AD frame difference

[sevt_chevelle]

Is the 54-55 frame different then the 48- 53 frame?
Am wanting to swap my 3/4 ton frame for a 1/2 ton frame on my 49 and wondering what years will swap?
For some reason am thinking that the 54 frame is different and won't swap with the earlier trucks.

Thanks for any help...Eric

[BlueJeep]

Yes, it is different. The "hump" over the rear axle isn't as high, allowing the 54-55 to have the deeper bed like the 55-59. Other than that I'm not sure of the other differences...but obviously the cab will fit. What are you running for a bed? If you're getting a shorter bed anyway, might look for the 54 style.

[sevt_chevelle]

Am running the earlier style 47-53 bed.
If the 54 frame doesn't have the hump or as much, am guessing lowering the truck would be harder to due unless you install some C- notches.

Am not wanting to slam the truck in the weeds, just drop it down some and am NOT willing to raise the bed floor to accommodate a large C- notch...Eric

[mr48chev]

There are some little differences between the frames but not enough to worry about.

I've got a 54 Frame under my 48 and really never saw any difference in the kick over the rear axle. The 54 Bed is deeper because the sides go up equal with the Top of the angled out side rails on the 47/53 trucks. If you lay a board across the top of the rails on a 47/53 it will be the same depth at the bed floor as the 54 from that line to the floor.

The big difference I've seen is that the early trucks had lever action shocks and the 51 and up had tube shocks.

[sweet70beast]

The kick up is a bit lower on the 54 frame. I have a bare 54 frame and a bare 52 frame and it is a noticeable difference, however it won't be a big deal to put a 47-53 bed on a 54-55.1 frame. Vice versa might be a little different story.

[solidaxel]

Here is a 55 1st series SB and a 53 short bed.
Hard to tell from here

[House13]

The cab mounts are different too...
Posted via Mobile Device

[mknittle]

Originally Posted by House13

The cab mounts are different too...
Posted via Mobile Device

Yeah, 47-48? had three point{A rubber bushing} in the middle at thr rear
The later had shackles like leaf springs.