72 Truck Frame vs. Suburban Frame - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

My72BB · 08-19-2010, 07:07 PM

Did a search and could not find what I was looking for...I posted this question in the suspension section as well...not sure what catagory????

Has anybody done a comparison between a 1972 3/4 Ton 4 X 4 Frame and a 1972 3/4 Ton 4 X 4 Suburban Frame.

I am considering converting my C20 to a K20 and have found a couple of Suburban 4 X 4 donor frames...1/2 and 3/4 ton.

I have heard that frames are same but need to add cab mounts/bed mounts and cut off rear frame horns...

Has anybody actually done this?

Thx...Alan

1985-GMC · 08-19-2010, 08:52 PM

73-87 burb frames are different on the rear portion of the frames and im sure 67-72 is the same way. And 1/2 ton frames use thinner metal than 3/4 tons so try to get a 3/4 ton. I would try to find a truck frame unless you don't mind having a flat bed.

1985-GMC · 08-22-2010, 12:45 AM

OK apparently burb frames are the same as truck frames just longer at rear frame horns. Go down to post 18 and start from there: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=313438

Mike C · 08-22-2010, 07:35 PM

The Suburban frame has the inner bumper mounts as part of the frame. The truck frame has just straight rails then uses brackets to adapt the bumper. MUCH easier/cheaper/more choices for frame mounted receiver hitch on the truck frame. Most likely their are additional differences on body mounts, spare tire, fuel tank, etc.

**John Fabris** · 08-23-2010, 03:03 PM

Note, the 1/2 and 3/4 ton frames are the same in thickness! Truck to Suburban, you will have different body mounts and the rear of the frame is different.

1985-GMC · 08-23-2010, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Fabris

Note, the 1/2 and 3/4 ton frames are the same in thickness! Truck to Suburban, you will have different body mounts and the rear of the frame is different.

I thought they might be the same thickness, but ive always heard that 73-87 1/2 ton frames are thinner and I assumed it was true because it seems like 1/2 ton frames crack around the steering box more often, and I figured the same for 67-72.

My72BB · 08-23-2010, 09:21 PM

Thanks for the input...It helps alot and now I can continue my quest for a good 3/4 ton 4 X 4 Frame.

Alan

08-19-2010, 07:07 PM	#1
My72BB Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Fairfield, PA Posts: 503	72 Truck Frame vs. Suburban Frame Did a search and could not find what I was looking for...I posted this question in the suspension section as well...not sure what catagory???? Has anybody done a comparison between a 1972 3/4 Ton 4 X 4 Frame and a 1972 3/4 Ton 4 X 4 Suburban Frame. I am considering converting my C20 to a K20 and have found a couple of Suburban 4 X 4 donor frames...1/2 and 3/4 ton. I have heard that frames are same but need to add cab mounts/bed mounts and cut off rear frame horns... Has anybody actually done this? Thx...Alan

08-19-2010, 08:52 PM	#2
1985-GMC Chevy Enthusiast Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Canyon Lake Texas Posts: 2,024	Re: 72 Truck Frame vs. Suburban Frame 73-87 burb frames are different on the rear portion of the frames and im sure 67-72 is the same way. And 1/2 ton frames use thinner metal than 3/4 tons so try to get a 3/4 ton. I would try to find a truck frame unless you don't mind having a flat bed. __________________ Tony 1985 GMC K2500 restoration Project: Rust, White & Blue 1989 Chevy R3500 CC Cummins & 4X4 swap some day... 1989 Burb (D60, 14BFF, 12V, NV4500, NP205, 37" tires in progress)

08-22-2010, 12:45 AM	#3
1985-GMC Chevy Enthusiast Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Canyon Lake Texas Posts: 2,024	Re: 72 Truck Frame vs. Suburban Frame OK apparently burb frames are the same as truck frames just longer at rear frame horns. Go down to post 18 and start from there: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=313438 __________________ Tony 1985 GMC K2500 restoration Project: Rust, White & Blue 1989 Chevy R3500 CC Cummins & 4X4 swap some day... 1989 Burb (D60, 14BFF, 12V, NV4500, NP205, 37" tires in progress)

08-22-2010, 07:35 PM	#4
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,738	Re: 72 Truck Frame vs. Suburban Frame The Suburban frame has the inner bumper mounts as part of the frame. The truck frame has just straight rails then uses brackets to adapt the bumper. MUCH easier/cheaper/more choices for frame mounted receiver hitch on the truck frame. Most likely their are additional differences on body mounts, spare tire, fuel tank, etc. __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax

08-23-2010, 03:03 PM	#5
John Fabris TOTY 2006 Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Magalia CA USA Posts: 2,270	Re: 72 Truck Frame vs. Suburban Frame Note, the 1/2 and 3/4 ton frames are the same in thickness! Truck to Suburban, you will have different body mounts and the rear of the frame is different. __________________ John Fabris 67 C10 SWB

08-23-2010, 09:21 PM	#7
My72BB Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Fairfield, PA Posts: 503	Re: 72 Truck Frame vs. Suburban Frame Thanks for the input...It helps alot and now I can continue my quest for a good 3/4 ton 4 X 4 Frame. Alan

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