4x4 1971 K20 build
 

Last year in March I bought my first truck, a 1971 c20. It was running and driving but it was a very leaky one. I decided to put a brand new built 350 in it and had some fun. I decided I wanted a 4x4 truck. I am now selling my c20 to my step father (plan to buy it back sometime down the road) and use the money to build the k20.

I bought the k20 a couple of months ago. I probably over payed for it but I love these trucks so I bought it. And she sure is a project, a rusty one. So I'm going to be learning a lot during the process.

My build plan isn't crazy. The drive train is still under debate as money may be an issue as I am 16. I really want to 6.0 swap but if not I will rebuild the current motor to a 383 stroker backed by an nv4500. It has new springs with 2" of lift so I'm keeping that to save money and buying 33" tires and wheels to go back to a single wheel. I plan to just primer it black as of now and later paint it. I also plan on getting a new flatbed because it will be used as a dd and help on the farm. Sorry for such a long post
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Re: 4x4 1971 K20 build
 

I took off all of the hydraulics and controls. Today I got the bed off and washed the frame to see how much frame repairs I need to do.

Re: 4x4 1971 K20 build
 

Looks somewhat familiar.

I am thinking I want to do a 4x4 someday too.

Re: 4x4 1971 K20 build
 

Very nice looking truck ,Im in for the ride.

Re: 4x4 1971 K20 build
 

Always up for K20 builds!

Re: 4x4 1971 K20 build
 

Nice truck. I'm going to be watching, got yo love the K20's

Re: 4x4 1971 K20 build
 

Sorry I have been busy lately helping my stepdad get soybeans out. We finished yesterday :metal: so today i found some time to work on her. I got the shocks off and pulled the rear-end. That impact got a work out. The shocks weren't really shocks anymore and would compress by the weight of itself. But after a while of loosen, tighten, penetrating oil, repeat I managed to get it pulled along with the leafs from the axle.

Re: 4x4 1971 K20 build
 

Cool truck and story. I'm in.

Re: 4x4 1971 K20 build
 

Thanks for all of the comments/replies. Tomorrow I plan on grinding off rivets for the cross member and the hanger. The frame has been rusted through where a rivet to the hanger is. I plan on blasting it, cutting out the hole where it has rusted, patching it and then putting a plate on the backside just for strength.

Re: 4x4 1971 K20 build
 

This morning I went over to the shop and did some grinding. I was able to break away almost all of the rusted and welded square tubing that was on the bed mounts for the flatbed. I think I'll go back over later tonight and do some more work. Here's a picture of the rust holes I need to patch up.

Re: 4x4 1971 K20 build
 

More grinding and beating

Re: 4x4 1971 K20 build
 

Does anyone know where i can find a replacement crossmember? The one where the hangers are mounted is rusted out.

Re: 4x4 1971 K20 build
 

There is a member here from Ga named UNCLE that may have one ,he has lots of 1 ton stuff I think.

Re: 4x4 1971 K20 build
 

I sent him a message, he has ALOT of stuff! Thanks

Re: 4x4 1971 K20 build
 

Grounded the frame from the cab back bare other that the rear crossmember to keep it somewhat square and easier to move. Also broke out the wire wheel and started cleaning off the spots I need to cut out and patch.

Re: 4x4 1971 K20 build
 

Sorry I have not posted in a while. Saturday I spent 7 hours blasting black beauty. From the cab back the frame is down to bare metal. I also received all used parts from the cab back that are not rusted out. I plan on welding up the patch sometime this week and putting the plate in on the backside. I plan on using POR-15 for a frame/parts paint. Ill try to get some pictures taken tomorrow.

Re: 4x4 1971 K20 build
 

Welded up. Double plated on the inside of the c-channel where I patched it and 28" in from the rear.

Re: 4x4 1971 K20 build
 

Leafs are painted and ready to be assembled. Frame is painted and ready to be assembled. Hangers, bed mounts, crossmember ect. will be painted within the next few days. Reared is getting cleaned and painted too. Shocks will be here within the next few days.

Re: 4x4 1971 K20 build
 

Very nice truck you have! Does the front have spacers on it or did they swap in a D60 to do the DRW set up?

Re: 4x4 1971 K20 build
 

I believe it's still a d44 up front. Haven't looked much beyond the back half to be honest. But a d60 up front would be awesome. Because it would be getting a 5.9 if so, ;) diesel that is

Re: 4x4 1971 K20 build
 

There's nothing wrong with that! You can always do all that later on too.

Re: 4x4 1971 K20 build
 

Today while at the shop I looked and sadly is was a d44. I think I'm leaning towards a 383 stroker that I plan on putting 500 horse at the crank. But things change so we'll see.

Re: 4x4 1971 K20 build
 

Is there any differences externally between the ho52 and the ho72?

Re: 4x4 1971 K20 build
 

One of GM's great mystery products, well Eaton's actually.

Lots of debate on this, some 52's have the preload bolt on the side of the ring gear, some don't. some have the larger brake shoes (11" VS 13") and some don't.

The 72's all have the load bolt and larger brake shoe's.

the housing is suppose to be heavier duty on the HO-72.

I don't think anyone has pegged one item that differentiates one from the other.

Here's a thread from a while back, post 28 has a chart for 71's.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590959

Re: 4x4 1971 K20 build
 

Thanks!

Re: 4x4 1971 K20 build
 

Rear is all done, mostly. Need to get brake lines ran and get my emergency brakes in. Now I'm waiting on the guy who is helping do the body/paint to have time.

Re: 4x4 1971 K20 build
 

Pulled the engine, tranny, and t-case

Re: 4x4 1971 K20 build
 

I can't seem to post more than 1 picture at once for some reason.

Re: 4x4 1971 K20 build
 

Nice progress on the truck!

Re: 4x4 1971 K20 build
 

Got a factory bed and a donor cab for my rusty roof. Will get some pictures tomorrow.

Re: 4x4 1971 K20 build
 

Donor cab and bed

Re: 4x4 1971 K20 build
 

Well thanks to 1972K20 I now have a 6" lift on the way! I thought I would have to cut that corner of the build for now since it isn't "needed" but I don't. Also am going to buy a dual stabilizer for it since I received my tax return. I will be riding high:metal:

Re: 4x4 1971 K20 build
 

Here's my DD. Thinking about copying the paint scheme to have matching 1971 3/4 ton trucks. The lift is in. Just waiting on bushings to arrive.

Re: 4x4 1971 K20 build
 

kinda surprised your going for a donor cab, aside from the little patch on the rear of the roof it looked pretty rust free on the outer roof anyway. maybe i missed the worst of it.

Re: 4x4 1971 K20 build
 

I'll get you a picture of the inside and you'll understand. They make an inner roof patch but I bought the cab for as much as the patch panel itself. And the rust was beginning to get into the drivers post.

Re: 4x4 1971 K20 build
 

Here's the rust

Re: 4x4 1971 K20 build
 

Yea i get the picture LOL!

Are you going to transfer the marker lights to the new cab?

Re: 4x4 1971 K20 build
 

Picture is worth a thousand words, or dollars In repairs. And yes, absolutely

Re: 4x4 1971 K20 build
 

Looking good!

Re: 4x4 1971 K20 build
 

Thanks!