frame swappin'
 

My brother is in the process of swapping his body onto a '69 4x4 frame (long box if that matters). This frame was originally set up for a 4-speed but now he is putting in a TH350 auto. He has the auto cross member and all the hardware from a '71 4x4 frame but is discovering that few holes are lining up. Even the mounting bolts for the transfer case are 3-4 inches off.

Was there a difference between the auto vs. manual frames? Or is there a difference between the '69 to '71? Both??

He just wants to make sure he drills the holes in the correct spots if this is truely what needs to be done.

Thanks for your help

Re: frame swappin'
 

anyone?

Re: frame swappin'
 

Moved this over for the 4x4 guys.

Re: frame swappin'
 

I would bolt the engine up and work my way back and drill my own holes for the cross members if they dont line up with any thing there.

Re: frame swappin'
 

I agree with Earl. I believe the 69 frame came with a Rockwell 221 T-case so that maybe why there's a difference in the hole locations for the trany/T-case. There should be 2 sets of hole for the engine crossmember location, V8 uses the back set and inline 6 uses the front set.

Gary

Re: frame swappin'
 

The frames are the same,spring hangers different but that doesnt matter for your question.You will need to move the t-case crossmember back,as the truck originally equipped with a rockwell t-case,had the transfer case farther forward like all these old 4wd 67-72s had as opposed to the np205 positioning,which is farther back.Keep in mind doing that a longer driveshaft will be needed too,in the front.The crossmember is the same on a 4spd and auto,it is just that the crossmember was farther forward on 69 and older trucks.