newer springs/axles in a 1970 K10 stepside

[crosby]

Hello. does anyone know if I can use 73-87 model year K20 3/4 ton axles and springs in my 1970 k10 stepside? I want to beef it up a bit as I restore it. I also want to run a 454 and TH400. Any ideas on beefy xfer cases? thanks!

[Alexis]

no, cause the saddles on the axle are not the same as your trucks. I think only 1 ton chevy have the proper setup so the leaf springs sit in right.....

[1969 GMC]

the front axle will work, but the brake fittings may be metric on the newer axles. The rear axle from a 3/4 ton will have different perch widths, but the rear from a 1 ton will work, as stated above. The best beefy transfer case to use behind the TH400 is a NP205, and they came from the factory in 1 ton 4x4's from approximately 1980 until 1990. Good luck

[john@thepier]

THE eye to eye length of 73 and up springs are longer than 67-72 leef springs.how ever the axels will fit,although,the rear axels shock mnts are different.fronts same. as far as transfer case 205 was the strongest.if you can't find a 205-400 set up you can buy a adapter from Advanced Adapters to mate a turbo 400 mate to a 205 that was originally a turbo 350-205 set up .

[Yukon Jack]

Here's a link about my adventure putting a 454 in my 69 K20 My big block swap into my 1969 K20

[crosby]

wow! lots of good info, thanks everybody. I got a 7 foot fisher plow with the truck for $400. It's got these really UGLY bumpers you see at service stations so they can push cars, and it looks like they're welded on. I've got a lot of work ahead of me, should be picking up a MIG welder and learning how to weld trying to fix up the rockers and floors. Does anyone know if you can get new frames, or of 67-72 parts yards (cabs, fenders, used parts) near NH? Thanks again!

Jeff

[Mudder]

A lot of good info over on the 4x4 forum here.