C30 dually: Wheelbase shortening question
 

Hi folks I have a question about shortening the wheelbase on a cab & chassis truck.

I have a line on a 1986 Chevy c30 c&c with a flatbed on it. It is the model C31403 with 159.5" wheelbase. The truck is about an hour away and the other day I didn't have a chance to look at the frame closely. Might be able to get back there next week.

Anyway, I much prefer the look of a shorter wheelbase, so my question is, are the 159" frames drilled out for the axle and springs to be bolted in the more forward position? I know on some of the later 1990s 3500HD trucks, the frames have a ton of extra holes drilled in them. I am hoping to slide the rear end forward so the wheelbase would be 135.5", then cut the extra frame rails off the back end. Then I could either cut a section out of the 10' flatbed, or source a newer 8-9 footer. I also don't know if there is an additional carrier bearing with the long WB or if the driveshaft can just be shortened.

Does anyone have any specific experience with this? Or a 159.5" wheelbase truck sitting around they could take a look at? Thanks so much, this place has always been my go-to for these tricky questions because someone always has an answer!

Here is a stolen pic of a truck similar to the one I'm looking to buy... (Actually much nicer)

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c2...s00u5cpci.jpeg

And the wheelbase I would much rather have....

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c2...skwxcrdbr.jpeg

Re: C30 dually: Wheelbase shortening question
 

No..on light duty trucks the frame kicks up over axle;Any competent truck body or fire truck shop can likely shorten your frame by taking a section out.

Re: C30 dually: Wheelbase shortening question
 

That stinks... I didn't want to get involved in cutting a section out of the frame.

I thought on cab & chassis models that the frame rails were flat from behind the cab all the way out back. Maybe that's just on newer models.

I guess I'll just grab it and drive it around a little to see if i really hate the long wheelbase. Thanks!