frame swap question
- Thread starter Hardluck
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Shouldn't be a problem. You'll find the same basic frame from about '79 to '95 (in the US). The suspension obviously changed, and the body mounts changed a little for some of the trucks (but I don't know how much
Although why not just cut the IFS out and install the solid axle? On my IFS truck, that's what I'm planning on doing. Is the frame shot as it is?
Dan
Although why not just cut the IFS out and install the solid axle? On my IFS truck, that's what I'm planning on doing. Is the frame shot as it is?
Dan
- Thread starter
- #3
no, actually the frame is perfect i just figured if i could find a rolling chassis it would be cheaper and less involved than a solid axle swap. also i was thinking of keeping it stock height and cut to fit larger tires.
josh
josh
If I lived in Bethel, OHIO (or anywhere else in the rustbelt) and I had a rust-free frame (especially in a pre-89), I'd give myself a high-five and break out the blowtorch. Alot of other systems are coming with that chassis, and they're all at least three years older than your current ones.
Stick with the devil you know...
Stick with the devil you know...
An '88 body will swap right over to an '84-85 frame, all the mounts are the same. But, like others have said, it's just easier to do the SAS on the IFS frame, expecially if it's in good shape.
I think a SAS'd IFS frame is better than the old SA frame anyway. The rails are stronger up front, and the stock SA spring hangers are really weak up front. Plus, the IFS steering box is al mounted so you can do cross-over steering. The factory push-pull steering setup SUCKS.
I think a SAS'd IFS frame is better than the old SA frame anyway. The rails are stronger up front, and the stock SA spring hangers are really weak up front. Plus, the IFS steering box is al mounted so you can do cross-over steering. The factory push-pull steering setup SUCKS.
A 2nd gen cab will fit a 1st gen frame with some minor mods.
The front body mounts (at the radiator) will need ad adapetr fabbed as the spacing is different between the 2 gens.
The front in cab mounts will need the holes egged out a little to line up.
The rear in cab mounts line up, as do the bed mounts.
My other truck has a 2nd gen 2wd cab/bed on a 1st gen 4wd frame.
The front body mounts (at the radiator) will need ad adapetr fabbed as the spacing is different between the 2 gens.
The front in cab mounts will need the holes egged out a little to line up.
The rear in cab mounts line up, as do the bed mounts.
My other truck has a 2nd gen 2wd cab/bed on a 1st gen 4wd frame.