Any frame differences from 73-87?

[RustMaster87]

I have a possible rolling chassis that is in far better shape than what I currently have for my 87, the chassis I am thinking of using is from a 73, or an 80. As long as it was a short bed 2WD, there shouldn't be any differences right? I have never worked on earlier than 87 so I just wanted to make sure I am not wastng money. My current chassis is an 87 2wd short bed, and is a mess.

[Srubydo1986]

I know that as long os your fram does come froma 1 ton you ok cause a 1 ton is defrent the 1/2 or 3/4 it more narroew then that of the other two.

Also theres the tranny cross member but you have yours so you should be fine there as well. To the best of my knowledge you should be fine getting a frame from a 73 or an 80 to match your 87 short bed 2wd.

[DESTRO]

body mounts are different. 73-80 and 81-87. You'll just have to get new mounts I think. Just get the mounts to match the frame.

[Stano]

Destro is correct. The rubber mounts need to match the frame. The front of the frame rails will need trimmed so that the front bumper brackets will fit correctly. Self explanatory when you inspect the two side by side. The 73-80 has a upper bracket and the end of the frame rail is rounded. The 81-87 has a bracket that bolts between the bumper and the frame and the frame will need a piece trimmed off of it to clear the bracket. It is not difficult at all, it could be done with a hacksaw if thats all you got.

[Captkaos]

73-80 1/2T frames are heavier than 81-87 frames. They lightened up the crossmembers on the 81-87's.
Plus the front as noted above is rounded on the 73-80 and triangular on the 81-87.
Body bushing and mounts must match the donor frame not the body.