What would be the differences? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Mickey_D · 10-15-2007, 10:44 AM

I've located a fairly straight donor body for my old '81. It's a 1983 GMC Sierra Grande.

It's got a little rust around the rear fenders, and some surface rust on the roof. The rest of the cab is in fairly good shape with the exception of the door skins. Both sides look like they were mule-kicked shut by someone a little over-exuberant. But the rocker panels and the cab corners are still intact, which is a rarity around here.

So here's my question : Are there going to be any differences in how the body bolts to the frame? The donor is a 2WD ex-Diesel (converted to gas a long time ago) and mine is a 4WD gas. The donor is missing the engine and tranny (and the master cylinder

).

Am I going to run into any problems with this being a direct swap? Or am I going to (for once) have a fairly easy time of it?

**Captkaos** · 10-15-2007, 01:17 PM

Check the trans tunnel in comparison. The 4x4 will have a high tunnel. Other than that, it will be the same.

Mickey_D · 10-15-2007, 02:13 PM

So I might need to beat the snot out of the mid section of the floor boards? I know I'm going to need to cut a hole for the transfer case shifter....

Hrm, bodywork by Sawzall.

**old Rusty C10** · 10-15-2007, 04:34 PM

you will have to cut the floor and put in the higher tunnel if memory serves me correct

**Captkaos** · 10-15-2007, 09:23 PM

If the donor doesn't have a high tunnel, you will need to remove that section that differs from the 4x4 truck and weld it into the donor. The other alternative is a body lift...

Mickey_D · 10-16-2007, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captkaos

The other alternative is a body lift...

I think this is how I'll go. Considering I'll already have the body off.

Will a 2" be sufficient you think?

Roper · 10-16-2007, 10:59 AM

On my 81 4x4 the transmission hump on the floor board looks like it is bolted in place. Im thinking just un bolt the hump from your 4x4 and use it to replace the hump on the 2 wheel drive cab.

ChaseDale3and8 · 10-16-2007, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roper

On my 81 4x4 the transmission hump on the floor board looks like it is bolted in place. Im thinking just un bolt the hump from your 4x4 and use it to replace the hump on the 2 wheel drive cab.

Some of them were bolted in on the 4x4s. The 2wds that I have seen are low hump one piece floorpans except the ones that had a 4-speed transmission.
I'm pretty sure that those were the only 2wd cabs that had a bolt in center section.

You would need to unbolt the midsection out of the 4x4, place it in the 2wd cab, mark around the outside of it, and then do your cutting on the inside of your line. A little measuring and cutting, but not really a big deal to do. You could even get some J-nuts and drill your holes and bolt the section back in, which is what I would recommend to do. That way if you ever needed to remove it again, it would just be a bolt in and out deal. This really helps in the case that you have a 4-speed trans and ever need to pull it back out. ...Joe

10-15-2007, 10:44 AM	#1
Mickey_D Dirteh Kitteh Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Mormon country Posts: 2,484	What would be the differences? I've located a fairly straight donor body for my old '81. It's a 1983 GMC Sierra Grande. It's got a little rust around the rear fenders, and some surface rust on the roof. The rest of the cab is in fairly good shape with the exception of the door skins. Both sides look like they were mule-kicked shut by someone a little over-exuberant. But the rocker panels and the cab corners are still intact, which is a rarity around here. So here's my question : Are there going to be any differences in how the body bolts to the frame? The donor is a 2WD ex-Diesel (converted to gas a long time ago) and mine is a 4WD gas. The donor is missing the engine and tranny (and the master cylinder ). Am I going to run into any problems with this being a direct swap? Or am I going to (for once) have a fairly easy time of it? __________________ Darrin 1955 Willys CJ-5 all original and the oldest CJ-5 on the road. 2001 Dodge Neon (wife's car) 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Edition SOLD 1981 K15 Custom Deluxe 4X4, rusty but trusty wood hauler. SOLD 1993 S-10 4X4 Tahoe SOLD Sign up with the Contact List RIP ESLL Last edited by Mickey_D; 10-15-2007 at 10:48 AM.

10-15-2007, 01:17 PM	#2
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	Re: What would be the differences? Check the trans tunnel in comparison. The 4x4 will have a high tunnel. Other than that, it will be the same. __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

10-15-2007, 02:13 PM	#3
Mickey_D Dirteh Kitteh Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Mormon country Posts: 2,484	Re: What would be the differences? So I might need to beat the snot out of the mid section of the floor boards? I know I'm going to need to cut a hole for the transfer case shifter.... Hrm, bodywork by Sawzall. __________________ Darrin 1955 Willys CJ-5 all original and the oldest CJ-5 on the road. 2001 Dodge Neon (wife's car) 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Edition SOLD 1981 K15 Custom Deluxe 4X4, rusty but trusty wood hauler. SOLD 1993 S-10 4X4 Tahoe SOLD Sign up with the Contact List RIP ESLL

10-15-2007, 04:34 PM	#4
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,319	Re: What would be the differences? you will have to cut the floor and put in the higher tunnel if memory serves me correct __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

10-15-2007, 09:23 PM	#5
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	Re: What would be the differences? If the donor doesn't have a high tunnel, you will need to remove that section that differs from the 4x4 truck and weld it into the donor. The other alternative is a body lift... __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

10-16-2007, 10:59 AM	#7
Roper Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Alberta Posts: 248	Re: What would be the differences? On my 81 4x4 the transmission hump on the floor board looks like it is bolted in place. Im thinking just un bolt the hump from your 4x4 and use it to replace the hump on the 2 wheel drive cab.



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.