4x4 Question

[NuBomb]

I have a 66 body, but NO FRAME. I want to build a SWB 4x4 one day. What frame do I look for? I'll be kind of learning frame and suspension skills on this build, so i'm looking for the most straight forward way. I'm not looking to build some hard core rig, but maybe something I can play in the mud a little. I imagine finding a 66 swb 4x4 is a needle in the haystack, and I know there are not lift kits mid 60's 4x4's. Looking for suggestions. Thanks, Jeremy.

[Chevy Fleetside]

I heard the mid 70's blazers work well. There is still alot of welding for the mounts though. Also if you can find one from 67 up to 72 it might be even easier.

[NuBomb]

Blazers are a popular frame people use to convert, but you would have to extend the frame to match the length of a SWB truck and then rework the body mounts. Such a swap might be a little ambitous for my lack of skills and I definitely want to keep the truck the correct SWB length. Thanks. though.

[Captainfab]

A '67-'72 frame will be the easiest for your swap. The '69-'72 would be preferable if you want to buy a lift kit for it since no one makes lift kits for the '67 & '68's. The '73-'87 frames may be easier to find, but you will need to do a fair amount of fab work building body mounts to install your '66 body onto one.....BTDT.

[NuBomb]

Wouldn't it be extremely difficult to find a 69-72 4x4 swb frame? What about converting a factory 60-66 2wd frame to 4x4 using the springs from a 73-87 frame. (Kind of what 62 short step did except I think he started with a 4x4 frame) I'm just looking at the options. I probably have time to find a 69-72 4x4 swb frame given when I might actually do this. I just don't want to pass up a great deal should I find one.

[62 short step]

Yes I did start with a 61 4x4 frame. I have an extra 60-66 GMC 4x4 frame.

[NuBomb]

Is it SWB? We talked swapped PM's earlier, but you had decided to keep the frame. I read the post where you did the swap and I think I could do something like that. I'm interested.

[62 short step]

Its a swb. I'll pm you my # if you want to talk.

[sixfour4x4]

i agree about the 67-72 frame. i'm actually sitting on a newer frame, but anything is possible with fab skills. your easiest way would be obvious though, nab up a 60-66 frame. other frames will just necessitate relocation of body mounts, hangers and shackles. about the "lift kits"...springs are springs. as your doing your frame mods you'll be able to put whatever hangers whatever length springs you want therefore making a lift kit all in your hands. you'll want to keep things in mind. what are your intentions with the 4x4? and steering becomes your next concern. if you need help let me know

[LILRED66]

The easiest swap is to find a '63-'66 Chevy swb 4x4. I sold two complete swb 4x4 rolling chassis, complete with factory running gear in 2009. They are still around, but you have to search. Based on the amount of mods, it is worth your while to find a factory 4x4 swb roller.

[NuBomb]

Are the 60-66 4x4 frames all the same? I thought I read somewhere that they were.

[62 short step]

They are pretty much the the same, except for the engine mounts. 60-62 has the horseshoe mount on the front of engine. 63-66 has traditional engine mounts on each side of the block. Thats why im putting a 67 engine crossmember in mine. The extra frame i have is the earlier frame.

[NuBomb]

Thanks. I would probably just follow your lead and do the same.

[62 short step]

Originally Posted by NuBomb

Thanks. I would probably just follow your lead and do the same.

Cool!