1983 K10 Frame

[tx_truckin]

Does anyone know if the frame on a 1983 K10 is the same as a K20 and just the axles are different.

I'm new to the Forum and to the truck.

 

[towman]

frame and drive train are both differant

 

[GreaseDog]

the frame is identical to a like year K20, the only difference is the front 8 lug hubs, and the 14 bolt rear. 73-80 10 and 20 frames are interchangable, and 81-87s 10 and 20 frames are interchangable.

 

[towman]

grease dog is correct, got my facts mixed up on that one

 

[bucket]

I will add though, the frame rail thickness is slightly different between the two... and it varied through the years and also changed between 2wd and 4x4. I doubt you could ever tell a difference by driving them though.

 

[tx_truckin]

1983 k10

So if I had a 1983 k10 and the axles and springs were changed out to the
3/4 ton axles and springs its basically a k20 at heart but not by VIN number

 

[nvrenuf]

yep

 

[HotRodPC]

I don't think I need to add, but just to make myself look important.....

All info above is correct including buckets info about the frame rail thickness. I looked into this when pops was wanting a K20 and wouldn't settle for a K10. All springs will interchange, and axles etc at GreaseDog and Towman said. If memory serves, the frame thickness on the K20 was 1/16 thicker, and the flanges of the rails were 1/8 in deeper. Both are made of the same lb test carbon steel also.
I also have a 85K10 I fully intend to put the 3/4 springs under and run the 3/4 ton axles.
I have a feeling the K10 frame will be better for articulaiton too, and being the square body trucks don't have a common problem of bending frames like the GMT400 trucks do, I think its a great combination. On my 85 K10, I am recabbing it with an 85 C20 cab.
If you're doing a cab swap, remember you'll need the hump out of the K10 cab. Its a higher hump to allow for the Tcase. I will have to cut out my C20 hump and weld in the K10 hump for my project.

 

[tx_truckin]

1983 k10

Thank you for all your answers, they are all much appreciated. When I get my new/old 1983 Chevrolet K10/K20 home I will add pics.

 

[HotRodPC]

Thank you for all your answers, they are all much appreciated. When I get my new/old 1983 Chevrolet K10/K20 home I will add pics.

For Certain. Truck Porn is not only encouraged here its required.

BTW, Welcome Aboard GMSB.

 

[89Suburban]

I don't think I need to add, but just to make myself look important.....

Pics, and welcome to the site!