any idea what late model AWD vehicles I can frame swap with?

[encasedmetal]

I've been looking at possibly doing a frame swap from my 63' GMC and have been particularly eyeing AWD vehicles, such as the TBSS, silverado SS, yukon, escalade etc. What I'm unclear on is what would be my best bet- what will require the least modification to work. I do not want to swap floors and firewall if I swapped because I just busted my hump to repair my stock floor. any insight?

[gostranger]

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=681291

check this thread out! super cool awd!!

[encasedmetal]

I read through that whole thread yesterday, but I still don't want to cut out my whole floor and firewall like he did. I've seen where the tbss frame has to be shortened 2" and that's no big deal- I'm wondering how the rest would match up. I could save a ton of money by doing this kind of job, between susp, motor, trans, exhaust, brakes, rear, fuel tank wiring etc

[Eagletucky]

I didnt shorten the frame, i shortened the body. If i did this to a truck that had good floors, i would just set the cab on the tbss frame, shorten the bed (very easy, been done here many times) and go from there. Its still going to take alot of fab work to get this accomplished, but well worth the effort.

[MalibuSSwagon]

common 4x4 GMT800 trucks use the same frame and front suspension as the fancy AWD versions, so any Silverado Sierra etc has what you need. I have a front frame cutoff from a 99 that I was considering using to convert my C10 to AWD, using the NV246 Autotrac case.

[patrickk1]

I would think either a GMT800 4wd frame or an s10 4wd frame. The S10 frame might be easier and have better handling as I think you could sit the truck lower. The only thing that separates a 4x4 on these vehicles vs awd is the transfer case. The link below contains info about two of the awd t-cases.

Syclone, Typhoon, Astro, Safari, and Bravada ALL share the same AWD transfercase, the Borg-Warner 1372/4472.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=410154

[Eagletucky]

I only ask because I don't know the GMT 800 platform...Wouldn't the track width be too wide, unless you were looking to build a 4x4 style truck?

[patrickk1]

Originally Posted by Eagletucky

I only ask because I don't know the GMT 800 platform...Wouldn't the track width be too wide, unless you were looking to build a 4x4 style truck?

GMT800 is 65" front track width.

[patrickk1]

The bed floor wood most likely have to be raised due to the rear frame kickup on either frame.

edit: On second thought, a chassis cab frame wouldn't have the kickup. I am unsure if they made a 4x4 chassis cab frame.

[Eagletucky]

A TBSS is about 63". you might be able to get away with it, if you weren't going too low, or were able to work some magic with wheel offset.

The stock TBSS chassis/wheels fit perfectly in my wheel wells.

[MalibuSSwagon]

Drewsiken used a complete GMT800 frame for his 72 Crewcab build, granted he used a 2WD frame but the only difference is the front suspension. He was able to mount up the cab and bed with only modifying the frame to add the mounts. This is how I know it's doable. And according to resources on this board, the front track width of my 86 C10 is 64". GMT800 wheels have 1" more offset than the stock C10 wheels, So keeping it 6 lug and using the GMT800 wheels I should be about the same on width. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

[Eagletucky]

That sounds good to me. Its good to know there are other options out there!!

[63burban]

How about an Astro van front stub frame ?

[Captainfab]

This is what I would do rather than change the entire frame. The GMT800 frame is greatly different than the '63-'72 frames and will require a LOT of work to fit an older body without having a body lift.

Originally Posted by 63burban

How about an Astro van front stub frame ?

This would be the other option I would look at if some increased HP/TQ was in the plan.

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=668276