Swap C-10 Frame for K-30?

[Apache'71]

I have a '71 Chevy C-10 LWB and a '79 Chevy K-30 LWB. I bought the K-30 for the axles. I know it would be the easiest to swap the axles under my '71 frame. Are there any reasons why I'd consider using the K-30 frame? Is it any stronger than the C-10 frame? The C-10 has a 6" lift now, but I want to go with a 8-10" lift. I know I can get a kit easily for a 73 and up that big, but would have to have custum leafs built to accomodate the '71 or move the rear shackles to accommodate a later model lift. Any thoughts?

Thanks.

[thirdstreettito]

Less rust most likely. Stronger. Thicker. Bigger.

Is it dual rear wheel?

[Apache'71]

No, it is not dual rear wheel.

I suppose one could assume a 1 ton frame is stronger that a 1/2 ton, but I can't seem to find anything substantiating it.

Thanks.

[BobS]

The K-30 frame is heavier and also 6 inches longer so that will complicate using the frame with your 71. It can be done though.

Bob

[Apache'71]

Aren't the wheel bases of the two trucks nearly identical though? Where's the bulk of the additional six inches?

[BobS]

Sorry, not 6 inches, it should be 4 1/2. Wheelbase on the 73-87 trucks is 131.5, 67-72 are 127. Wheelbase for a 67-72 1-ton is 133.

Bob

[Apache'71]

Thanks, I was able to find it afterall and came up with the same delta, 4.5 inches. It seems like using my '71 frame would be the easiest.

Do you think it would be worth it to shorten the K30 frame and make new body mounts just to have a 1 ton frame?

[skchevota]

No.
The c10 and c20 frames were the same for 67-72 so upgrade the axles and you already have a 3/4 ton.

[special-K]

Is a K/30 pickup frame any different from a K/10-20?I`ve owned a few and never noticed any difference.
The post`72 frames under the 67-72s requires a body lift under the cab do to different contours in the frame.The core support mounts are in a different place.I`m putting K/30 axles under my`71 K/10 shortbed and never considered another frame.You`ll be just fine.The only problem I know with frames is cracking at the steering box.This is the same on 67-72 and 73-87.I`ve never had it happen,though.

[Apache'71]

Well, it sounds like reusing my '71 frame makes the most sense and would certainly be the easiest, but I'd still like to know if running a 10" lift and 37" would be better suited for the K30 frame. I used to run a snow plow on my truck so the C10 frame has definitely been abused. Hmmm, maybe just box the frame and reinforce the front clip.

[special-K]

I used to plow with a`71 K/20 with 37/14.50x16.5s.That never affected the frame.I`ll be running 12.50/37x16.5s on my shortbed K/30 project.I`m very confident the frame will not be an issue.