72 k10 Suburban Chassis Swap
 

Hello guys, I need a little bit of guidance as I'm not to sure on what to do, I don't want to waste money by doing the wrong thing.

I just bought a 1972 K10 Suburban (I never thought they existed) with the rear AC and this factory Front metal grill/guard, I think it was the deluxe back on the days. I can probably upgrade it to softer leafs, gear it up but I definitely want to do something with the transmission, engine and transfer case. In the meantime I bought a 2005 Yukon Denali as a donor truck with a 6.0 engine and 4WD, powerful enough to tow my Toy Hauler.

NOW, :waah:
I'm getting nightmares trying to figure out my plan; if I use the Denali's chassis and drop the k10's body in it. Or transfer everything from the Denali to the k10 along with the rear differential (also the front suspension if I can).

Any answers/comments will be much appreciated... I was looking online for somebody that had already done it with no luck.

Thank you.

Re: 72 k10 Suburban Chassis Swap
 

The easiest route would be swapping the Denali’s Engine, trans, and case to the K10’s chassis. There is multiple companies that make LS swap kits including the crossmembers such as Dirty Dingo and Pacific Fab.

Doing a body swap is a major endeavor and why would you want to? The stock K10 chassis is fairly strong and with the Denali’s drive train would probably be fine pulling your toy hauler. Swapping the IFS from the Denali to the K10 frame would be a major PITA. Most would prefer to have the simple straight axle than the IFS with the additional moving parts on a classic truck. If you wanted stronger axles and better gearing for towing, perhaps look into some 3/4 ton or 1 ton axles from a 70-72 4x4 or square body 4x4.

Re: 72 k10 Suburban Chassis Swap
 

I am not saying it can't be done but....

Read here

Re: 72 k10 Suburban Chassis Swap
 

I have seen one where the Suburban was kind of above the new suburban frame, and in what almost looked like a standard body lift. He used side steps, and custom bumpers to hide much of it.

Also I put my Willys Wagon on a F150 TTB frame, and it still needs to be dolled up. In order to hide the sin going on down below. So my emotional vacation will be to fix the rust, and hide the mortal sins of the front end this February. The rear end looks quite well. With a almost factory side look. The front not so much, but it can be hidden well enough.

In the end either is a undertaking, and can be done quick enough. Depending on what you want out of the truck.

Better ride. New chassis.

Classic look, and bigger lifts. Old chassis.

If you do swap bodies. Rent a fork lift, and you can get it almost done in a 4 day weekend. Also raise the engine up to match the lift so you get oil pan clearance, and it looks better. Plus easier to service on the back end. Also my running gear need to be lifted up, and mounted properly too.

So in the end I want my Willys to look clean, and well thought out.

Re: 72 k10 Suburban Chassis Swap
 

Please provide photos of the Suburban... and the Denali.

Re: 72 k10 Suburban Chassis Swap
 

To your own point, you just bought a rare bird you didn’t even know existed. Please do not disassemble this truck to build a Franken-vehicle. This is even more true when asking what should you do.

Keep passenger drop axle and adapt the factory T-case to the driveline swap.