70 4x4 Frame or 72 4x4 Frame

[bhammer]

I have a quick question guys. Anyone know if there is a difference in the frames from a 70 Chevy 4x4 to a 72 GMC 4x4 frame? I picked up a replacement frame (the 70 Frame) to swap out for the 72 Chevy frame that was damaged in a front end accident. The front horns are bent to the passenger side about 5 inches. from the rear front shackle on.

The 70 appears at first glance to be a match but I'm thinking there might be a few differences as the measurements are off, I am not sure if it is because of the frame damage or not. Can anyone help? Is there a diagram showing what the stock dimensions are?

This is my first 4x4 rebuild and I am a little lost on the intricacies of 4x4 parts.


Brian

[dbash]

I understand one is wrecked but I'm curious what measurements your comparing. Was the wrecked truck always a 4X4? There are a lot of 2wd frames out there that have been converted to 4X4.

[bhammer]

well I am measuring the width of the frames at various places. The front is obviously whacked. I actually found out the replacement frame I just bought appears to be tweaked in front as well. I am pretty sure both are stock 4x4 frames because all the shackles and hardware are mounted with what appears to be the factory rivets. No bolts replacing the rivets. Although there are a ton of random holes on both frames. Not sure what they were for. I am going to take some more measurements tonight and see what I can come up with.

I researched in my factory repair manual and now I am stumped again. It gives dimensions for all the frames in a nice neat chart, however it lists the vehicles by Model number. Since I have 2 vehicles with no discernible model number on the glove box sticker I am not sure how to tell what model number I have. I want to take the frames to the body shop where he can repair the frame to the original specs but he wants/needs the dimensions first. Anyone know how I can tell which model number frame I have? Is there a number on the frame? One is for sure a 115" SWB 4x4 frame. Thats all I know now. I'm getting ready to measure the other.

Thanks Dbash....

Brian

[ryanroo]

with the hit your frame took, i am sure it is all sorts of out of whack. it really doesnt take much to diamond a stock frame. if it is diamonded badly it will be out of spec for width as well. if my memory serves, the frame on K-10or20 is 34 inches wide from roughly the front cab mounts back. the front ducks and weaves a little, and i forget what it is. a 2wd frame, at least one that started with coil rear will have a weird offset over the rear tires.

[argonaut]

70 and 72 frame rails should be the same.

[john@thepier]

Our body style will interchange and bolt up to any year frame from 67-72, stop worrying and put it together

[Jdubs71]

I assume the truck and blazer frames are similar in that there is a vin # stamped on top of the frame rail on the driver side near where the steering box would be mounted. That number will give you the year, 4x4 or 2wd, and the plant it was manufactured. You should be able to search the forum to find a thread that can decode your number.

[argonaut]

Yup. Also one on the driver's side where the cab sits.