K10 Shortbed Conversion

[infidelblackout]

I've been wanting to short bed my 72 k10. I have watched several videos on YouTube but everything is a C10 and I was looking at the Brother Long bed to short bed conversion kit and it states it is 2wd only. What is the difference between cutting the frame on a 4wd vs 2wd. Thanks

[flashed]

The frames are different but I dont know what the difference is .

[B. W.]

If you're comfortable with welding then you can do it without the kit. "Z" cut, slash cut or straight cut are all acceptable. Pros & cons to each but they are all plenty strong if done right. I did a straight cut on mine ('70 K20) cause I felt it was the easiest. I did it in the flat section under the cab, had to re-locate the rear cab mounts, that's about it (you have to remove the front bed brackets & cut off the rear of the frame also) Do a search on here, lots of guys have done it, plenty of pics.

[rjs53]

Probably do to the transfer case. The crossmember may be further back. I'll measure my frame and take some pics, its a c10 long bed maybe you'll see a difference.

[tutone]

Welcome to the forum, the k series is not represented very well here or pretty much anywhere else when it comes to making the conversion. If I were you I would keep a tape measure handy and find a factory shorty. You will measure all your components from the farthest common component of both trucks (lb and sb). My guess its the front cab mount. You know 12 inches has to come out of the frame somewhere between the front mt and rear axle. Common sense. The x member is a pain in the rear to de-rivit and move. The rear cab mounts, not so much. Make sure your cuts are clean, your welds are strong, and your x member winds up exactly as far from the front cab mount as the factory frame. Measure as many tmes as you need to as to make sure you are square side to side AND up and down. You will relocate the rear cab mount exactly as far back from the front one as is was. You will no longer need the front bed mount. Your exhaust/ rear drive shaft/and e brake cables will all need modified and/ or replaced. Your rear tips of the frame will then be lopped off 8 inches. Brake lines have to be cut 12 inches and next is the bed. Lots of work or a big expense replacing it. Its a big job and not easy. Not complicated, just a bunch of bull work. The rewards are worth it after you are on the road, but you can expect to be down for a spell. It is a process and many of us on here have successfully pulled it off. Good luck to you.

[B. W.]

Here's where I did mine:

I picked that location because it messed with less stuff. Other than the cab mounts, the factory exhaust hanger on the driver's frame rail was moved. I have no pics of the rear but it's a straight cut.

Tutone is right about it being a lot of work but I think the frame is way easier than the bed. If I had the $ I'd just by the bed.

I replaced all the brake lines so that wasn't an issue. If your keeping yours just replace the intermediate line down the passenger frame rail.

The rear E-brake cables are not affected just the intermediate cable - get one for a short bed.

[tutone]

B.W. You did a really nice job on the frame. I think it would be nice to get a little more info from the original poster as to what he wants to accomplish. Gathering from what he wrote, I automatically assume he does not have a disassembled truck like yours. I took it as he has one he is driving now, and wants to make a shortbed out of it. That is based on the question about the Brothers kit, which is more or less designed for a less invasive conversion. Had I had mine frame -off, I would have changed a few things. Instead, I did it myself and all with leaving the cab on, but raised up and supported. I like the idea of having the space and time to do it like you did. Maybe he will chime back in and at least we gave him some thoughts to chew on. I personally like Brother's parts in general, but I am not a big fan of their conversion kit.

[infidelblackout]

Do you think it is possible to cut the frame and wed it uo while the cab is dtill on ?