1972 4x4 chassis

[jwalt2gfd]

Will a 1972 4x4 chassis be a good donor chassis to put a 1965 body and bed on. I know there will be fabrication needed but it sounds like the 67-72 chassis is a closer fit than 1973 and up. Any insight would be appriciated. Thanks. jwalt.

[KroAutomotiveInc]

i have seen 2 of these trucks on 70's blazer frames and i almost bet its about the same amount of work using ether style of chassis.

[argonaut]

The basic frame design is the same from 1963 to 1972. If you wanted to put a 65 body and bed on a 72 chassis all you really need to do is swap on the pair of 63-66 radiator support mount brackets, the pair of 63-66 front cab mount brackets, and the pair of 63-66 rear cab mount brackets. These brackets could be from any 63-66 C-series or K-series pickup. The bed mounts are the same.

The suspension will be a little different. up to 66 the spring and shackle hangers are cast brackets that use greasable bronze bushings. 67-72 uses stamped steel hanger brackets and rubber (or polyurethane aftermarket) bushings. Also the leaf springs, while similar in length will have different arches, eye sizes and rear blocks. The 72 style is a slightly better setup in my opinion.