Considering a frame swap want some advice

[dirtywrencher]

I currently have a 71 c/20 camper special. I love the truck but I would love it that much more if it was 4x4. I have a friend that will sell me his 81 c/20 and I was wondering how compatible the frames would be to swap the 71 body on the 81 frame. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Posted via Mobile Device

[GASoline71]

A Camper Special is a Ford... and if the 81 is a 4X4 it would be a K20 and not C20.

But I'm assuming you want to take a 1971 3/4ton Chevrolet Custom Camper 2wd body and stick it onto a 1981 Chevrolet 3/4ton 4X4 frame.

It's doable, but you'll have to fab body mounts and I believe the later model trucks had longer frames, so you would have to either cut the frame in front or reaar to get the bumpers to align right.

Gary

[cdowns]

then once all the fab work is done you have a frankenstien that may not pass close inspection by DMV

[67c10rustbuket]

Welcome to the forum, most of us are friendly

This topic comes up often and if I understand correctly you will need a 3" - 4" body lift for the cab to clear the frame under the cab (73+ frames rise under the cab where 67-72 are flat) then you will have to move the rear axle to center in the wheel wells of the bed. Relocate body mounts and I'm sure many other small things to make it work. Maybe you could just use some of the 4x4 parts on your frame? This would be answered much better on the 4x4 tech section, linked here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/f...splay.php?f=30 There is a bunch of 4x4 guys with lots of knowledge to help you/advise you better.

[ole dollor]

welcome to the board from Texas. there is a lot of really good info. on here, and good luck on your swap....like others have said talk to the 4x4 guys and i bet they will steer you in the right direction...

[dirtywrencher]

Originally Posted by 67c10rustbuket

Welcome to the forum, most of us are friendly

This topic comes up often and if I understand correctly you will need a 3" - 4" body lift for the cab to clear the frame under the cab (73+ frames rise under the cab where 67-72 are flat) then you will have to move the rear axle to center in the wheel wells of the bed. Relocate body mounts and I'm sure many other small things to make it work. Maybe you could just use some of the 4x4 parts on your frame? This would be answered much better on the 4x4 tech section, linked here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/f...splay.php?f=30 There is a bunch of 4x4 guys with lots of knowledge to help you/advise you better.

Thanks guys for the helpful responses. I will post in the 4x4
section.
Posted via Mobile Device