87 1-ton 4x4. What year frames are the same? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Jim85IROC · 12-29-2009, 03:06 PM

I've got an 87 1-ton 4x4 GMC. Eventually, some day, after I become independently wealthy and get my other 5,000 projects done, I'd like to freshen up my truck. My current frame has a significant amount of rust and scale on it, and I'd rather have something cleaner to start with when I do actually start a resto. Plus by having a spare frame, I can do a significant amount of work before I actually take my truck out of commission.

So anyway... enough babble... what other model year frames will work with no/minimal modification?

Scootin 81 C20 · 12-29-2009, 03:16 PM

I think any 73-87 3/4-1 ton 4x4 frame will work.

rare86 · 12-29-2009, 03:54 PM

73-80 have different body mounts, than the 81-87. Not a problem, just use the correct body mounts for the year of the frame

Jim85IROC · 12-29-2009, 05:11 PM

Good to know. I didn't realize the frames stayed the same through the entire run. Hopefully I can find a decent southern 4x4 utility truck for not much money so I can use the frame.

68 TT · 12-29-2009, 06:00 PM

I thought the 1-ton frames were taller than the 3/4-ton frames or was this just the dually 1-ton frames?

b454rat · 12-29-2009, 08:23 PM

1 ton frames are taller, 2wd/4wd doesn't matter. Look for an old military truck that someone robbed the axles out of.

KQQL IT · 12-29-2009, 09:42 PM

3/4 tons are taller that 1/2 tons also

b454rat · 12-29-2009, 09:58 PM

Frames are the same, might be a wee bit thicker, but the same height. Have more springs to make it sit higher.

Jim85IROC · 12-30-2009, 01:01 PM

on what, the 1/2 to 3/4 tons, or all of them? I was told that the 1 ton frames were 2" taller than the 1/2 and 3/4 ton frames, so I had to get the frame from a 1 ton truck.

Now, somebody said 2wd/4wd doesn't matter... really? I thought the frames were different in the front where the suspension components mounted? It would be great if I could use a 2wd frame because I'd expect those to be a lot more common in the rust-free states.

68 TT · 12-30-2009, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b454rat

Frames are the same, might be a wee bit thicker, but the same height. Have more springs to make it sit higher.

Somebody just posted the thicknesses but I don't remember the exact numbers. It was about 0.18" for the 1/2-ton frame and 0.23 for the 3/4-ton.

74 C-30 · 12-30-2009, 04:16 PM

1 ton frames are DEFINATLY taller than 1/2 and 3/4 tons. on a 2wd, suspension is mounted to the engine crossmember, so 2wd/4wd is interchangeable

b454rat · 12-30-2009, 08:28 PM

The 1/2 and 3/4 ton frames are the same height, but 3/4t are thicker. 1 ton frames are taller than 1/2 and 3/4, regardless of 2wd or 4wd.

The frames are similar between 2wd/4wd, I found out that the 4wd crossmember won't go in a 2wd frame. That is biggest thing holding me up to getting my crew done. Had a 1/2, 3/4 and 1 ton frame to compare, they were all the same.

scotto0609 · 12-30-2009, 09:47 PM

"The frames are similar between 2wd/4wd, I found out that the 4wd crossmember won't go in a 2wd frame."
Is this between 1 ton frames? I am pretty much in the same boat then! I have a 4wd dually and need to rebody,thought I would just take all the 4wd stuff off. I didnt want to break up the integrity of a cherry 2wd dually.

b454rat · 12-30-2009, 09:55 PM

I had a crossmember from a 1/2-3/4 ton that I tried in my 1 ton 2wd frame, didn't fit. Also had a parts 1 ton 4wd, measured it inside of frame, same thing as the 1/2-3/4 ton. It's not much, 1/4" I think, but don't have a welder to fix it. I'm gonna try and use the stock 2wd mounts, just need to make a crossmember to tie the frame together. But really need to have the motor in there, being it's a tall deck with the huge pan, need to make sure there is room for movement, dropping the pan, etc.

