SWB frames not all created equal...

[68GMCCustom]

Not sure why...but I thought the coil spring and leaf spring SWB frames would be the same...with this hole or that being used for mounts, crossmembers, etc. depending on configuration...but the frames would be the same with the same hole locations and all.

WRONG!

Or at least in my case with a '68 GMC frame and a '72 C-10 frame. Not only are crossmembers and suspension mounts in different places (rear of frame) as expected...but holes for the other rear suspension type appear to be non-existent... coupled with rises in the frame surface for support of the leaf spring hangers. Oh well...another detail learned about these old trucks and I'm sure it won't be the last.

My plan (after taking a clean '68 GMC and a rusty primered '72 C-10 and making one nicer truck) has always been to re-join my trucks '68 body with the '68 chassis (the '72 C-10 frame its on now has been wrecked, backyard repaired, and is still tweaked), just didn't realize swapping the rear suspension over would be this involved. Probably why I just switched bodies instead of components when I started.

Oh well...just something else to complicate the build.

I guess I should start a build thread...not only do I have the motor and trans already, I've already began stripping the old '68 frame of un-needed rivets and grinding/sanding the old paint off and prepping for any changes followed by primer/paint. Thinking of the new Eastwood "ceramic" chassis black...or POR15. Anyone with experience with both like to give some comparison info, or direct me to a thread covering both?

[Hottrucks]

not only did you switch from springs to leaf but you also are talking about a disc frame vs the Drum's..I know that 71 was the change year but the cab mounts should still line up???

teach me????

[1968SWBBigBlock]

The differences might be more than just years and spring styles - we know that GMC and chevy fenders do not match up - also the suspension between 68 & 70 changed to allow for the wide track suspension
I suspect many changes occured from 68-72

[68GMCCustom]

Originally Posted by Hottrucks

not only did you switch from springs to leaf but you also are talking about a disc frame vs the Drum's..I know that 71 was the change year but the cab mounts should still line up???

teach me????

Oh I think all the mounts are in the same places...its the other things. Also, from everything I've read, installing a '72 front crossmember/steering on a '68 frame is a simple bolt on..inlcuding the p.s. as long as the '68 frame had it.

These are changes from the center crossmember back.