[68 TT]

Originally Posted by Number21

I want to build a flatbed square body for a shop truck. It was going to be my '79 C30 but I would need to swap in an auto trans and the cab floor/rockers/doors are rusted out. I think I may just part this truck out and find another truck with the drivetrain I want. 4WD and a big block would be nice too...

Anyway, around here an '80s 4x4 loaded Suburban is much cheaper and easier to find than the same in a truck. If I find a 'burb with a drivetrain I like, can I remove the body and bolt on a regular truck cab and build a custom flatbed from there?...

Pretty straight forward swap. You will need to put a set of truck specific rear cab mounts onto the Suburban frame. After that the cab & front clip from your truck will bolt right on. The front cab mounts and the forward section of chassis are the same as the truck.

The curves of the Suburban frame are different from a truck behind the front cab mount so it may take a little playing around to build some rear cab mounts that will fit. The truck frame curves upward a few inches while the Suburban frame stays somewhat level.

The 80's Suburban high hump transmission tunnel may be integral with the floor and not be removable like the older ones are. I know the newer square bodies I have seen they were integral. I just don't know what year they made the change or if it was just option specific. You may have to locate a bolt-in type high hump transmission tunnel to put in it for transfer case clearance but otherwise the rest of the truck cab is identical 2wd vs 4x4.

Look for a 2wd half ton truck with A/C. It will make the Suburban parts swap easier and your insurance rates & registration costs will be lower too.