question about wheelbase ? swapping cabs/beds

[chritter51]

I am about to start a build on a shop truck.
here is what I have: an 86 single cab long bed & an 86 crew cab long bed dually. I want a half ton 5 lug crew cab. I don't mind putting regular long bed and suspension on dually and having long bed crew 5 lug half ton. but I was wondering if I could put crew cab on my half ton dually and use a short bed?
just wondering. thanks for any input.
chris

[chritter51]

Originally Posted by chritter51

I am about to start a build on a shop truck.
here is what I have: an 86 single cab long bed & an 86 crew cab long bed dually. I want a half ton 5 lug crew cab. I don't mind putting regular long bed and suspension on dually and having long bed crew 5 lug half ton. but I was wondering if I could put crew cab on my half ton dually and use a short bed?
just wondering. thanks for any input.
chris

I meant put crew cab on my half ton long bed and use a regular short bed.

[willett]

Anything is possible but that would Not be easy
Your better to cut down the crew frame, That seems to be what most folks do.

[J Knight]

If you put the cc on the rclb frame you will have to stretch the frame under the cab then shorten the rear of the frame to fit a short bed. It would be much less work to shorten the dually frame to fit a short bed and swap in the 1/2 ton suspension.

[Jonboy]

Originally Posted by J Knight

If you put the cc on the rclb frame you will have to stretch the frame under the cab then shorten the rear of the frame to fit a short bed. It would be much less work to shorten the dually frame to fit a short bed and swap in the 1/2 ton suspension.

Sort of. It would be easier to cut the rear of both frames, and use the rear of the frame of the 1/2 ton with the suspension to do the swap you want (since you have it available). You will need to make a plate at the bottom of the frame to match the rail highths, but if you are cutting and welding a frame it should not be too much more of an issue. I shortened the frame on my 3/4 ton and then swapped in 1/2 ton suspension; I wish I had just cut up my donor frame at the same time.

[chritter51]

thanks for the replies. doesn't look like ill be doing any of that. I need to put the truck to work asap so looks like ill have a crew long bed. picking up the dually tomorrow. ill get some pics up on the crew cab pic thread.
chris

[andrewmp6]

Its easier to take the 1ton crew cab and shorten the frame to a short bed.As far as 5 lug the front is bolt in the rear will take a rear end swap or if its a 14 bolt it could be changed to 5 lug but its not cheap.