KQQL IT · 12-30-2009, 11:09 PM

THis pic is of 3/4 ton trans Xmember In a 1/2 ton frame (mine) see the notch cut so the trans wont hit the floor. I used it to make more room for exhaust

I will measure tommorow for numbers but maybe keith can shed some light

*SMiller* · 12-31-2009, 02:08 AM

Is this why the 1ton sits a little taller?

b454rat · 12-31-2009, 08:59 AM

But were talking engine crossmembers.

1 tons sit taller because the frame is roughly 2" taller. Beefy springs help too.

KQQL IT · 12-31-2009, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b454rat

But were talking engine crossmembers.

1 tons sit taller because the frame is roughly 2" taller. Beefy springs help too.

My bad youre right B454 engine x memeber is the same

GM72K10 · 12-31-2009, 04:28 PM

From the 1987 GM Chevy Truck Facts Book, has every spec on every model for frames.

BurnoutNova · 01-01-2010, 01:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rare86

73-80 have different body mounts, than the 81-87. Not a problem, just use the correct body mounts for the year of the frame

The front of the frame (frame horns) is diffrent too between 73-80 and 81-87/91

The bumper mounts right to the frame in earlier ones and the later ones have brackets that mount to the bumper.

**oldwagon** · 01-01-2010, 02:15 AM

I have major rust problems on my 4x4 1 ton dually also. Just wandering if it would be cost prohibitive to have the frame reworked?

GM72K10 · 01-01-2010, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldwagon

I have major rust problems on my 4x4 1 ton dually also. Just wandering if it would be cost prohibitive to have the frame reworked?

do a frame swap. Find a CUCV M1008 or M1028 that some one bought just for the rears and you have a good frame to work with, There's a thread on here somewhere of the frame swap I did on my 83 k30 dually using a M1010 ambulance frame. ( I got the whole "what was left of the truck" for $200.00)

*SMiller* · 01-01-2010, 12:51 PM

How do I break down the frame chart so I can understand it?

GM72K10 · 01-01-2010, 01:52 PM

C equals 2 wheel drive
K equals 4 wheel drive
P is P forward control chassis
S is S10 pickup
10903 20903 30903 are 8'0" pickups
20943 30943 are 4 door pickups
31003 is a cab chassis
and so on

*SMiller* · 01-01-2010, 05:10 PM

Thank you very much!

12-29-2009, 03:06 PM	#1
Jim85IROC Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Readsboro, VT Posts: 502	87 1-ton 4x4. What year frames are the same? I've got an 87 1-ton 4x4 GMC. Eventually, some day, after I become independently wealthy and get my other 5,000 projects done, I'd like to freshen up my truck. My current frame has a significant amount of rust and scale on it, and I'd rather have something cleaner to start with when I do actually start a resto. Plus by having a spare frame, I can do a significant amount of work before I actually take my truck out of commission. So anyway... enough babble... what other model year frames will work with no/minimal modification? __________________ 1987 GMC Sierra Classic 3500 454 TH400 My Sounddomain Page

12-29-2009, 03:16 PM	#2
Scootin 81 C20 3/4 Ton Rodder Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Manlius, IL Posts: 1,146	Re: 87 1-ton 4x4. What year frames are the same? I think any 73-87 3/4-1 ton 4x4 frame will work. __________________ 1981 Chevy Scottsdale C20 "Orange Crush": SOLD 1989 Chevy Silverado K2500: All Stock (For Now), 350 TBI/700R4. DD/Light Duty Toy.

12-29-2009, 03:54 PM	#3
rare86 Extended cab fanatic Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Gardendale, Tx Posts: 314	Re: 87 1-ton 4x4. What year frames are the same? 73-80 have different body mounts, than the 81-87. Not a problem, just use the correct body mounts for the year of the frame __________________ If it has a motor, it has my attention.

