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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => Topic started by: Gearhead1 on February 02, 2014, 08:36:06 am

Title: So I did a dumb thing, thinking of expanding on stupid
Post by: Gearhead1 on February 02, 2014, 08:36:06 am
When I originally started my R10 87 SWB project, I was going to hot-rod it and beefed up the frame by boxing it the way street rodders do. Unfinished and unmotivated, I cant seem to get rid of it.

10 years of sitting in my garage and my life direction has changed. Now I need to put together a welding truck to carry my 1500 lb welder on a flat deck. My question, is; Is it possible to convert this R10 to a R20 or R30 or would that need a frame swap?
Title: Re: So I did a dumb thing, thinking of expanding on stupid
Post by: zieg85 on February 02, 2014, 09:03:48 am
R10 and R20 have the same frame.  Put a 14 bolt FF and 3/4T rear springs and you have a R20.  R30 frames are larger in height
Title: Re: So I did a dumb thing, thinking of expanding on stupid
Post by: VileZambonie on February 02, 2014, 09:34:57 am
Agree, just beef up the suspension
Title: Re: So I did a dumb thing, thinking of expanding on stupid
Post by: Gearhead1 on February 02, 2014, 10:47:15 am
Thanks guys.

I've located a running, driving K20 4 x 4 with a bad cab. Wondering if my 87 cab and front clip will work...seems to me, 73-80's had different inner fenders also?

Failing that, would I be able to swap the front suspension/transfer case into mine? (assuming rear axle and springs are a direct swap) Thinking this route + having a driveshaft made might be the easiest...
Title: Re: So I did a dumb thing, thinking of expanding on stupid
Post by: dvdswan on February 03, 2014, 11:34:04 am
there always a reason to hang on to stuff.  ::)
Title: Re: So I did a dumb thing, thinking of expanding on stupid
Post by: Captkaos on February 03, 2014, 08:54:52 pm
You didn't say what year the K20 was, but you can put the 87 cab on any model frame you just use the cab mount bushing from the donor.
Being a R (2WD) you may have clearance issues with the trans tunnel...  You didn't say what the drivetrain was.