Frame rails

[Roger in Republic]

This is a question that jumps generations. I am thinking about replacing my 1977 C10 with a newer truck. I want to go newer than 87 to replace my plow truck. The question is : Is the distance between the frame rails different between the 73-87 and the newer models of half ton 4x4's I'd like to get in to the 90-95 model range. The plow parts cataloges don't go back to my model year as the plow is a 74 -75 model and the mount was custom made to fit my 1977 farm truck. Thanks for your time.

[cadillac_al]

I'm 90% sure those 90's trucks with 90's mounts will hook up to a 70's plow. I just discussed this a couple weeks ago with my buddy but my memory doesn't last that long. I will be seeing him again in a couple days so I will have him remind me again. He has both and I'm pretty sure he swapped them back and forth to move them.

[slotard]

When I asked about putting my '73 cab on a newer frame I was told that the spacing is different but I don't know if that applies at the bumper mount or just at the cab mounts.

[Roger in Republic]

AL. My mount was made for my truck. More modern plows use a set of lugs bolted to the frame rails that "quick Connect" to the plow. Mine has a large plate with ears that pin to the plow. My problem is that I am way out in the woods and and I am almost housebound. It is hard for me to get out and measure the rails on any newer trucks. I would hate to drive 80 miles to see a truck and then find that it is too wide or too narrow to work. I could shim it a little if it was too narrow but too wide would make it impossible to get a good fit. Our only really good fabricator had a problem with Meth and seems to have disappeared.

I guess I will have to get my tape measure out and go to town and measure all the trucks in the Tavern parking lot. I hope I don't get shot for my trouble.

[RandyP]

Just slide over to the 88-98 forum and ask someone for measurements. I imagine you'll get an answer fairly quickly without ever leaving the house. Surely there are enough builds going on in that forum someone can measure and send a photo even if you needed.

I'll see if my frame books might have some measurements for you, just not sure how far back they go to be honest.

[ray_mcavoy]

I think the 88-98 frames are a bit wider. But in addition to that, the whole front section is a boxed construction (not open C-channel). So I don't think 73-87 plow mounts are going to come any where near close to bolting on to an 88-98 frame.

Here is a good pic of an 88-98 frame from this thread --> http://www.chevytalk.org/fusionbb/sh...hp?tid/254076/

[Roger in Republic]

wow! That looks a lot wider than mine. If I do get a newer truck I may have to take my mount into the "Big City" and have it modified. Thanks to you all for the trouble.

[RandyP]

The mitchell online frame information does not go past the GMT400 era. Here is a shot of a 96 K1500 if it helps you any at all.

[Roger in Republic]

Thanks Randy. All of this is good dope.