Bed differences

Kansas Kid · January 14, 2002

For possible future reference, I need to know if there are any major differences between the bed used on any of the trucks between 67-72. For example, if i had a 1970 pickup with a bed in very poor shape, could I simply use a bed in good shape from any of the other years? Mainly any differences in body lines of the bedsides. Thanks

Kansas Kid · January 16, 2002

Ok guys, I got the bed question answered over on PUTC. So that part is covered, but now I have another question.

What front and rear axles were used on a 1970 K10 and K20? I'm not very sure what kind of axles were used in this era trucks and earlier....

Larry · January 17, 2002

Hey Kansas Kid,

I will attempt to answer this question too.

The front axles used in 67’- 72’ 10 and 20 series 4x4’s was the beloved Dana 44. In those years GM did not offer a Dana 60 front axle, to my knowledge anyway. And a 4x4 1 ton did not exist until the next body style in 1973 or 1974. Disk brakes did not come available until 1971 on both two-wheel and four-wheel drives. As far as the rear axle, it becomes sorta hazy considering Chevrolet and GMC were basically two entire different companies back then and were much more different in terms of drivetrains and suspension and target markets. 1973 is the first year Chevrolet and GMC became mechanically identical twins. Based on what I have seen is as follows:

½ tons:

Chevrolet used corporate 12 bolt semi-floating axles in the half-tons

GMC used semi-floating Dana 44’s, 60’s, and corporate 12 bolts depending on the year and engine. My 68’ GMC half-ton with a factory big block came with a rare semi-floating Dana 60

¾ -tons:

Chevrolet used only full-floating Eaton rear axles. I am not sure of the model number or ring gear diameters but they had a removable front carrier assembly similar to a Ford 9’.

GMC used the full-floating Eaton rear axle and full-floating Dana 60.

All 67’-72’ GMC’s ½ ton and ¾ tons came standard with rear leaf springs while Chevrolet came standard with rear coil springs. However, leaf sprung rear suspension was an option for Chevrolet.

Larry · January 17, 2002

Kansas Kid,

Sorry I didn’t answer your question over there on that other site but I didn’t see your last post. I would rather use this forum anyway. Getting board with all the newbies over there crying about their new trucks and 16 year olds making ridicules remarks.

So tell me, what is the 70’ 4x4 you have lined up? ½ ton, ¾ ton, shorty or long bed? What engine and trans does it have? How much do they want? What is the address to where it is parked? LOL just kidding, I don’t need another truck until I unload my latest acquisition….that is, if I decide to unload it.

Kansas Kid · January 17, 2002

Well I will tell you what I can. Only details I have gotten on this truck have come through my ole man. A guy he works with is gonna sell this truck sometime in a month or so, and mydad mentioned it to me. (although I know how that, I want to sell it in a month goes)

So for right now I don't know much details wise. I do know the truck is a long bed and it has a 4-speed manual. Which I believe would be a SM465. I also know it has a V8 engine, but is it original, or a swap job?? Also don't know if I'm looking at a 1/2 or 3/4 ton yet either. Like I said, my dad didn't get much for details. LOL But I do know it runs good, the guy loads his trash up and takes it to the dump about once a month. Also know its top speed is about 60mph. (really good info there), and the body is fairly rough.

I'm gonna ask my Dad to find out if its a K10 or K20 and what kind of motor it has on Friday. I'm not really concerened as to what model it is, I just want an old 4wd to mess around with.

Larry · January 17, 2002

Sounds good to me….You mentioned the truck is a 4-speed manual. Depending on the original engine the truck could have either a SM435 or SM465. As for what I have seen and played with, most originally equipped 6 cylinder 4x4’s had the SM435 with a Dana 300 transfer case and the V8’s had SM465’s attached to NP205 transfercase. Since you are not sure if the truck underwent an engine swap job or not these are the possible drivelines. Both are tranys and tcases are good. Hope this and the axle info is helpful.

Good luck on your possible score.

Kansas Kid · January 17, 2002

Hope this and the axle info is helpful.

Good luck on your possible score.

Yes, it has been very helpful. I'm not sure I would have been able to figure out the axle, tranny, and t-case setup without your info. I'm gonna hold out hope for an original V8 truck, I like the idea of an SM465 and NP205.

But one other thing, I was told that autotrac wasn't available on these trucks! How exactly am I supposed to get around in the winter time? Does this mean I'm gonna have to know when I actually need 4wd, and heaven forbid, get out and lock the hubs in. ;)

Larry · January 18, 2002

But one other thing, I was told that autotrac wasn't available on these trucks! How exactly am I supposed to get around in the winter time? Does this mean I'm gonna have to know when I actually need 4wd, and heaven forbid, get out and lock the hubs in.

HAHAHA!!!

Yup, that means will have to get out in the frigid weather and twist those tuff dials on the hubs then you will have to manually yank on that odd looking stick on the floor of the cab. Then heaven forbid, you will have to yank on that stick again when you hit dry ground. I know it seems like a lot of work for some people but I know you will survive. LOL