66 C10 4x4 Conversion

[VetteC10]

I recently purchased a 66 C10 that appears to have an older 4x4 conversion. In looking at some of the threads it seems there are modifications required to complete this. it looks like a really good conversion, as it really appears to be stock, but it does look like the center hump has been redone with a transfer case shifter through the floor. it also has a later model steering column and a TH350 automatic transmission. Looks to have the original 327.

is there anything I can look at to determine what was done for this swap? I can attach photos if that helps.

Thanks in advance.

[mongocanfly]

absolutely add photos....

[VetteC10]

ok, here is the first photo I took of the truck, it's a very nice rust free Arizona truck, that's why I bought it. don't find these often up in the rust belt.

what areas should I specifically take photo's of??

[VetteC10]

sorry about the upside down, not sure why it loaded that way.

[aerotruk63]

Transfer case
Front and rear axles.
Frame

[mongocanfly]

nice....

[1966 K10]

Yes, detail pics please. On top of the other list add VIN plate in door jam and data plate on foot well area. When getting pics of the frame get the partial vin stamping by the steering box.

Looks great from the pic!

[VetteC10]

Ok, got some pics, let me know what you think, or if I need to take some more.

[VetteC10]

More pics

[VetteC10]

For some reason I can only upload one pic at a time

[VetteC10]

And another

[VetteC10]

And one more

[Nanook]

Many of the pieces shown in the pictures are period correct for a K10 of that period.

[VetteC10]

is it possibly a K10 or very old conversion? I assumed it was a C10 since the VIN starts with a C

[Nanook]

Maybe a cab swap?? Have you checked the chassis vin?

[VetteC10]

where is it located?

[1966 K10]

As mentioned it does look like a correct K10 chassis with a dodge power steering conversion. The data tag looks to say 5000 meaning it is not a factory 4x4 cab so likely just a swap.

Does the partial vin on the frame next to the steering box still intact?

[VetteC10]

I am looking but don't see anything. is it on top of the frame, bottom of the frame, on the steering box side, or inside the frame rail?

[VetteC10]

ok, found it, bad eyes and years of dirt made it a little difficult.

here what it looks like 5 106161

what does this tell us?? these numbers do not match the VIN tag on the cab drivers door.

[Nanook]

I'm no expert but looks like a cab swap to me. Perhaps somebody with more knowledge can chime in.

[Clyde65]

Yep, cab swap!

P.O. could have done that because the original cab was too far gone or....he wanted a 4x4 and bought the frame and running gear....either way, have fun!!

[VetteC10]

Thanks guys, at least now I have some idea of what I have. I was scratching my head on the original looking 4x4 with a c10 vin. so I guess I have a 66 c10 cab on a 65 k10 frame.

it does look like a really old conversion, as the cab mounts look really old.

This also explains why the trans hump seems to have been modified.

Also looks like the the original truck may have had A/C, but the 66 cab dash doesn't have any provision for it.

I am sure I will have lots more questions as I start sorting it out and getting it back on the road.

Thanks again.

[Captainfab]

I agree that it is an original K10 chassis and running gear with the Dodge power steering conversion.

[Nanook]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

I agree that it is an original K10 chassis and running gear with the Dodge power steering conversion.

Captain Fab...could you explain the Dodge steering conversion? What box and mount is used? (Sorry to hijack the thread.)

[Captainfab]

I don't know the complete year range, but I do know that '77-'79 Dodge 4x4's had that bracket that positions a GM steering box and pitman arm so that it swings vertically. The Dodge's use the GM steering box and pitman arm like shown in that pic.

Originally Posted by Nanook

Captain Fab...could you explain the Dodge steering conversion? What box and mount is used? (Sorry to hijack the thread.)