Hi all, drivetrain and suspension question

[Mr-Johnny]

First off hello to everyone and i have sure found a bunch of real good information on this site.
My question is what issues would I have attaching the 4x4 running gear and suspension off of my 1979 half ton chevy to my 1965 2x4 half ton chevy frame?
I know this has probably been answered before but I can't find the threads could somebody give me some info or direct me to the threads.
Thanks for any help.
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[Mr-Johnny]

Oh well I guess I'll figure it out as I go.

[chevyrestoguy]

I've never done that kind of swap-over, but off the top of my head, you'll have to figure out front leaf spring mounts, a transfer case mount, cut a hole in the floor for the hi-low selector, possibly re-mount the '79 rear axle due to the pinion offset, and figure out driveshaft lengths. I think you'll be surprised at just how much stuff off of the '79 you can use. Chevy was really good about making their stuff usable on a wide range of vehicles. I'm pretty certain that there's been some guys on this site that have done this swap, and I hope they can post up with some good tips for you.

I would consider just using the parts off of the '79 and not doing a entire chassis swap between the '65 and the '79. That poses a whole new set of problems with cab mounting, wheelbase, and track width.

[Clyde65]

Ummm, being 4x4 wouldnt it be cool to use the 79 frame and put the cab/bed on it from the 65 with a small body lift? I dont know, Im just asking.

[Captainfab]

I think it would be 6 of one, half dozen of the other whether to transfer all the 4wd components to the '65 frame or mount the '65 body onto the '79 frame. The biggest thing to consider in that decision is what is required in the state of Texas when switching frames, to make it 'legal'? You don't want to do the frame switch, and then have title/licensing issues.

A short while ago, I started a thread with some pics of mounting a '60-'66 body onto a '73-'87 frame and running gear. That one is a 2wd, but the body mounting would be the same, but you will still end up with aprox a 3" body lift. Here is the thread.

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=481023

Personally, I would transfer all the running gear to the '65 frame. I haven't done one like that, but I would just use the '79 frame as a guide. The frames are still very similar.

[Clyde65]

As long as both titles are in his name Texas wont care. now if they are, he really doesnt have to do anything unless he wants the 65 titled as a 4x4.