4x4 frame interchangeability between 67-72 & 73 up

[coggonobrien]

Hello I am getting geared up to build a Chevy 4x4 and had a question
pertaining to chassis interchangeability. I have been offered a dirt
cheap 1975 4x4 manual to be used in my 1969 truck project. basically
i can get the 2wd 69 for cheap as well but ideally want to build a 4x4
to be used as a farm truck. I know the crossmembers will all be in
the wrong places but I am under the impression that the 69 box will
bolt directly to the 75 frame. then all the cab mounts, radiator core
supports, bumper mounts, etc will have to be custom mounted. Is there
any truth to this and has anyone done it? thanks, Dave

[1972Ryan]

I'd like to know also.

[1969k10stepside]

The whole chassis is designed different pretty much.It's longer and is shaped alot different than a 67-72 frame.You will most likely need a body lift,shorten the chassis or deal with a gap between the cab and bed,plus all the mounts for the body to deal with.I'd go for converting the 2wd to 4wd using the springs,axles,tranny,t-case,etc,etc on the 67-72 chassis before going to the trouble of using a 73-87 chassis.People convert 4wd blazers to 2wd everday,don't know what you can't do the opposit.Mudder put a 67 body on a newer chassis,you might ask him

[coggonobrien]

interesting. so in ur opinion just move the entire drivetrain/suspension to the older frame?

[coggonobrien]

or i guess rather use the drivetrain and probably get a lift kit for the 69 frame and bolt those springs to the newer drive train?

[ed2552]

i have a 67 K10 long bed that needs some work.

edited......... Ed you need to subscribe to sell parts here on the boards.

[ed2552]

Where in Iowa is Coggon? Northern or southern? How far from the MN border?

[FormerMember]

Originally Posted by 1969k10stepside

The whole chassis is designed different pretty much.It's longer and is shaped alot different than a 67-72 frame.You will most likely need a body lift,shorten the chassis or deal with a gap between the cab and bed,plus all the mounts for the body to deal with.I'd go for converting the 2wd to 4wd using the springs,axles,tranny,t-case,etc,etc on the 67-72 chassis before going to the trouble of using a 73-87 chassis.People convert 4wd blazers to 2wd everday,don't know what you can't do the opposit.Mudder put a 67 body on a newer chassis,you might ask him

There are vendors out there that have a 2WD to 4WD conversion kit... you could use the drive line from the later model to do it.

(I did it)

[duallyjams]

A 2 wheel frame and a 4x4 frame are totality different.Swapping would be harder than going with a 69 on a 75 frame. I believe that Mudder has a right up on how to do it and oldblue60 has a truck that the same thing was done.

[FormerMember]

Originally Posted by duallyjams

A 2 wheel frame and a 4x4 frame are totality different.Swapping would be harder than going with a 69 on a 75 frame. I believe that Mudder has a right up on how to do it and oldblue60 has a truck that the same thing was done.

I am not sure what you're saying here.

I have done the 2 to 4wd swap. It used to be pretty hard, but the brackets are available. They're really not that different. See the C to K conversion thread linked in my signature.

I have also done the body swaps, which was far tougher.

Add in swapping drive train and I am not sure.

[duallyjams]

That would make you the MAN.

[FormerMember]

Originally Posted by duallyjams

That would make you the MAN.

Heh, no that would make me ADDICTED.




These make it easy:

[duallyjams]

What a great addiction.