Converting to 4X4

[73CheyenneSuper20]

i have a '73 Super 20 2wd longbed, 454 w th400. I'd like to make it into a 4x4, so I've been reading as much info as I can from here. It looks like it is best to get all the parts from 1 donor truck, and somebody suggested to just trade the frame, and everything attached to it (axles, tc etc). The very front of my frame is a little bent, nothing major and probably fixable.

The questions are: Is this a good idea? If i was able to get hold of one of those military Chevys M1008, would I be able to put my cab and bed on that chassis? Even though they seem to be '84-'86. I have a great engine and trans, so I want to use those.

The reason why: Here in California, '75 and back are smog exempt. I am looking for something with a good drivetrain, but bad engine/trans/ back registration fees etc. I'm also looking at a '76 project of somebodys on Craiglist, missing parts and has 4 years of back registration.

How does it sound? Input welcome...
I'll definitely have to take pics on whatever I do.

[FormerMember]

I went the other way, bolted on aftermarket brackets onto my 2wd frame. Then again, I was happy with the strength of my frame.

If you swap your sheet metal onto a later frame, you're supposed to get re-vin'd in CA. Of course, the CUCV is smog exempt there, as it's a Diesel.

The CUCV is going to be a stronger frame in of itself, but I think that swapping sheet metal (Why bother? it's the same as what you have...) the engine and trans would be more work then converting a 2wd.

Your call, of course.

[73CheyenneSuper20]

I want to keep th wood bed, and I was expecting the registration/VIN/ license plates to follow the cab... I was wondering if there would be a VIN number on the frames.
I'm watching a CUCV on Ebay with a blown engine, it's at $300...
Overall, I'm not in a hurry and on a small budget.

[FormerMember]

Originally Posted by 73CheyenneSuper20

I want to keep th wood bed, and I was expecting the registration/VIN/ license plates to follow the cab... I was wondering if there would be a VIN number on the frames.
I'm watching a CUCV on Ebay with a blown engine, it's at $300...
Overall, I'm not in a hurry and on a small budget.

There are VIN's on the frame. When I lived there (El Dorado), I had to have CHP come out and look at a cab swap I did and they re-vin'd the entire truck through the DMV. They called it a re-constructed vehicle.

A CUCV for 300, if it includes the axles is a STEAL. The axles are worth 1200 by themselves.

[73CheyenneSuper20]

Well, it hasn't ended yet, and everything usually takes a spike in cost right at the end.
So, that sounds good to use the parts without switching the frame.

[Cyclone]

cucv norcal