Frame Upgrade ?'s

[th1rt3enbelow]

Hey guys, Im new to the site. I was wondering if any of you have used a later model swb frame on your 67-72's? If so, which year is preferred? Or, if you think it is a bad idea let me know and why.
Thanks,
Bo

[sameyrasmea72]

I think it would be pretty difficult to do. I would just find a 67-72 SWB frame. Is your truck a long bed or something?

[68GMCCustom]

if you have deep pockets, you could always buy a custom chassis......

[th1rt3enbelow]

No, mine is a short bed. I was considering using a 2000+ model frame. They come with disc brakes all the way around. I was just wondering if anybody has tackled this before. I have a good chassis, I just assumed the newer frame would give me better suspension responsiveness and better upgrade options.

[8door]

Originally Posted by th1rt3enbelow

No, mine is a short bed. I was considering using a 2000+ model frame. They come with disc brakes all the way around. I was just wondering if anybody has tackled this before. I have a good chassis, I just assumed the newer frame would give me better suspension responsiveness and better upgrade options.

Curious why you would do that. There are many conversions to disc brakes available, as well as wheel choices.

[th1rt3enbelow]

Originally Posted by 8door

Curious why you would do that. There are many conversions to disc brakes available, as well as wheel choices.

I have a 67 swb and I think it would be a cool conversion. Kind of a retrorod.
Classic body on a new chassis. I was really trying to see if any one has done it before. And if they had any pointers. Thing is, is that I have my eye on a 2001 swb chassis that is for sale. Right now I am to the point in my project that I need to break down my frame, sandblast and powdercoat it. So I figured if I was going to try to retrofit a newer frame, now is the time to decide.

[scrapmetalart]

Originally Posted by th1rt3enbelow

No, mine is a short bed. I was considering using a 2000+ model frame. They come with disc brakes all the way around. I was just wondering if anybody has tackled this before. I have a good chassis, I just assumed the newer frame would give me better suspension responsiveness and better upgrade options.

it only takes money & time. If you can weld & fabricate some & you find a chassis with the same or close wheelbase & track width. I say go for it. just a body swap...

[QKENUF4U]

Originally Posted by scrapmetalart

it only takes money & time. If you can weld & fabricate some & you find a chassis with the same or close wheelbase & track width. I say go for it. just a body swap...

its been done but everything ive seen/read is its not an easy swap...

[jay6891]

Upgrade the one you got. IMO. Welcome to the Board! From a former White Deer Buck!

[capev86]

be interesting, especially if you have a leaf spring truck. the late model 1/2 ton 2wd's reportedly have a trailing arm rear chassis with coil springs. i personally would like to use the wider rear axle and disc brake on an original 6 lug truck and adapt the front brakes if possible. but for the most part the only thing our 67-72 trucks need are good shocks and big sway bars to compete with modern rigs in the handling department.

[th1rt3enbelow]

Thanks for the welcome. Are there any site sponsors that specialize in suspension parts? What are some recommended brand names for lowering my susp.?

[ChevLoRay]

Several vendors on this site sell suspension components. I have Early Classic Enterprises stuff on my truck. The parts that ECE included in my stuff was Delco, and therefore GM parts. Easily obtainable in the aftermarket.

As for wanting to use a different chassis, I am also asking why? The rear suspension on the coil-sprung trucks are an arrangement long used by NASCAR racers. There are kits to convert to disc brakes on the rear.

[th1rt3enbelow]

That is a good point. It sounds to me like it will save me money and time to simply upgrade my 67 chassis and susp.. That is what I will go with then. Now on to researching my parts! Thanks guys!
Bo

[capev86]

adding rear disc brakes is more about the "bling" factor than actual function. if you have factory GM truck front disc then you are good to go for a daily driver. i have no love for aftermarket rear disc kits with their lousy caliper mounted e-brake. GM did it right with a nice min-drum parking brake inside the "hat" of the rotor and they have more R & R invested than you get with any kit that adapts calipers from a car.

the best rear disc will only give you a 10% improvement in braking power and that does not necessarily translate into shorter stopping distances (unless maybe if you are trailer towing which puts more weight on the rear axle).

[68GMCCustom]

You can do lots of things for strength like weld/stitch up your trailing arms, box your frame rails, or even box your control arms.

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by th1rt3enbelow

Or, if you think it is a bad idea let me know and why.
Thanks,
Bo

Bad Idea. There are so many vendors with modern components made to fit your frame (ECE, CPP, etc). My 67 has been dropped 4 in front and 6 in the rear. With a 1 1/4 in ECE sway bar in front and a 1 in bar in the rear and the super track bar it corners as well as my 08 vette and the suspension mods came to about $1500. Unless you can weld very well and have excellent fabrication skills you're just buying a boatload of problems and it's unlikely you'll finish the project.