55-59 body on 67-72 frame

[dubie]

hey smokie, did you have to cut the frame for shortening or lengthening in that frame? Or was it a direct swap? The alignment looks great!!

[MOTHERTRUCKERS]

I have a 57 3100 shortbed and have been thinking of putting a 72 trailing arm rear in it just to be different, I have done a little measuring and it looks like a fairly easy swap. Any comments?

[DennyB]

I made the pic a bit bigger.

[Smokie55]

Basically it is a direct bolt on. Now the bed should fit no problem. But as far as the cab you will probably need to move the cab mounts over. Not to much work. considering what it would take to cut and hack a frame. I think the difference in length is only like 1 inch.

Good luck guys.

BTW the panel is for sale if anyone is interested, just email me.
smokie1955@yahoo.com

[nitor]

So, a 4X4 73-87 is almost a direct bolt up. What about a 2wd? Is that the same? And am I reading this right, the 73-87 is more of a direct bolt up than the 67-72?

[DennyB]

Originally posted by nitor
So, a 4X4 73-87 is almost a direct bolt up. What about a 2wd? Is that the same? And am I reading this right, the 73-87 is more of a direct bolt up than the 67-72?

It depends on where you want your wheels centered.

If were dealing with a swb 55-59 the wheelbase length is 114"
A 67-72 is 115"
If you want the wheels centered with the upper horizontal section of the wheel opening then you need a 114"-115" wheelbase. (like the stock chassis)
If you want the wheels centered with the lower opening then 73-87 is the one you want.

THE SWB 2wd is the same wheelbase as the 4wd.

I also remember reading somewhere on this board that the 73-87 is a little more narrow which helps with the fitment to a 55-59 body. I have not confirmed this myself.

I hope this helps.

[nitor]

Denny,

Thanks for the reply. I suppose I hadn't really thought about where I wanted the wheels. I was thinking more about the ease of the swap, what mounts were usable, etc...
Whichever I use, I'm getting rid of that straight axle.

[Lucky59]

My truck sits real nice on the 76 blazer frame its on now... I am not sure of the original length or even the cut length it is now. But I think it sits nicely... This kinda topic came up a while ago. And I forgot all about it. If you guys want I could try and find the pics I posted before and get some measurements... That is if you want.

PM me if you have any more questions, I will try to help.

Lucky

[DennyB]

I think I found the link that Lucky is refering to
Click here