73-87 frames

[Nukes16]

Can anyone help with a frame question. Is there any difference at all between a '79 shortbox frame and an '86 shortbox frame? I bent my 86 frame and found a 79 frame for a decent price, I am 90% sure that they are the same but am wondering if there are any differences be them minor or not?
Thanks

[tvblazer78]

They should be the same, I think it's only the Blazer frame that changed in the mid 70's.

Is that right guys?

[f.monroe]

At least one difference . The front frame horns are different starting in 81 . Bumper mounts different . The cab bushings are different also but I think you can use the ones designed for the frame and it will work fine with the cab you are using .
Frank

[thinair]

Originally Posted by f.monroe

At least one difference . The front frame horns are different starting in 81 . Bumper mounts different . The cab bushings are different also but I think you can use the ones designed for the frame and it will work fine with the cab you are using .
Frank

correct,the front bumper is different,you can cut the horns on the 79 to match your 86 and use the 81 up bumper...........you will need to use body mounts for the 73-80 style for the 79 frame (front clip & cab),that way it is all uniform

[tvblazer78]

Good info guys..

[Fer79]

The front frame horns are different and the body mounts, but if it is possible to adapt.

my 1980 frame have to cut to fit a 1990 front clip Burban








I use the body mounts 1980

[killthewabbit]

Nice pics Fer

[80stepsideguy]

Also the rear crossmember i believe are different.I got a section fro ma 85 frame and it had the holes in the rear crossmember and the 77 frame i bought was a solid piece. But if you use the 79 frame your going to have to purchase the 73-80 body mounts but your cab will bolt right up as im converting a 85 cab to a 1980 setup by removing the slots for the hood hinges and the metal dash as well.

thanks
pat

[Nukes16]

Great info guys, thanks a lot. When you guys say body mounts, do you mean that I have to pop the rivet out of the old mounts that are attached to the frame and then bolt on the mounts that go with the 86 cab? And then use the bushings for the 86 as well? And if so, do I have to do this with both the front and back mounts?
As for the front horns, it appears as though I can just trim the bottom curve off and then bolt up the horn caps (if that is what they are called). The length is the exact same then? Can I just use the 86 bushings and bolts to connect the rad support?
Thanks again guys.
Jay

[Nukes16]

One more question for you guys. Is there a way to put a 73-80 front end on the 81-87 cab. I didn't realize that the hood has different hinges. Surely someone has tried to use the older hood with the newer cab...anyone?
Thanks again
J

[80stepsideguy]

Originally Posted by Nukes16

Great info guys, thanks a lot. When you guys say body mounts, do you mean that I have to pop the rivet out of the old mounts that are attached to the frame and then bolt on the mounts that go with the 86 cab? And then use the bushings for the 86 as well? And if so, do I have to do this with both the front and back mounts?
As for the front horns, it appears as though I can just trim the bottom curve off and then bolt up the horn caps (if that is what they are called). The length is the exact same then? Can I just use the 86 bushings and bolts to connect the rad support?
Thanks again guys.
Jay

If you look on the 86 frame you`ll see the body mount perches are different shape then the 73/80 frame.there the perces that are riveted to the frame to hold the radiator support and the cab.The holes on the 81-7 perches are a bit bigger i believe then the 73-80 and the rubber body mounts wont work on the 81/7 frame and vise a versa(81-7 mounts on a 73-80 frame).The kit will only set you back aout 75.00 from energy suspension.Its well worth it i think if our going to build a sweet truck like your doing now.

thanks
pat

[80stepsideguy]

Originally Posted by Nukes16

One more question for you guys. Is there a way to put a 73-80 front end on the 81-87 cab. I didn't realize that the hood has different hinges. Surely someone has tried to use the older hood with the newer cab...anyone?
Thanks again
J

Im dong that now, i`m converting a 85 cab back to 80 specs.The problem you`ll face is the 81-7 cab has the slots for the hood hinge as 73-80 they were bolted on the fender itself.The 73-80 cab has the bolts to adjust the back of the hood.You`ll need to either weld up the hole with a piece of sheetmetal and weld a carriage nut or a regular nut on the backside to use for the hood adjuster.Here is a section i cut out and welded on my 85 cab.Its not alot of work but if you take your time it comes out like factory once completed.

thanks
pat


p.s. i realized something else on your 81-7 cab you got these holes in the back for the cowl panel.If your wanting to do the 73-80 front end you may want to consider welding up the holes and smoothing it out as pictured.

[magwakeenercew2jh]

Damn! You guys are good.

[-AJ-]

good info, i was just wondering the same question. i am going to buy an 1980 swb frame to put my 1987 body on

[-AJ-]

are the swb beds the same thru 73-87?

[ghettoluxury]

the gas hole and tailgate hinges are diffrent, 73-80 had round hole with a cap and 81-87 had a square filler door.

[Number21]

Originally Posted by ghettoluxury

the gas hole and tailgate hinges are diffrent, 73-80 had round hole with a cap and 81-87 had a square filler door.

Actually, they got the gas door in '79.

[ghettoluxury]

that's right, forgot about the rolling style change right before the odd front end in 80