Opinions on Frames of 67-72 Trucks - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**GOPAPA** · 05-02-2009, 05:58 PM

I understand that the 71-72 Truck frames are of a better steel ,,therefore stronger than the 67-70-ies..
Does this apply to all trucks 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton frames ?
Are the frames better for hauling? Racing ? or adding crossmembers to the frame?
Just what does the stronger frame do for you ? thought this might be a subject not covered in this way and something to add to our trivia of our trucks.

In my situation (1972 frame) I have had to move the crossmember for the tranny and in doing so I have used bolts to re hook it to the frame ..Not sure if rivets are stronger than bolts ,,you tell me ..and what about doing this with the 67-70 frames ,,beings these were weaker as I was told ??

Opinions wanted..

chas350 · 05-02-2009, 08:08 PM

As far as the rivets versus bolts, I would say rivets all the way. when the rivets are swaged (for lack of a better word) in the rivet diameter expands against the sides of the hole making a tighter fit preventing movement. movement allows wear. the twisting flexing nature of a frame can work at a bolted cross member. not a highway driven truck, but a 4x4 or work truck.

**GOPAPA** · 05-03-2009, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chas350

As far as the rivets versus bolts, I would say rivets all the way. when the rivets are swaged (for lack of a better word) in the rivet diameter expands against the sides of the hole making a tighter fit preventing movement. movement allows wear. the twisting flexing nature of a frame can work at a bolted cross member. not a highway driven truck, but a 4x4 or work truck.

I got to say I agree with you about the rivets ..makes sense ..

I just want to ask if you or who ever on the forum ever heard of what I just posted about the frames on the 71-72's being stonger steel ?

chas350 · 05-03-2009, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GOPAPA

I got to say I agree with you about the rivets ..makes sense ..

I just want to ask if you or who ever on the forum ever heard of what I just posted about the frames on the 71-72's being stonger steel ?

1st time hearing it a few days ago. I have no other knowledge personally, but I betcha there are others here......

**WorkinLonghorn** · 05-03-2009, 11:16 PM

It's news to me,but I've never had an issue with frames failing and I use them HARD!!! (1963,and 2 1969s) Maybe in the rusty areas it's a factor?

**Stocker** · 05-04-2009, 12:07 AM

I'm not aware of any difference in the steel -- but wait 'til Andy gets back from PR, he'll probably know!

sameyrasmea72 · 05-04-2009, 12:10 AM

For a tranny cross member, I would think that strength should not be major major concern because most if not all of the cross members for an auto trans are just bolted in and most are bolted in on the bottom side with nothing on the top side incase you want to move the cross member with the cab still on the truck

05-02-2009, 05:58 PM	#1
GOPAPA Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Nampa Idaho Posts: 7,511	Opinions on Frames of 67-72 Trucks I understand that the 71-72 Truck frames are of a better steel ,,therefore stronger than the 67-70-ies.. Does this apply to all trucks 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton frames ? Are the frames better for hauling? Racing ? or adding crossmembers to the frame? Just what does the stronger frame do for you ? thought this might be a subject not covered in this way and something to add to our trivia of our trucks. In my situation (1972 frame) I have had to move the crossmember for the tranny and in doing so I have used bolts to re hook it to the frame ..Not sure if rivets are stronger than bolts ,,you tell me ..and what about doing this with the 67-70 frames ,,beings these were weaker as I was told ?? Opinions wanted.. Last edited by GOPAPA; 05-02-2009 at 05:59 PM.

05-02-2009, 08:08 PM	#2
chas350 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Connecticut Posts: 581	Re: Opinions on Frames of 67-72 Trucks As far as the rivets versus bolts, I would say rivets all the way. when the rivets are swaged (for lack of a better word) in the rivet diameter expands against the sides of the hole making a tighter fit preventing movement. movement allows wear. the twisting flexing nature of a frame can work at a bolted cross member. not a highway driven truck, but a 4x4 or work truck. __________________ "I'll Procrastinate Tomorrow" quote by LEEVON 71 K10 long fleet (sons truck) new 370hp 355, sm465 np205, 3.73's 33's 70 K20 long fleet 98 G3500 work van

05-03-2009, 11:16 PM	#5
WorkinLonghorn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Studio City, Calif. Posts: 2,873	Re: Opinions on Frames of 67-72 Trucks It's news to me,but I've never had an issue with frames failing and I use them HARD!!! (1963,and 2 1969s) Maybe in the rusty areas it's a factor? __________________ '69 GMC C2500 Custom Camper, 8 1/2' bed, New GM 350, NP 435 Close Ratio 4spd. Trans., 3.73 Dana-60 open.Camper and Trailer wiring, PS, PB, AC, tach , three gas tanks, stereo speakers, 2nd owner, Work-Truck supreme.

05-04-2009, 12:07 AM	#6
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,647	Re: Opinions on Frames of 67-72 Trucks I'm not aware of any difference in the steel -- but wait 'til Andy gets back from PR, he'll probably know! __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

05-04-2009, 12:10 AM	#7
sameyrasmea72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Lubbock, Texas Posts: 2,443	Re: Opinions on Frames of 67-72 Trucks For a tranny cross member, I would think that strength should not be major major concern because most if not all of the cross members for an auto trans are just bolted in and most are bolted in on the bottom side with nothing on the top side incase you want to move the cross member with the cab still on the truck __________________ 72 Cheyenne Super 80 Silverado Blazer 2wd



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