Old Chassis New Body

[OldnRusty73]

What are the challenges of adapting a new body (>79) to an old chassis (<78)?

 

[Living in the Past]

Do you have the 79+ frame available? Across the back it only two mounts on the later frame versus four on the old frame. The newer frame is reinforced in those two locations. Cowl area is different as well. Never did an indepth study of the differences in the two. Anything is possible but would want to study the newer frame to be sure old frame is reinforced in the same locations.

 

[jim land]

Find a rust bucket 79-83 frame and swap the body mount on your frame, A pilar is the same , you need B big support and you will have to drill hole on the rear crossmember

 

[Living in the Past]

Find a rust bucket 79-83 frame and swap the body mount on your frame, A pilar is the same , you need B big support and you will have to drill hole on the rear crossmember

Never checked for sure but believe A pillar and bracket for the different. Part numbers for the A pillar bracket and running board bracket are different. Have a number of vehicles here ranging 61-82. The rear frame member has extra support where the two body mounts go. The 1/79+ hole is rather large. Those are a bolts from the top not the bottom like four on the E-1/79 frame. 1/79 how the tub is put together changed. That also included how it mounted to the frame. I would be surprised if any of the body mounts for the 79 tub will match the pre 1/79 frames. Then there is the torque tube behind the transfer case. Up to E-9/72 it was shaped different and a little further forward. Can shoe horn a four speed in but frame was not built for a four speed. Be sure the fuel tank has clearance as well.

 

[tlaporte]

@65swb45

 

[jim land]

Never checked for sure but believe A pillar and bracket for the different. Part numbers for the A pillar bracket and running board bracket are different. Have a number of vehicles here ranging 61-82. The rear frame member has extra support where the two body mounts go. The 1/79+ hole is rather large. Those are a bolts from the top not the bottom like four on the E-1/79 frame. 1/79 how the tub is put together changed. That also included how it mounted to the frame. I would be surprised if any of the body mounts for the 79 tub will match the pre 1/79 frames. Then there is the torque tube behind the transfer case. Up to E-9/72 it was shaped different and a little further forward. Can shoe horn a four speed in but frame was not built for a four speed. Be sure the fuel tank has clearance as well.
View attachment 3297892
View attachment 3297903

The A pillar support have a little curve under , but the bolt hole is at the same place
I did the oposite 20 years ago, 78 body on a 79 frame

Good call about the crossmember and fuel tank clearance

 

[65swb45]

@65swb45

Already more tech here than my stolen vehicle post. Carry on.