73-87 Frame Help
 

I have a 84 c10 2wd swb truck that just encountered some frame damage. I guy is giving me a free 78 frame if I want it. Question is can I used this 78 frame with the 84 body. Read that the front end needs to be trimmed but is there any other obstacles one my encounter. I'm hoping it's a direct swap from one frame to the other. Any help is always appreciated.

Re: 73-87 Frame Help
 

Why not take your frame to a shop to get your realigned?

Re: 73-87 Frame Help
 

73-80 frame is different at the front for bumper. Body will fit fine. If you want to use the 81-87 style bumper that will be your biggest work around.

Re: 73-87 Frame Help
 

and the E-Brake cables have to use 73-80 unless you take your cut your brackets off the 84 frame and reweld or bolt them on the 73-80 frame. The 73-80 frame is heavier. The trucks 73-79 have std bolt & holes nuts, as the trucks 80-87 have SAE and Metric mix.

Re: 73-87 Frame Help
 

You don't need to cut the front of the frame. Cut the bumper brackets instead. The cab mounts are different as well. You can swap the perches or swap the rubbers. E-brake was different on my 85 versus the 78 frame I am using, but I have seen some early 80's that are using the same E-brake setup as the older models. I just put an 85 body on a 78 frame. Let me know if you have questions

Re: 73-87 Frame Help
 

Thanks to all for all information provided.

Re: 73-87 Frame Help
 

One thing not mentioned is the VIN will be different on the frame vs the body if you go that route. Document the frames VIN just in case it ever comes up (theft).

Re: 73-87 Frame Help
 

Your body mounts need to match the frame.. not the Cab... front frame horns will need to be reworked to fit the newer style bumper... also the E-brake mount is different

Re: 73-87 Frame Help
 

You do not have to cut the front frame horns! Cut the brackets.

Re: 73-87 Frame Help
 

good info...