Gut swapping question

[WyattTX]

I like my 85 c10 lwb, but most 4x4s I see are either trashed and over priced. The only cheap ones I can find are blazers. My Truck is a regular cab long bed, and I plan to leave it that way ( I don't like short beds.) My question is: how hard is it to transfer the 4wd parts off a blazer to the long bed 1/2 ton 2wd? Unless I find a lwb 4x4 to do a body swap with, this is my only option other than stretching the blazer frame. Thanks.

[jeffahart]

Yea, especially the CUCVs. But maybe you could find a thrashed CUCV and use the good parts off your truck and make a really cool 1ton.

[WyattTX]

Thanks, Is there any CUCVs left on the surplus lots? I'd honestly doubt it, but I might get lucky and find a trashed one.

[jeffahart]

Originally Posted by WyattTX

Thanks, Is there any CUCVs left on the surplus lots? I'd honestly doubt it, but I might get lucky and find a trashed one.

Yea, probably not, plus they're fetching a pretty penny now... Axles alone will cost you. But, Texas is a big state that likes trucks, so if you keep at it you will get something. Just come up with a plan A and a Plan B and try to make it happen. I would not settle for less than whatever your end game is. Maybe sell the C buy a K that you can afford and get it the way you want over time.

Anyhow, I'm just not with the stretch the blazer idea.

[ranger danger]

Shipping cars is just not that expensive theses days. I got a 72 Grand Prix shipped from California to North Carolina for $1100. Don't limit your search to just Texas!

[obijuan]

I am planning to do just a body swap onto a cucv frame. My cucv runs and drives fantastic but is rusted worse than I have ever seen. I found a nice c10 diesel that I'm just gonna body swap it. I'll probably do the nv4500 swap at the same time. Since the motor is not out, I opted to body swap. If there was no motor, I'd bracket swap to the 2wd frame.

The 2wd engine crossmember is the biggest hurdle. It needs to be swapped for an oem 4x4 crossmember or the high clearance one from ORD and DIY4X. Then it's just punching holes for the new brackets. Which for me I feel is relatively easy. Your abilities may vary.

[WyattTX]

Thanks for the info, I guess such things take time and patience like everything else in life. These things are easier said than done.

[andrewmp6]

Look on craigslist find you a 1 ton 4x4 that is a basket case and use it for parts.

[lgvl]

I have found some really good deals on publicsurplus.com and gsaauctions.gov. They don't guarantee any of their items but you are welcome to go look for yourself. There are always old 4x4 fire dept. vehicles up there. I've become addicted to checking it out weekly.