Can a 1984 6.2 be built to pull 9-12,000lbs?

[DuckhunterInTN]

We have an 1984 K10 6.2 4x4 with a manual (4 spd including OD) and 3.42 gears. It sits on 33" tires.
I know the way that the way it currently sits there is no way it could pull that kind of weight comfortably. But would it be feasible and/or possible to build up this truck to be able to pull that kind of weight. It would not be on a daily basis or anything, just occasionally.

I started thinking about this because a K10 and K20, from what I read, basically share the same frame and everything, with the axles being the main difference.

What if I put some low geared (aka 4.10 or so) 3/4 ton 8-lug axles under it and build a stout leaf pack for the rear? Maybe a sm 465? How much weight would that get me up to? What else could I do to improve it's pulling capabilities?

If 9-12k is unreasonable, what would be the most I could safely pull with my K10 with some upgrades?

BTW, what is this truck currently rated to pull?

[Stix]

You can put all the heavy duty axels and springs you want under it but that 6.2 will never pull 12k. I mean it will move it, hell a toyota could move 12k but not actually comfortably pull it. You would have too seriously look into aftermarket power upgrades like Banks ect. Even then I just don't know if a 6.2 can be made to handle that kind of weight. 6.2 are meant to be light duty diesels that take the place of the SB chevys but with better mileage and low end torque. Not a monster of a motor and will never even with tons of mods be the equal of the powerstroke or cummins. And that goes for the 6.5 Turbo too.:flipoff2:

[DuckhunterInTN]

Yeah I know what you are saying and I agree with you. It will never hang with the heavier diesels out today, nor was it ever meant to.

I don't really care about hopping up the 6.2 too much because I'll never get too much out of it, because the motor is rather old, and if I was going to spend that much money I'd rather just get another truck. I was just thinking that if I could scrouge around some junkyards and get these parts that I could have a decent low-speed (under 55mph) for fairly cheap.

I also thought about finding a 84-87 K20 with a 454...how hard would that be to find? Would that handle the weight sufficently?

*Also, just for reference, the type of towing I will be doing will be mainly low speed (under 55mph) local towing with a 12k rated trailer with 2 braking axles.

[jaluhn]

If it's geared right, there shouldn't be any problem. My concern is more the fact that it's only a 1/2 ton. Are you saying 9-12 gcw, or pulling a 9-12k trailer? 9-12 gcw wouldn't be too bad. I would say a 3/4 ton would be alot better, but it could be done. The thing with a 6.2 is it is actually designed to be between the 350 and 454 engines, so it is not the same true haevy puller an ih or cummins would be. Some like them, but my feeling is that it's not a good tow motor. I would look at the 454 3/4 ton, or a 6.9 ford diesel. (yes, I am biased a bit. :))
~John

[DuckhunterInTN]

Well, supposedly during the 73-87 bodystyle the only big differences in the K10 and the K20 were the axles, suspension, and the trans. The frame is the same. So if I upgraded those pieces then I would have a K20. Of course I could probably just buy another truck with the $$ it would take to do all of that.:confused:

[Haole]

Originally posted by Stix
hell a toyota could move 12k but not actually comfortably pull it.

True, in fact 20+ tons, but that's a different story. :D