Swap Body on Newer Frame or Driveline on C10 frame

[burnie6bt]

Hey Gang,

I am looking at updating my 72 C10 to modernize it a bit. There is a well built 2004 2500HD ECSB as a potential. My question is would it be better/easier/cheaper/etc. to swap the 72 C10 body on the 2004 Frame or the engine/trans/rear end into the C10?

I am not set on going 4wd so if I swap on the C10 frame I may just keep it 2wd and utilize the engine to rear end. Especially with the aftermarket support on these trucks.

The current C10 setup is a 355 sbc, Holley Sniper, TH350, Factory 12bolt (3.55 I believe), no limited slip or locker, no heat or AC in the truck (had both from factory). It would be nice to update to an LS, 4l80E, LSD rear end with 3.73's, Heat, AC, etc. So with all that, there is a benefit to buying an already built 2004 6.0 truck.

Thought? Opinions? Thrown Tomatoes?

Thanks in advance, I know this has been discussed, and have searched a bit.

[Rickysnickers]

My question is, why not use that '04 and put the drivetrain into your original frame? There's no body mods or anything. There are parts you can purchase to put that LS into your current chassis and not have the headache of doing a body swap.

If it were my truck, I use what's in the truck currently, dd a nice aftermarket suspension system, then add a rearend and aftermarket AC as money becomes available.

[burnie6bt]

Originally Posted by Rickysnickers

My question is, why not use that '04 and put the drivetrain into your original frame? There's no body mods or anything. There are parts you can purchase to put that LS into your current chassis and not have the headache of doing a body swap.

If it were my truck, I use what's in the truck currently, dd a nice aftermarket suspension system, then add a rear-end and aftermarket AC as money becomes available.

That is what I am asking, using the 04 driveline is an option. I would like to get some power and drivability gains. Mainly power gains from the LS (it's is a 6.0 with a decent sized single charger, heads, cam, spring, studs, and pushrods) and drivability from the 4l80e, mainly having overdrive.

I don't mind the 355, especially with the addition of the sniper. The power gains are simply more expensive. However, to your point, it is smaller price steps to keep the driveline. I considered building a 383 stroker out of the current 355 then if/when I want to grow put a power adder on it.

As it sits the 04 is 850hp to the tires with dyno sheets, so that is rather tempting!

By the way, the current 72 is in my avatar.........It's an older restoration (1995 updated paint and minor other items in 2007)

[clay68c10]

Swap the parts into your frame. Way less work than making new cab, core support, and bed mounts. Plus the profile of the 2 frames will be very different, and the wheelbase may not match up either.

[MARKDTN]

I keep looking at something similar. Big problem is that a late pickup is nowhere near the same wheelbase. A Tahoe is very close to a SWB and a Suburban is close to a LWB but none of the late pickups have the right WB for a 67-72 (unless you ran a flatbed). The track width is also wider on the late truck vs 67-72. Wheels with deep offset would help. If you look there was a guy who did an early Suburban on a (shortened) late truck frame and another who did a SWB on a '02 Tahoe frame.

[cj847]

There is a company that makes a kit to put C10's on 2000-2006 Tahoe chassis. I think it's the same folks that make the kit for an S10 chassis under 1948-1959. I still don't think it is worth the effort. Also, I think i would only consider it if I was going 4wd. As you can see in the pics the truck sits really high and I don't think the tahoe has enough adjustment to get it down to a nice looking stance without significant modification.


https://www.e-zchassisswaps.com/16

[CC69Rat]

67, with 2004 6.0 LS / 4L80e.

Much easier this way. I have changed a lot since this Pic, but.. as a general idea. It's not too bad. It's my first LS swap.

[HO455]

Swapping the later frame under your C10 is eventually going to end up in some sort of DMV dog and pony show. Either for you or the next owner.

[special-K]

This is nothing I'd consider but thought I'd help you get your terminology straight.

Driveline is used in place of driveshaft... both same thing. Matter of choice.

Drivetrain is everything bolted to the chassis to make it go from engine to rear axle. some say running gear. Some will argue that doesn't include the engine