K10 vs K20 vs K30: Which For Me?
 

I am writing as I am wanting to pick up a 4x4 truck for daily driving and offroading on the weekends. Cab configuration isn't a concern to me I like all cab types however don't want a dually. I plan on running a pretty big set of Swampers on it and was curious what you all thought. I wasn't sure how the D44 holds up to big tires and am looking to the experts. I think a K30 SRW is right for me but unsure...I drive 9 miles one way to work each day, currently am stationed in 29 Palms, CA (See: Desert) so it needs AC, will be moving back to Alaska (see polar opposite of here) in a year and a half. No major roadtrips will be taken in the truck the longest it will go is probably an hour and a half away on highways with speed limits of 55-65. What I really would want is a regular cab shortbed with a big block and axles capable of running some 38-42" tires on but need a DD that's ready to roll and I can build slowly.

Re: K10 vs K20 vs K30: Which For Me?
 

Sounds like you want/should have a 1-ton.

Re: K10 vs K20 vs K30: Which For Me?
 

Which cab/body config? I was thinking either CCSB or RC/LB...do you know the wheelbase difference off hand? All can be had in 4 speed and with a 454 I would imagine. Correct me if that is wrong please. Haven't had an older truck in a while so I'm rusty on all the specifics and I want to do it right and once and for all this time. Then I can start building a fun little C10 street truck :)

Re: K10 vs K20 vs K30: Which For Me?
 

I'm a RCLB guy and have a heavy preference toward them. Wheelbase is 131.5" for RCLB and 164.5" for CCLB...might have to build a CCSB yourself, not sure if they came from the factory. 454/4speed was definitely an option in the K30 trucks.

Disclaimer: wheelbase info is from Wikipedia, and I make no claims to its validity. Sounds about right, though.

Re: K10 vs K20 vs K30: Which For Me?
 

Nice. Thanks for the info Redcap. Just a matter of finding a 454/4-speed RCLB. I had seen a CCSB on here and didn't make the connection that yeah they probably didn't come in that combo from the factory and it is a weird looking one anyway lol. I figure seeing as my plan was originally to find a RCSB and put 1 ton running gear and a 454/4-speed in it why not buy what GM already setup for me just with a LB. What kinda price should I expect?

Re: K10 vs K20 vs K30: Which For Me?
 

The factory never made a CCSB. You might want to look for an 87, they are very hard to find, the only year you could get a RCLB SRW with fuel injection. There is one on ebay in Cali, but it is not cheap. I would think $3-$5K would get you a nice 1 ton.

Re: K10 vs K20 vs K30: Which For Me?
 

Nice. That's up a bit on my budget scale but that's okay. I figured somewhere around $3k...a CC wouldn't be bad but don't know if I want another CCLB just cause they're such long trucks....what sparked my interest again was going home and driving a buddy's 83 K10 with 1 ton running gear, a 454 and 42s :) for the week lol. Since I think it's a bit too much work to just have a shortbed I can deal with a longbed. I don't mind working on a carb'd motor only because I know how to tune them up and don't know a lot about the older EFI but if the price is right I'll take one.

Re: K10 vs K20 vs K30: Which For Me?
 

Finding a regular cab srw k30 for a reasonable price is like finding a d60 front for a reasonable price, i would look for a k10 because they're gonna be the cheapest and then put the axles you want under it but thats just me opinion as for price it depends on location

Re: K10 vs K20 vs K30: Which For Me?
 

I just thought finding a K10 would be more of a pain since I want a 454, one ton axles and a manual anyway and it is a DD so I would need it drivable right away...I will keep my eyes open though
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: K10 vs K20 vs K30: Which For Me?
 

You could wait it out for a good deal or buy lets say a k10 and built it up in said waiting time, the deals are out there i passed one up awhile back it was an... 87 RC/LB SRW k30 for 2500$. As much as it seemed like a great deal i already have too many vehicles

Re: K10 vs K20 vs K30: Which For Me?
 

I hear ya...I may end up building a k10 up if I can find one for the right price and then of course D60, 14B, 454 and what not...the only thing that sucks is if I find one possibly having to buy sight unseen since I live in the middle of nowhere lol

Re: K10 vs K20 vs K30: Which For Me?
 

Yeah that is never good lol and seeing as craigslist sellers seem to lie even when they know your coming to look at it, at least for me that is how it has been and they not usually big on shipping but ebay sellers usually have a shipping option

Re: K10 vs K20 vs K30: Which For Me?
 

That's the truth..had a buddy get taken that way on a 71 off ebay and I actually got the good end of the deal with my old 85 (not in my sig for some reason) but it was a great little C-10 actually the pic still on this site haha...got it for 3200 while I was halfway thru my first Iraq deployment...got back and drove to Phonenix and picked it up in the dark lol. Loved that truck!

Re: K10 vs K20 vs K30: Which For Me?
 

