85 c20 vs k20 frame.

[Levim]

I have a 1985 c20 and was wandering how much different the frame is than a 1985 k 20, mainly if the 4 wheel drive suspension, diff, transfer case and drive shaft will clear. i have the oppurtunity to get a cheap k20 with a shot body and i beleive a bad engine, where as my truck has a great engine and a good body, but a tranny that is starting to go out. So im wandering is it easier to switch the body and engine over to the 4x4 or switch the 4x4 and tranny over to the 2 wheel drive. Id rather do the 4x4 onto the 2 wheel drive frame if the frames are the same because this frame is better! please let me know what you think!

 

[crazy4offroad]

Pick up a 2" body lift before you start, the 4wd cab has a hump under the seat to clear the t-case and the body lift will help clear it on the 2wd cab. Otherwise you could cut the hump out and weld it into your 2wd cab. Other than that everything will fit.

 

[Levim]

Pick up a 2" body lift before you start, the 4wd cab has a hump under the seat to clear the t-case and the body lift will help clear it on the 2wd cab. Otherwise you could cut the hump out and weld it into your 2wd cab. Other than that everything will fit.

Okay, now what i am most worried about is the suspension? wont the 4x4 be leaf while my 2 wheel drive is coil? how do i work that out? thanks!

 

[crazy4offroad]

I thought you just wanted to put the 2wd body on the 4wd frame/suspension? 4wd would be an upgrade IMO and increase the resale value of the truck. Clarify for me.

 

[Levim]

If possible id like to mount the 4 wheel drive stuff like t case, diff, and axles on my 2 wheel drive frame because the 2 wheel drive frame is more solid. i am willing to go the other way tho, maybe

 

[crazy4offroad]

It's not impossible but a whole lot more work. You'll need cutting/welding tools and a bunch of fabrication skill. If I were you I would just put the 2wd body on the 4wd running gear.

 

[Levim]

Okay, thank you, that is what i wanted to know. I can cut and weld, but it is not worth it to me. I dont beleive it is that hard to lift the cab off is it? mainly just the wiring and heater hoses and master cylinder and steering column and then the actuall bolts holding the cab on correct?

 

[crazy4offroad]

Pretty much, plus if it's an automatic you got your shifter linkage. If you got a few buddies to help with the lifting would be best, I've done it alone though using cement blocks and 2x4 lumber and a jack. I would check over the 4wd frame real good before you dedicate to the project though, nothing sux worse than to convert it over then notice a crack in the frame between the rear leaf spring hangers or top shock mount.

 

[Levim]

okay, i will check over the frame very very well before i even buy the truck. It is automatic. to lift the body off would it be a bad idea to attach two chains to it somehow and lift it with a lift tractor we use to load semis?

 

[crazy4offroad]

Not at all, it has been done that way just be sure not to deform the door opening if you lift it that way.

 

[Levim]

alright, i will try and remember to put a couple lift slings through there. something tells me this project may have to wait till spring, because im not sure how long it will take and i can get by on the week not having a vehicle, but not saturday, or atleast not mor than 1 saturday. so do you think it is possible to do this in 5 nights and 2 whole days?

 

[crazy4offroad]

I changed my cab in 2 days and that included welding in new cab corners and rockers but I'm pretty hardcore about ****. "Good enough" and "I'll fix that later" lol. If you can get a few hands to help with the heavy lifting I know you can do it.

 

[Levim]

and im mainly talking about just switching the cab over, im not at all worried about the bed as ive done that, and the carbed 350 isnt that hard to switch over. Ive never lifted a truck cab off though

 

[Levim]

And ill probally paint the cab before i put the bed back on, so thats not an issue either. 1 last question. are there and problems i could run into that could put me out of a vehicle for awhile? like body bolts not coming out or anything?

 

[crazy4offroad]

Oh yeah man you could run into all kinds of things like that. From what I can tell it sounds like you need to do a motor swap too. Broken exhaust manifold bolts, etc you could run into all kinds of stuff. You just gotta roll with it though. Keep your welder on standby and make sure you got several dry days ahead of you. And dont be afraid to pull a drop light and go the extra mile even when you dont think you need to, something might pop up the next day that consumes the WHOLE day getting it right. If you have any PB Blaster I would start saturating things right now and every day till you're ready to start the project. Might have to tack weld some carriage bolts to the bed floor to get the nuts off, etc. Holler back here and I'm sure someone can give you quick fix advice to keep you rollin if you run into trouble.