71 Body to 88 frame
 

Anybody ever do a swap like this? I have a 71 that the running rear is getting real tired in and I just towed in ( I have a towing company) a clean 1988. Just wondering if it would be easier to just swap bodies? Probaly quite a few that would be different though.

Re: 71 Body to 88 frame
 

why not just swap the running gear onto your frame, since you know everything will bolt up, suspension can always be rebuilt by the way nice lookin burban!!!!

Re: 71 Body to 88 frame
 

:agree: That's a good looking burb. I know the frames are way off on the pickups (I have a 90ish swb frame laying around and it looks totally different than my 70).

Re: 71 Body to 88 frame
 

Wheel bases are different...........all depends on how much time and effort you want to put into it. Is the 88 straight axle or IFS? If it is IFS the brackets for the suspension are welded to the frame

Re: 71 Body to 88 frame
 

88 should be straight axle. Suburbans and Blazers went this way until the early 90's (92 or 93 was the first IFS in these I think).

Springs and axle perches will be different. Also the axle lengths might be different. Of course axle lengths were different among the half tons and 3/4, 1 tons anyways among the later years. My half ton 86 Sub has a shorter track width in the rear as compaired to the front and it looks damn silly.

Aaron

Re: 71 Body to 88 frame
 

Very nice burb Kmontee,

Re: 71 Body to 88 frame
 

Its my rear axle and transfer case that are worn. Sounds like I might be better off just rebuilding my axles. What about the tranfer case? Would it swap?
I've built alot of Hot Rods but never any 4x4 stuff so I dont know much about them.

My Vega:

Re: 71 Body to 88 frame
 

I think it is that way with the 1/2 & 3/4ton 73-91 (73-87 for trucks) chevy 4x4's. I've seen that on 2 different K5 Blazers (one a 77 and the other an 84) and my 85 Burb is that way too. Both the Blazers have a spacers installed to correct that. Eventually, I will do that to, but right now I am saving up to lift my Burb.

What transmissions are in both of the Suburbans? Somebody correct me if I'm wrong... if they both have the same transmission the newer x-fer case and adapter should bolt up to the transmission in your 71. The linkage and maybe the driveshaft lenghts may be different.

If I remember right, your 71 Burb should have an NP-205. I've heard they are not difficult to rebuild, and parts are pretty easy to find too. The NP-205 is a better x-fer case than what is in the 88...the 88 has an NP-208. The 205 is all gear driven and the np-208 is chain driven.

Re: 71 Body to 88 frame
 

The 88 is probably a 700r4, which would make a nice upgrade.

Re: 71 Body to 88 frame
 

The 88 does have a 4 speed auto. with a 350 /throttle body injection. But I need to keep this project as simple as possably. I have to many other projects going. Besides the 454 in mine cruises on the hiway at 2400 rpm. has alots of bottom end with the 4x4 cam and headers. Would make a nice upgrade though.
Thanks for the info on the x-fer cases rcbildr. I will look into to rebuilding it. I never done one but there is always a first. (Takes me back to hi-school. Cuteist little blonde girl you ever seen.... :) )

Re: 71 Body to 88 frame
 

kmontee, how long and where are you in the towing biz?
I have been at it for 17 years.
BTW, nice 'burb