2WD to 4WD

[Papaloo]

I currently have both a 1972 C10 that is in relatively good shape for a northeast truck, and a 1971 K10 that is in rather lousy shape. I would like to build a 4WD, but after driving both trucks, I would love to have a 4WD built on the C10 frame using the front coil spring suspension, and front drive components from a modern Chevy truck (99-07).

Has anyone else attempted a conversion like this? I think that having the coil springs in all four corners would lead to having a truck that rides beautifully. My goal is the traction of 4WD with the comfort and ride height of the 2WD. I have the ability to fab parts, and I figure that worst case is even if I completely F it up, I could always just move the body onto the K10 chassis.

I would welcome any comments.

[longbed67]

First off 99-07 classic were all torsion bar front suspension not coil spring it wasnt till '07.5 and newer with the new body style did the 1/2 tons have the coil springs in the front with the 4wd.... that said i would stay away from the torsion bar set up it takes up lots of space and i dont think there is much gained on ride with torsion bars. That said you could use the control arms, springs and front diff setup out of the newer trucks and fabricate a way to mount it under your c10 frame.... it would take some work and some engineering but it could be done.

[1972RedNeck]

Body swap maybe?

[SS Tim]

Interesting idea that I have pondered to death. I was thinking an air ride 4x4 for my dog hauler. Finally decided its not worth it. Take a long hard look at a '70ish Caddy ElDorado's t-bar suspension, or simply transplant it. Then put a late model something front diff. and half shafts. A Range Rover of late eighties vintage might be a good model for a solid axle coil set up instead. A junkyard Disco with a dead engine could also be a good starting point.
Like I say it could be done in a number of ways but in the long run I think it will be more "different" than benefical.