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$$ Cost to swap 3/4 tons in a k-5? $$

muddermilitia

muddermilitia

ThatTrazerGuy
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So I finally lifted my m1009 and put 37s on it. I knew it was gonna be a dog with the 3.08 gears but I didn't think it would be so bad, its kind of annoying. Money is kind of tight right now so I would like to do this on the cheap. I already have an 8-lug front 10-bolt with 4.10 gears.

My thoughts are to swap the 6-lug outers currently on the truck to the 3/4 ton front. Then get a 3/4 ton rear 14bff with 4.10s, install 8-lug to 6-lug wheel spacers in the rear so I can re-use the wheels I just bought. Get the conversion u-joint and swap it all in the truck. Is there anything I'm missing?
 
Its cheaper to sell your wheels, get 8 lug wheels, and run an 8 lug setup.
 
72blazerguy said:
I've looked around for the 6 lug SF. The price difference between the 8 lug and 6 lug makes up for the wheels and its harder to find the 4.10 in the 6 lug. Good way to go if you can find the right stuff.

Looks like the wheel adapters don't work with a 15" 6 lug wheel:

http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=242483
Click to expand...
Im gonna keep my eyes open for a 6-lug 14bsf. Oh and I got 16.5 wheels so I think that adapter would work but I doubt they are even in business anymore, that website looks very outdated and I havent had any luck finding a 8-6 lug wheel adapter
 
The cheapest would be to go 8 lug I'd think. I did it to my Suburban for next to nothing. I took the axles from a '75 K20 I bought for $200, and used a set off take off 16" rally rims from a '98 K2500 that were given to me, with a set of take off tires I paid $20 for. I had to also buy a conversion u-joint. I don't recall what I paid for it, probably $20? Add in the cost of some gear oil, and two brake lines I bent up, and the whole thing was done for under $300.

I then swapped on a set of 33x12.50x15's on 15x8" chrome wagon wheels that a buddy loaned me, I could have purchased them for a $100. I followed that up with a set of 16.5x6" steel rims that I paid $5 or $10 a piece for, and mounted a set of 35x12.50x16.5" BFG Mud Terrains that I paid $30 a piece for.

If you already have 16.5" tires it definitely makes it a cheap swap. 16.5" 8 lug OEM steel wheels are ridiculously cheap. If you look around you can usually find a bunch of good deals on aftermarket rims as well. It's a near dead tire size, the wheels don't have much value.

Martin
 
I dont know for sure, maybe someone "in the know" can chime in, but is there a standard vs metric thread conflict with brake lines from different years? Not a big deal by any means but something to look out for.

If you look on craigslist you should be able to find wheels all day long for peanuts. I agree, do the swap, go 8-lug, and find some wheels. I got lucky and the donor truck I get to do my 3/4ton swap has 36's on 16.5" whitespokes already, so Im golden lol.

-John
 
I just bought a conversion u-joint from Napa yesterday for $33. Bought a 1975 K20 frame and axles w/ wheels and tires and 4.10 gears for $300.
 
I paid $109 for my 6 lug 14 bolt SF axle from the junk yard. I probably have $1000 into the axle after all said and done. But Installed a locker and 5.13 gears. I think it came with 3.73 but they were munched anyway.
 
Ok so it looks like I need to search for a rear axle. I will try and find a 6-lug 14bsf 1st. If that doesnt work out I will just go 8-lug
 
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