Looking for a shortbox 4x4 frame.. Year differences?

[matt_field]

I've been looking hard for a frame for my 68 4x4 swb. Mine is rusty, beyond repair. I know 67 are kinda by them selves with the steering. Other that open knuckle front diff would a 1969 and later frame be the same? (71-72) with disk brakes.

Is there a part of the country that got more of these shortbox 4x4? I can't find anything in the Minnesota area

Thanks!!

Matt

[68_Shortbox]

I don't know of any other differences between '67-'72 other than '67 and '68 leaf springs are tapered. The previous owner put axles from a '73 suburban in my 68' swb but it appears they had to modify the mounts on at least the rear axle. I haven't dealt with the front axle yet to see if it had to be modified to fit. Its not much to go on but I hope it helps you out. Maybe someone else that has dealt more with '67-'72 4x4s can chime in.

[fp1967]

I'll add a little more info based on what I've seen. The 67's and 68's that I've seen had the flat frame behind the steering box with manual steering. All the 69-72's that I've seen, had the raised areas behind the steering box, this was on both manual and power steering trucks. I'm pretty sure the front leafs are the same from 67-72. The 67 and 68's used tapered leafs on the rear, 69-72's had non-tapered 2-1/2" wide rear leafs. The front axles bolt up the same from 67-87. The rear axles bolt up the same from 67-72. As far as finding a good frame, I can't help you on that. I'm two states away in the U.P. of Mich and I couldn't find a good swb 4x4 frame in 1986. I used the back of a swb frame and the front of Suburban frame and spliced them in the area of the transfer case crossmember. Thats whats under the truck in my avatar.

[68_Shortbox]

My 68's front leaf springs are tapered just like the rear.

[fp1967]

As far as I know, all the 67-72 front leaf springs are tapered and interchangable.

[matt_field]

thanks for the info guys! i put a wanted ad on the site, hopefully someone has a clean one for me. I hate to put rust free cab and box on a pitted thin frame.

Matt