Toying with the idea of C30 to K30 conversion
Gents,
I'm toying with the idea of doing a 4x4 conversion on my '72 GMC. It gets used for hauling firewood out back and other things for which it would be useful. http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps92230db6.jpg So, that said, looking for input or info from anybody who's done this before. I've done some searching and I've come up with not a whole lot. I also have a slight dilemma in that this truck has a PTO driven hydraulic bed setup and I'd like to not have to completely rework everything to move it to clear the transfer case. With all this in mind, I've come up with this: -78+ SM465 (32 spline output 4wd with NP208 transfer case adapter) -BW4401 or BW4470 1 ton transfer case from a 87-00 K3500 -D60 driver's side pumpkin - this would come from a Ford 1 ton and swap the knuckles/brakes to Chevy parts As far as the front springs go, I'd probably use 3/4T rear springs, and make custom hangars so I don't have to drill through the frame. This would also give me a bit of a front end lift. I'd probably then add some blocks in the rear, or possibly flip the hangars and add longer shackles, to keep it level. Obviously I need custom drive shafts for this. The rear I should just be able to shorten the mid-shaft. I don't see any particular reason to swap my engine cross member, as all the front end components are bolted to it and can be removed. If I need to, I'd probably use one from a K20. I understand it'll be a bit of work, but this seems doable to me. Am I crazy or not? Comments / advice appreciated! |
Re: Toying with the idea of C30 to K30 conversion
Do it.!:lol:I like all your ideas and you know what your in for.I have seen a couple done on this forum.I just bought a 71 c30 and have been thinking about doing the same conversion as well,but one project is enough!I will be watching yours for sure.
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Re: Toying with the idea of C30 to K30 conversion
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Re: Toying with the idea of C30 to K30 conversion
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As far as the trans goes, the problem is that there is a driveshaft running from the PTO on the passenger's side of the case out to the hydraulic pump unit under the bed, which is all plumbed into the cylinder and pivots. I could conceivably switch the PTO to the other side of the trans, but I'm not sure if I can make the hydraulics line up on the other side of the truck. The GM D60 sure would be a lot easier, though |
Re: Toying with the idea of C30 to K30 conversion
I am in the process of converting my 69 to 4x. Got the tires off and the new engine mounts installed. Ready to drop the front x-member and it dumped 8'' of snow....crap.
Have a dually chevy 60 waiting, making my own front spring hangar and also going to fit in a 56'' spring and try to get it to lay relatively flat so the truck isn't lifted to terribly high |
Re: Toying with the idea of C30 to K30 conversion
Further research ... Chelsea indicates a different part number for the driver's side PTO but I can't determine why, they have the same drive gear ... so I think I can just flip the whole assembly over.
That said, I've got a line on an 84 K30 parts truck... which would make this infinitely easier. Too many options! :lol: |
Re: Toying with the idea of C30 to K30 conversion
I've thought about doing it too and the PTO is a concern also. I figured I'd just switch to an electric pump if I did it and not worry about building around the mechanical hydraulic pump. Things can be much simpler when the pto set up is out of the picture. It sure is nice on how fast the bed will lift with the mechanical set up though. Tap the gas and up she goes!
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Re: Toying with the idea of C30 to K30 conversion
No it's the shape of the case, if you swap sides it would be upside down to have output shaft facing right direction. The case would point up and it wouldn't have oil....
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Re: Toying with the idea of C30 to K30 conversion
i'm watching these for my future build :)
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Re: Toying with the idea of C30 to K30 conversion
When I get mine done I will start my own thread for all to see
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If you look at page 4, it shows the exploded view of the case. It's intended to be mounted with the shift fork pivot and switch facing up, but the actual gear housing is 100% symmetric top to bottom. It appears that I can simply swap the unit across the case, and install the selector cover in the correct orientation. I'll have to reverse the cable bracket to keep the correct pull direction, but I see no reason why it shouldn't work like that. I'm going to call Chelsea and inquire about this in the next couple of days. They list I think 5 different models of PTO for this trans, and all of them show left or right mounting with reversed assembly orientation, except this single speed model. It shows a different part number for the driver's mount, which is not a 100 series and I haven't been able to find any information about it. |
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Re: Toying with the idea of C30 to K30 conversion
Moving ahead with this conversion. Just picked up a parts donor yesterday
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps485cd98d.jpg Sorry for the crummy cell pic. Anyway, 1987 Sierra V3500 4x4 manual with a TBI 350. Stay tuned for a swap thread sometime soon. |
Re: Toying with the idea of C30 to K30 conversion
That's the way to do it!! You should have about everything you need.
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Re: Toying with the idea of C30 to K30 conversion
When you have a complete, similar donor, isnt is easier to just do a cab and wheel swap?
Or am I taking all the fun out of it? |
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I actually looked at a couple before I picked this one up, because I needed something where, at the very least, the spring hangars and shackles were in good shape (beyond the axles), and finding that up here in the land of road salt is a tall order! |
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I'm going to take some measurements, but since my PTO is the smaller (7/8") output shaft I think it might possibly be doable - maybe a little grinding needed? |
Re: Toying with the idea of C30 to K30 conversion
I know this old, but have you made any progress?
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