and rear. Front shackles appear to be riveted onto the frame, not bolted, insinuating that it was originally a 4x4, was not a conversion. Thanks for your help!

[msgross]

72 stepside4WD, better if you start your own thread, add some pics and maybe we can help...

[msgross]

Originally Posted by Classic Bowties

If it was myself dealing with your situation, I would just locate a donor 69-72 K frame and if you were considering a disc front axle for your build then just stick to looking for a 71/72 rolling k frame.

yep me too, find a good rolling chassis to get going with a body swap.

You don't want the 67 front axle either. It's closed knuckle and drum brakes. Check out my build thread link below and you'll see that I have had to modify the frame for PS and added an 82 front axle. How bad is your frame? pics? I had to repair my frame but rust is always hiding behind every bracket that isn't removed and cleaned...

[rwondrash]

The frame was in an accident and the front frame rail was welded. They also did a hack job on the powerstering and it does not look good to me. They also tried to weld some tabs on the front for what ever reason and could not weld, so they burned big holes through the frame. Once I figure out how to post pics I will. This truck came from AZ and since it was a long distance buy I could not see all these little frame problems. I found a 72 K20 that I am looking to pick up, as a rolling chassis. Does any one know if the front radiator support mounts are the same for the 67 and 72? I will shorten the K20 to a short bed and I believe all the other mounts will be fine I just wasnt sure about the radiator.

[msgross]

I think that 4WD rad support mounts are similar from 67-72 (atleast the LMC kit I bought covered all of them) but 67/68 2WD had smaller holes for the bushings in the support.

[rwondrash]

Thanks msgross for the info. I saw on your build site that you painted your frame. Are there any pros or cons over the stuff you used compared to powder coat?