Author Topic: 87 C20 to C30 dually conversion  (Read 7247 times)

Offline bossegrg

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87 C20 to C30 dually conversion
« on: June 09, 2015, 12:26:08 pm »
Greeting from Cincinnati, Ohio 
My name is Greg and I am new to this forum and this is my first post. I recently had bought a 1987 2wd 3/4 ton in running condition with a rough body. I found a 79 rolling 2wd dually and acquired that also (it was free). With the bed being junk on my 3/4 ton I am wanting to turn it into a dually. Front end suspension seems to be no problem with a crossmember switch. Moving to the rear end looking at it I know there are some differences between the 3/4 and 1 ton frames. Anyone out there done this before or have any pointers on if its worth it or not? Maybe end up swapping the body from the 3/4 ton to the 1 ton if it comes to that, but I would like to just switch over suspension parts if it's possible. The main difference I noticed was the shock mounts in the rear on the frame. I appreciate anyone's responses. Thank you!
-Greg

Offline Irish_Alley

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Re: 87 C20 to C30 dually conversion
« Reply #1 on: June 10, 2015, 04:21:29 pm »
the 1 tons frames are 2" taller than the ¾ ton. you should be able to swap the axles and springs with no problem but the spring hangers will be different. and the shocks mount different on the 1 tons. the bodys will swap with no problems you just need to use the frame's bushings that you are using meaning if you put the 79 frame under the 87 body you need the bushings for the 79
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Offline 87max

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Re: 87 C20 to C30 dually conversion
« Reply #2 on: June 10, 2015, 07:54:43 pm »
Body swap would be easier/quicker
88 R30 lb7 transplant in progress
04 E350 6.0 studded & tuned work van
98 Taurus beater

Offline Stewart G Griffin

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Re: 87 C20 to C30 dually conversion
« Reply #3 on: June 10, 2015, 09:58:45 pm »
What is wrong with the 87?


Offline bossegrg

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Re: 87 C20 to C30 dually conversion
« Reply #4 on: June 10, 2015, 10:26:17 pm »
I bought the 87 with all intents of just doing body work. The bed was hit with a forks from a forklift on one side and after being loaded down for years the bed floor was warped and sagging. Then along came the 79 dually while I was in the process of finding a decent bed. The dually was givin to me rolling with a bed in great shape. So the wheels started turning and I wanted the bed and turn it into a dually with the rear end and front suspension.