12-29-2009, 05:11 PM	#4
Jim85IROC Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Readsboro, VT Posts: 502	Re: 87 1-ton 4x4. What year frames are the same? Good to know. I didn't realize the frames stayed the same through the entire run. Hopefully I can find a decent southern 4x4 utility truck for not much money so I can use the frame. __________________ 1987 GMC Sierra Classic 3500 454 TH400 My Sounddomain Page

12-29-2009, 06:00 PM	#5
68 TT Still plays with trucks Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 3,556	Re: 87 1-ton 4x4. What year frames are the same? I thought the 1-ton frames were taller than the 3/4-ton frames or was this just the dually 1-ton frames? __________________ miSSed opportunity - ground up creation of an AWD 1994 454 SS that never was http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=795577 69 C10 shortbed stepside 400 small block - built like what a super sport truck could have been 69 K20 lwb TBI 350 4L60E NP208 14-bolt Dana-44 w/disc 68 Camaro SS / RS 500hp 439 inch roller cam big block 4L80E 79 Malibu TPI 350 4L60 w/ Z28 steering & sway bars

12-29-2009, 08:23 PM	#6
b454rat Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Binghamton, NY Posts: 3,454	Re: 87 1-ton 4x4. What year frames are the same? 1 ton frames are taller, 2wd/4wd doesn't matter. Look for an old military truck that someone robbed the axles out of. __________________ 2000 GMC CCSB 454/4L80 6” lift SAS 1999 Chevy CCSB 454/NV4500 6” lift 1999 GMC Yukon 350/4L60 4" SAS

12-29-2009, 09:42 PM	#7
KQQL IT At the body shop. Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Land of fruits and nuts. Posts: 5,199	Re: 87 1-ton 4x4. What year frames are the same? 3/4 tons are taller that 1/2 tons also __________________ " That didnt make it any newer " " Dont antique the equipment "

12-29-2009, 09:58 PM	#8
b454rat Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Binghamton, NY Posts: 3,454	Re: 87 1-ton 4x4. What year frames are the same? Frames are the same, might be a wee bit thicker, but the same height. Have more springs to make it sit higher. __________________ 2000 GMC CCSB 454/4L80 6” lift SAS 1999 Chevy CCSB 454/NV4500 6” lift 1999 GMC Yukon 350/4L60 4" SAS

12-30-2009, 01:01 PM	#9
Jim85IROC Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Readsboro, VT Posts: 502	Re: 87 1-ton 4x4. What year frames are the same? on what, the 1/2 to 3/4 tons, or all of them? I was told that the 1 ton frames were 2" taller than the 1/2 and 3/4 ton frames, so I had to get the frame from a 1 ton truck. Now, somebody said 2wd/4wd doesn't matter... really? I thought the frames were different in the front where the suspension components mounted? It would be great if I could use a 2wd frame because I'd expect those to be a lot more common in the rust-free states. __________________ 1987 GMC Sierra Classic 3500 454 TH400 My Sounddomain Page Last edited by Jim85IROC; 12-30-2009 at 01:03 PM.

12-30-2009, 04:16 PM	#11
74 C-30 Dually Pride Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: NH Posts: 540	Re: 87 1-ton 4x4. What year frames are the same? 1 ton frames are DEFINATLY taller than 1/2 and 3/4 tons. on a 2wd, suspension is mounted to the engine crossmember, so 2wd/4wd is interchangeable __________________ If I have to explain, you wouldn't understand. '74 Chevy C-30 350/4 speed/dually '94 Ford Ranger

12-30-2009, 08:28 PM	#12
b454rat Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Binghamton, NY Posts: 3,454	Re: 87 1-ton 4x4. What year frames are the same? The 1/2 and 3/4 ton frames are the same height, but 3/4t are thicker. 1 ton frames are taller than 1/2 and 3/4, regardless of 2wd or 4wd. The frames are similar between 2wd/4wd, I found out that the 4wd crossmember won't go in a 2wd frame. That is biggest thing holding me up to getting my crew done. Had a 1/2, 3/4 and 1 ton frame to compare, they were all the same. __________________ 2000 GMC CCSB 454/4L80 6” lift SAS 1999 Chevy CCSB 454/NV4500 6” lift 1999 GMC Yukon 350/4L60 4" SAS

12-30-2009, 09:47 PM	#13
scotto0609 Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: new york Posts: 226	Re: 87 1-ton 4x4. What year frames are the same? "The frames are similar between 2wd/4wd, I found out that the 4wd crossmember won't go in a 2wd frame." Is this between 1 ton frames? I am pretty much in the same boat then! I have a 4wd dually and need to rebody,thought I would just take all the 4wd stuff off. I didnt want to break up the integrity of a cherry 2wd dually. Last edited by scotto0609; 12-30-2009 at 09:48 PM.

