73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => 4 Wheel Drives => Topic started by: Elpresidente on September 17, 2014, 01:47:01 PM
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I tried this on the 67-72 forum, got lots of views but nobody answered. Thought i'd try here.
I bought a 68 Chevy K20, 292/SM420/Rockwell transfer case. Truck runs and drives but is mechanically rough. I got a '79 K20 for parts, which i'll be using the diffs from to transfer to the '68. Here's my plan, any advice on the flaws would be appreciated.
-Remove springs and diffs from parts truck, including mounting shackles, and make them fit on the '68 (frames are the same width so why not, the original '68 springs are cracked anyway).
-Parts truck suspension has a 3" block in the rear, none up front. Is it a good idea to add maybe a 2" block to the front?
-I bought a pair of 36" Swampers on 16x8" chevy aluminums. with the mild block lift, would these fit? Rims have 0 offset. Would I need spacers for the front to allow clearance for steering? are spacers even a good idea?
-Lastly I decided to swap the front clip over to the '70 style.
The goal of this project was the to make it an inexpensive build, but at the same time I don't want to take shortcuts that would compromise safety while driving. Truck on top is what I have now. The pic below is what I want it to look like.
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Love that body style! Front end I prefer the 67/8 but it's your truck. I have had a 69 C20, 72 K20 and a 72 C10. I don't like adding any blocks up front due to stability but I am sure someone will chime in on safety... Sounds like a great project, good luck!
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Blocks up front are dangerous and a bad idea, they are also illegal in a lot of places. The 73-87 trucks came with negatively arched front springs, and a pretty even stance front to back, If someone put blocks in the rear, the may have changed the front springs to positively arched lift springs. Does the 79 sit higher in the back than front?
Can't say how the tires are going to fit the 68, it's going to depend on fenders. The 79 wouldn't clear 36's with only 3" of lift without some major trimming on the fenders. You may just have to try them and watch/listen for rubbing
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I completely agree with the first two gentleman on the front lift blocks. It is not safe and very unstable. I would try to look for a used set of 4" front springs on craigslist or a swap meet. You may also want to consider a dropped pitman arm or raised steering arm to bring your steering geometry back to near stock angles. As for the front clip I am not sure if the '69-'70 grill will bolt to the fenders on your current truck or not I would think they would but not positive. If it does you could just swap the hood and grill and leave the fenders bolted on.
Good luck with your build. I had a 71 c10 and a 67 GMC k20 liked them just into the square bodys a little more. Have fun.
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Alright, thanks. Also my current '68 fenders will not fit a 69-72 front clip, but that's covered I have a set of '70 fenders.