The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network - View Single Post - 64 suburban upgrades vs swapping body to 89 Suburban frame/drivetrain

Chuck78 · 08-07-2005, 11:44 AM

I wasn't really interested in a frame for it, but thanks for keeping me in mind. After looking at pictures, it did strike me that the wheelbase on the 73-91 looked about 14" longer...
I still cannot make out the inside cargo area dimensions on the 64 brochure, but since i would get rid of my other Suburban, I would still need to be able to haul 4X8 sheets of drywall or plywood in it in order for me to justify having such a long truck. Any idea on cargo area?

So basically if I found a long pickup chassis from say an 87, that would be the most ideal vehicle to do a body swap on if I were to go that route?

Going the other route, say it were 2 wheel drive, and I wanted to use the stock chassis upgrade to disc brakes, what am I looking at? Will a 73-87 spindle just bolt right in?
Also, as far as the rear suspension goes, will the coil setup work fine for heavy duty hauling, and is it unheard of to switch to a leaf setup on this era chassis?

08-07-2005, 11:44 AM	#4
Chuck78 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 197	I wasn't really interested in a frame for it, but thanks for keeping me in mind. After looking at pictures, it did strike me that the wheelbase on the 73-91 looked about 14" longer... I still cannot make out the inside cargo area dimensions on the 64 brochure, but since i would get rid of my other Suburban, I would still need to be able to haul 4X8 sheets of drywall or plywood in it in order for me to justify having such a long truck. Any idea on cargo area? So basically if I found a long pickup chassis from say an 87, that would be the most ideal vehicle to do a body swap on if I were to go that route? Going the other route, say it were 2 wheel drive, and I wanted to use the stock chassis upgrade to disc brakes, what am I looking at? Will a 73-87 spindle just bolt right in? Also, as far as the rear suspension goes, will the coil setup work fine for heavy duty hauling, and is it unheard of to switch to a leaf setup on this era chassis?