88', will it work???

[morgan357]

I have been givin a chance to use an 88' chassis for my swap to a 66' body. I member something bout if i wanna use a chassis it has to be an 87' or earlier? is this true? If not what "problems" can I expect? I am looking to get outa the swap power disc, pwr steering, auto trans, and 5 lug.

[tincan1966]

Any swap is possible, given the necessary resources and ability. The ease of some swaps makes them more affordable and easier to accomplish.
Something I would be interested in knowing would be the track width of the '88 and newer pickups-seems to me they are a bit wider, but I could be wrong. You ay also run into a wheelbase conflict, but that can be rectified , as well. The engine/trans location may need to be modified, as well,as the older trucks seem to have less engine set back than the newer models(ie engine is more forward over the front suspension)

The main concern is your local laws governing VIN numbers and switching bodies and frames around.

It all boils down to the amount of work and $$ you are willing to invest.
It's a swap I'd consider doing, if that means anything. LOL!

[morgan357]

Well I'm expecting a baby girl in mid March so cheaper the better. LOL.I am guessing there's no easy "year" of chevy that I can just unbolt the body and move the stuff I want to the new chassis? My ideal plan was to find a year and "combo" of parts and just maybe do the switch. I fortunately have A LOT of trucks in a wrecking yard near here that in 2 weeks I am sad to say the owner is bringing in the crusher. He has said that if I "put a lil down" he will save what ever I want. Soooo maybe if someone sees this and can tell me what the easiest year is, or if you could ask around? I would be so so greatful. What I have is a 66' that's a long step side C10. 292ci, 4 on the floor original, man. drum brakes, man. steering. I have to keep the straight 6 for o.c.d. purposes!!! Wich I am looking to hook up to an auto trans. I would very much like to have outa' the deal 5 lug, power disc front brakes, and power steering. I keep hearing that if i get from a 67-70 and 72-87 or something everything should fit really easy. I basically need to know before the guy crushes everything what is the easiest combo I can go with?

[tincan1966]

Why switch out the entire chassis?

Find a '73-'87 chevy 1/2T in the salvage yard, unbolt the suspension pieces and put them on your truck. There's about a zillion forums here about how to do that and what all you'll need. It would be about the simplest and least expensive route.

[morgan357]

Member I am a novice mechanic but I want to do the swap cuz I thought I would have an easier time doing it? I can also get the parts I need cheaper I think if I go with buying a whole truck instead of part by part? If you are crazy enough to spend the time to list what all and from what trucks I need the things I can do what I want to mine I am willing to learn?

[morgan357]

So 73 -87 is the way to go? kool!!! I will prolly choose 2 of the best looking trucks and try to buy them both to give some of the members a chance on deals. I do not believe in making a profit above what I pay or trade so if any of the members you know would like to send me a list of things they need I can pull for them I would gladly try and help. Member that it was 8 degrees here today so no crazy requests please. I might even pull an easy part or 2 off of those F*** word trucks for the rite member. LOL

[Captainfab]

The '88 and up frames are waaaaay different than the '87 and earlier. You would be looking at a huge amount of fabrication to put your '66 body onto that frame. You will be far better off and have an easier job just finding a '71-'87 C10 pickup or Suburban donor and swapping the front suspension, steering and brakes. 99% of the time I advise against swapping frames for many reasons, most of which are mentioned above. And seeing that you are also in Idaho I strongly urge you to keep your original frame, unless you want to go thru all the documentation and paper work to make it legal. If it is not done legally, and the state DMV finds out, your truck can be confiscated.

Check out the '60-'66 EAQ index for all the threads you will need for info on everything you will want to do to your truck.

[LostMy65]

Keep the 66 frame.
Take all the goodies off a 73-87.
Roll them in under your 66 frame.
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[ABX131]

I bookmarked this thread as a reference for my 63' which was also converted. It is a good one to follow if you are considering something like this.

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=448681