Swap frame/body or sell & buy 4x4

[grancuda]

I am considering getting a 4x4 instead of a 2wd. I a really like my truck but wish it were a 4wd. It is currently a 83k mile '72 GMC LWB 250 I6 w/ 3 speed on the tree. It has had 1 repaint and it needs cab corners and the front lower fenders cut out due to rust, other than that it is rust free. I am debating on buying a cheap rough 4x4 and swapping my body onto it. What problems would I encounter, I know I will have to cut out my center hump and set it up to accept the bolt in high hump style. Would I need to stick with certain years since my truck is a '72? I know probably the logical thing to do is just sell this one and buy a 4x4 but I don't see me selling this truck and finding another as clean for the money. I bought this truck for $3500 a little over a year ago and I don't think I could sell it and buy a 4x4 without having to come up with quite a bit of cash. I was going to invest some money in buying some wheels/tires for it but I may put that off till I decide what to do. Anyone else done this? I was also planning on a V8 conversion for mine as it is a 250 6 cyl right now so maybe I could find a 4x4 with a decent motor and but rough body.

[Jtrux]

Alot of people will say don't do it, but it's your truck so I say go for it. Your truck would look awesome 4x4. I don't know if the mounts can be swapped for your I6 on the 4x4 frame but if they can be just keep your motor but that would be a good time to do a V8 conversion.

As far as the high hump is concerned, you would have to do that which wouldn't be the biggest deal. I hope this truck isn't your daily driver, it will be a pretty in depth project. I would completley clean up the 4x4 frame and get it exactly how you want it before the swap to make things easier.

[griesel72]

i'd say swap it, i did a body swap on the truck in my avatar, and it was really pretty easy, even easier if you find a running and driving (but ruff) 4X4 to swap it out with. I spent 1000 on my rough 4X4 that i used for a swap.

good luck
David

[WIDESIDE72]

I have a 71 Cheyenne LWB that someone has already swapped the body onto a 4x4 (VIN starts with a "C" instead of a "K"). The body, cab and bed are pretty well shot from rust. The doors, seat and engine/ trans are gone since this picture. Transfer case is still there. The previous owner recently installed a 4" Superlift. It has white wagon spoke wheels and 2 pretty new 33x10.50x15 tires on front. It does have disc brakes on the front as well. I plan to list it on here next week. No title, bill of sale only $1000

[WIDESIDE72]

My plan was to pull the body off this truck and clean it up then find a clean 2wd truck to set the body on to. In the meant time, I found a 72 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4 with a decent body, so I changed plans. Buying a chassis like this would minimize your down time.

[Spray-Bomb]

Go for it, its a sweet truck & would look sick as a 4x4

But like said, get your 4x4 frame all done before the body swap to make it go quicker

I think you could do it in a weekend with a couple of good friends

[msgross]

here you go, contact joesjunk for all the details...

conversion:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=313007
frame:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=297694
conversion:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=276468

[Mudder]

Mike beat me to it. Contact Joe. That texas truck would work also.

[Joesjunk]

I say swap it!! Yes, I have done 8 or so swaps and they are easy. Just take your time and its not bad. I just used a 72 GMC 3/4t 4x4 chassis on my last swap. I have a few 3/4t 4x4 chassis for sale if you are looking. Your truck would look great as a 4x4. Send me a message if you have any questions!!! Good luck!!!!

[WIDESIDE72]

$1000 or make an offer