Frame Swap Questions?
 

Hello

Just brain storming something I was talking with a co-worker about today. So I have an 87 3/4 ton as my Daily Driver. And an 86 1 ton as a parts truck. And we were talking about swapping the two frames. The frame on the 1 ton is in better shape and has the 14 bolt ff rear axle, but the cab is really been cut up and in bad shape.

My questions are:
My truck rides pretty rough as is, how much worse would the 1 ton ride?

How hard would it be to do the swap (mainly the wiring and fuel lines is what worries me)?

I have both titles, could I register and swap my lic plate to the 1 ton. Put the 87 cab and bed on it and run it as an 86'? I've read that's there a vin on the frame as well. And you can get in trouble if the cab and frame don't match?

Just wondering if it's worth the trouble.

Thanks

Re: Frame Swap Questions?
 

Good question.. I have a 1965 chevy c10 that I plan on getting a new frame for.. Hopefully someone can chime in..
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Re: Frame Swap Questions?
 

shouldnt get in trouble for swapping frames but u can get in trouble for swapping vin plates on cabs and on the question on how hard wiring and fuel lines would be as long as they are same wheel base should not have to much of a problem

Re: Frame Swap Questions?
 

Both are regular cab long beds.

So I should be okay keeping it as an 87' instead of trying to change it to an 86'

Re: Frame Swap Questions?
 

yea just keep it a 87

Re: Frame Swap Questions?
 

i have a 65 gmc i put on a 79 k5 frame

Re: Frame Swap Questions?
 

Kind of wanted to make it as an 86 so down the road I would have more options when it came time for a new motor. With the 87 I have to run the TBI (which is fine for now) for emissions. But as an 86 I could leave the Tbi on or put a carb on it. Depending on what I end up doing with the motor.

Re: Frame Swap Questions?
 

you can use the parts off the 86 for the motor and wiring but leave the cab as a 87

Re: Frame Swap Questions?
 

use the engine wiring from the 86 and put a carb on the 87 engine

Re: Frame Swap Questions?
 

Inspection guy says I can't because 87 had TBI and I'd fail the visual inspection.

Re: Frame Swap Questions?
 

at least that's what he told me last time I asked.

Re: Frame Swap Questions?
 

what is the law for tagging vehicles historic

Re: Frame Swap Questions?
 

Any mods need to be done or a direct swap? 65 to 79 k5 frame..
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Re: Frame Swap Questions?
 

i have to change body mounts and shorten the frame cause its a shortbed stepside

Re: Frame Swap Questions?
 

the blazer frame is alittle to long

Re: Frame Swap Questions?
 

I think its 35 years or older to get historic tags in Nc.

Re: Frame Swap Questions?
 

does it only have to be inspected once or every year

Re: Frame Swap Questions?
 

every year, but once it's over that 35 year mark. You don't have to get any more inspections. That was a great day, when my old 71 MGB GT hit 35.

Re: Frame Swap Questions?
 

ok so keep it a 87 then when its 3 years old put a new carb and intake on it and the engine wiring from the 86 but put it on the 86 frame now and u could turn the 87 frame in to a mud buggy using the motor and engine wiring off the 86 just build a platform on the frame and a rool cage and bucket seats

Re: Frame Swap Questions?
 

roll*

Re: Frame Swap Questions?
 

what frame are u planning on using

Re: Frame Swap Questions?
 

Ok so just another 9 years.

Re: Frame Swap Questions?
 

how bads the 86

Re: Frame Swap Questions?
 

Bed isn't too bad some surface rust, but the PO cut the dash out and ripped all the wiring out. Pretty much gutted it. Was originally a diesel but someone put a 350 in it. But the frame doesn't have any rust I can find.

Re: Frame Swap Questions?
 

if u change the vins make sure its not noticeable cause its against federal law and upload pics of both trucks