I had a similar build in mind... but since I'm not going over 35" with tires I sold my K30 dually with Dana 60 and 70 axles and stuck with the K20 axles.

Anyway, based on what you are looking for, I say buy a 1-ton and cut the frame down to make it into the single cab short bed that you want. That's the cheapest and most efficient way to get what you want.

Re: K10 vs K20 vs K30: Which For Me?
 

Yeah a 1ton srw will be the best to start with.Even if you want a short bed i rather shorten a 1ton then try to make a 1/2 ton in to a 1ton.And i would skip the big block its gonna suck gas a ls swap can make pretty good power and be better on fuel but will cost you more up front.

Re: K10 vs K20 vs K30: Which For Me?
 

I never thought about an LS swap..that's a pretty good point just wondering if a 5.3 or something like that would turn a big set of tires that well. Basically I want this truck to be my DD/work in progress so that when I get home (AK) I have a good fun run around town/mud truck since Alaska has some nasty swamp....some goo that even a buddy's 90hp 900cc EFI RZR couldn't power through

Re: K10 vs K20 vs K30: Which For Me?
 

Good luck getting any truck through that stuff! :lol:

Re: K10 vs K20 vs K30: Which For Me?
 

Haha...yeah but I will give her hell tryin! I have found quite a few K30s out there just wondering how hard it is to swap a 4 speed in since autos seem way easier to find than manuals

Re: K10 vs K20 vs K30: Which For Me?
 

Usually when you mention 1 ton, the price goes thru the roof. Same truck, just different frame and suspension, and obviously axles.

I built an 84 half ton into a stout truck. Swapped the 350/700/208 for a 454/4-speed/late205, front 10 bolt for a 3/4 ton 44 with 4.10s, and 3/4 ton 14ff 4.10s. 6" soft rides up front, 2 1/2" flip and 4" softrides outback. 315s on 10 cheapo wheels. Truck was a monster. Didn't wheel it much, but a lot of road driving. Handled good for what it was, and if it wasn't for a slow shifting tranny, would be quicker out of the hole.

Inless you can find a decent priced 1 ton, go for the 1/2 or 3/4.

Oh and swapping to a stick is easy, if you have all the parts. I went with a hydro, had the donor so didn't take long at all. Mostly plug and play, but did have to drill holes for the M/C rod and bolts....

Re: K10 vs K20 vs K30: Which For Me?
 

thanks 454rat. I ended up talking with a buddy who has built more than a few short beds on 1 tons or 3/4 tons and 40+" tires...I think after seeing all the K30s even in crap condition going for $5k I will be sticking with a half ton or 3/4 ton and using that extra money to get it built right. I just wondering how a 10 bolt would hold up to mostly street driving with the ocassional offroad trip until I can get a D60 and 14 bolt ff...what axles are in the rear of the 1/2 tons stock? I plan on running 39.5s or 42s on 16.5 wheels and don't want to buy a tiny set of tires just to swap running gear and want big tires again haha.

Re: K10 vs K20 vs K30: Which For Me?
 

Stock were 10 bolt or 44, depending on year. But they are about the same strength. As far as strength, some say either will blow just by putting it in gear. Others have seen them run with healthy motors and big tires and not have an issue. Depends on how you drive/wheel it. Depending on how things go tomorrow, I plan on building a truck with a HP44, in less I can get a 60 for a decent price. I used to sell a crapload of front 60s, that is how I funded most of the stuff that I have now. (or had, sold most of it) but I don't wheel hard, and it's mostly mud.

Re: K10 vs K20 vs K30: Which For Me?
 

Good so we are in the same style of running our trucks...mine is going to be a run around truck and mud truck. Right now I live in the desert so I want to get to wheel it out here a bit. The furthest it will go is 80 miles on two lane highways with speeds of 60 to go mudding in the mountains here. I noticed the jury is out on the strength of stock stuff..I know it's weaker than a 60 obviously but it's not a damn race truck. Also was curious what extra shafts I should have around in case something breaks?

Re: K10 vs K20 vs K30: Which For Me?
 

For whatever axle you run, both inner's with u-joint and stub shaft. This way can change in one shot, rather than pounding the joint out. I'd say a 44 or 10 bolt would be fine with what you plan on doing. But it want to get some air with it, then smaller tires and some trusses probly be a good idea. You can also get cromo inner and outers, that will be a mucher stronger upgrade.

If I can get the truck I'm after I'll probly run the HP44. I only plan on running 35s, anything bigger is insane on prices. Even with a crew cab and 454, I don't think I could break anything. No sense on spending crazy money on a front 60 if it's not needed....

Re: K10 vs K20 vs K30: Which For Me?
 

Perfect! Thanks for all the help! Now I have to start the long journey of finding a shortbed I like and can handle the price on.

Re: K10 vs K20 vs K30: Which For Me?
 

5.3s are underrated to me they make great power if you build it right, especially since ls motors respond so well to mods or you could go straight to the 8.1 ls if you still want the big block lol