12-30-2009, 09:55 PM	#14
b454rat Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Binghamton, NY Posts: 3,454	Re: 87 1-ton 4x4. What year frames are the same? I had a crossmember from a 1/2-3/4 ton that I tried in my 1 ton 2wd frame, didn't fit. Also had a parts 1 ton 4wd, measured it inside of frame, same thing as the 1/2-3/4 ton. It's not much, 1/4" I think, but don't have a welder to fix it. I'm gonna try and use the stock 2wd mounts, just need to make a crossmember to tie the frame together. But really need to have the motor in there, being it's a tall deck with the huge pan, need to make sure there is room for movement, dropping the pan, etc. __________________ 2000 GMC CCSB 454/4L80 6” lift SAS 1999 Chevy CCSB 454/NV4500 6” lift 1999 GMC Yukon 350/4L60 4" SAS

12-30-2009, 11:09 PM	#15
KQQL IT At the body shop. Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Land of fruits and nuts. Posts: 5,199	Re: 87 1-ton 4x4. What year frames are the same? THis pic is of 3/4 ton trans Xmember In a 1/2 ton frame (mine) see the notch cut so the trans wont hit the floor. I used it to make more room for exhaust I will measure tommorow for numbers but maybe keith can shed some light __________________ " That didnt make it any newer " " Dont antique the equipment " Last edited by KQQL IT; 12-30-2009 at 11:11 PM.

12-31-2009, 02:08 AM	#16
SMiller Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tipton IN Posts: 81	Re: 87 1-ton 4x4. What year frames are the same? Is this why the 1ton sits a little taller?



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12-31-2009, 08:59 AM	#17
b454rat Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Binghamton, NY Posts: 3,454	Re: 87 1-ton 4x4. What year frames are the same? But were talking engine crossmembers. 1 tons sit taller because the frame is roughly 2" taller. Beefy springs help too. __________________ 2000 GMC CCSB 454/4L80 6” lift SAS 1999 Chevy CCSB 454/NV4500 6” lift 1999 GMC Yukon 350/4L60 4" SAS

12-31-2009, 04:28 PM	#19
GM72K10 Next! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Eastern Pa. Posts: 2,479	Re: 87 1-ton 4x4. What year frames are the same? From the 1987 GM Chevy Truck Facts Book, has every spec on every model for frames. Attached Images __________________ 86 K30 CUCV M1028A1 86 K30 CUCV M1028a2 dually 86 K30 C&C 6.2 4:56s, 4M, 11,000 gvw, ex fire truck, now lowboy dump More square bodies and CUCVs than I care to admit to 2020 Silverado K3500HD Work truck

01-01-2010, 02:15 AM	#21
oldwagon Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Mulvane, Ks. Posts: 754	Re: 87 1-ton 4x4. What year frames are the same? I have major rust problems on my 4x4 1 ton dually also. Just wandering if it would be cost prohibitive to have the frame reworked?

01-01-2010, 12:51 PM	#23
SMiller Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tipton IN Posts: 81	Re: 87 1-ton 4x4. What year frames are the same? How do I break down the frame chart so I can understand it?

01-01-2010, 01:52 PM	#24
GM72K10 Next! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Eastern Pa. Posts: 2,479	Re: 87 1-ton 4x4. What year frames are the same? C equals 2 wheel drive K equals 4 wheel drive P is P forward control chassis S is S10 pickup 10903 20903 30903 are 8'0" pickups 20943 30943 are 4 door pickups 31003 is a cab chassis and so on __________________ 86 K30 CUCV M1028A1 86 K30 CUCV M1028a2 dually 86 K30 C&C 6.2 4:56s, 4M, 11,000 gvw, ex fire truck, now lowboy dump More square bodies and CUCVs than I care to admit to 2020 Silverado K3500HD Work truck

01-01-2010, 05:10 PM	#25
SMiller Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tipton IN Posts: 81	Re: 87 1-ton 4x4. What year frames are the same? Thank you very much!

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