4WD frame shortened from a 4WD LWB

[Dave Reed]

I tried searching and couldn't come up with any info that was concrete. Has this been done. I know the 2WD has been, but what about a 4WD.

Any links or info is appreciated, but please keep it to personal experience.

I would really prefer a step by step process if at all possible.

Thanks in advance,
Dave

[special-K]

I`ve seen it done.

[Dave Reed]

Originally Posted by special-K

I`ve seen it done.

Did you participate in the conversion? Was it someone from the board? Do you know of any pics? Was there any issues?

I may very well be attempting this and I want to talk to others who have experienced it.

Thanks
Dave

[Northern lights]

Mine's been done. Don't know what year of truck your working with, mine is a '64 on a +- '85 frame. It was cut just ahead of where the frame bends up and over the rear axle. You can see the weld to the right of the muffler in this pic. Seems pretty straight forward. Seems to me that the biggest challenge is ensuring that the frame rails are PERFECTLY straight when welded. Mine is just a straight across cut, welded and fishplated on the inside. It was done when I got it so I have no first hand experience to offer. Sorry.

[ghettoluxury]

I built 1 for my cousin to make a short bed crew cab took a 4x4 burb frame and a 4x4 half ton frame cut the 2 up and welded the sectoins back together.

[special-K]

I`ve taken part in frame lengthen/shorten jobs.I don`t have any pictures.Careful measuring,aligning,and gusseting is all it takes.There`s two places that get cut and joined.Did you check the FAQ section? I think shortening is in there.

[Dave Reed]

Originally Posted by special-K

I`ve taken part in frame lengthen/shorten jobs.I don`t have any pictures.Careful measuring,aligning,and gusseting is all it takes.There`s two places that get cut and joined.Did you check the FAQ section? I think shortening is in there.

Yes there is a great write up in there about specifically converting a 2wd frame.
I am looking for something specific about a 4wd frame.

I really appreciate all the replys, but I am really looking for specific information of anyone who has actually done a 4wd lwb to a 4wd swb. If you have not done that in particular you are only speculating.

[blazinzuk]

Well I haven't done a specific long bed to short bed but I did cut 10" out of my frame to end up at a 122" wheelbase, which is 5" longer than a shortbox, could have easily taken more out to end up at a short wheelbase. Took it out of the flat section behind the cab.

I assume you are looking for specific measurements to go to a short box? If so I cannot help. But I can tell you how I did it if you want

[71blksuper4x4]

If you are asking what all is involved, you will have to do a couple of frame cuts. One cut to shorten the frame behind the rear cab mount on the frame before the taper in the frame. Another cut behind the rear leaf spring hanger to shorten the end of the frame rail. It really should make since, just take a look at the 2wd frame conversions and cut out the same lengths. That should be all there is too it. make sure your wheelbase is the correct swb distance in inches. I haven't cut down a 67-72 truck frame before, but I have helped cut a 73-87 4x4 frame down, they are quite similar, so it is pretty straight forward. Don't get discouraged, I know you want to have a nice truck and doing it on a budget means a lot more work to get parts the way you want them. With wanting a swb 4x4 on a budget, this is your best option.

[71blksuper4x4]

Dave, do you have some pics you can share of your frame and the cancer you have, will it not sandblast out? Trevor

[special-K]

Originally Posted by discreet007

Yes there is a great write up in there about specifically converting a 2wd frame.
I am looking for something specific about a 4wd frame.

I really appreciate all the replys, but I am really looking for specific information of anyone who has actually done a 4wd lwb to a 4wd swb. If you have not done that in particular you are only speculating.

I have shortened a frame,lengthened too.So,no speculation here.I said "taken part" because it wasn`t my truck or shop,and my brother-in-law and I did it together.We`ve done alot together and I never take all the credit.
As mentioned,you just follow the 2wd frame procedure.I just don`t have pictures or exact points and measurements.I would never trust someone else`s numbers anyway.The cuts are in the straight sections and all that matters is you cut the right length and the same on both sides.The truck we did came out very nice and we had to tell people it was shortened.We ended up with a `70 CST SWB Fleetside 4wd that sold for $13,500.

[Dave Reed]

Originally Posted by special-K

I have shortened a frame,lengthened too.So,no speculation here.I said "taken part" because it wasn`t my truck or shop,and my brother-in-law and I did it together.We`ve done alot together and I never take all the credit.
As mentioned,you just follow the 2wd frame procedure.I just don`t have pictures or exact points and measurements.I would never trust someone else`s numbers anyway.The cuts are in the straight sections and all that matters is you cut the right length and the same on both sides.The truck we did came out very nice and we had to tell people it was shortened.We ended up with a `70 CST SWB Fleetside 4wd that sold for $13,500.

Thanks Special K, that was what I wanted to know. I understand that the 2wd is well documented, but noone chimed in and said hey I did that with a 4wd frame. The big difference being the spring hangers front and rear. I wasn't looking for a tutorial per say. Just to actually speak with someone who did a 67-72 4wd frame. Not any other combo. I don't need advice on my frame, etc...

I really like this board and I don't want to sound rude, but lots of people replied with speculation...i.e "I saw it done"..."I know you can do a 2wd"...."My buddy owned a truck that was cut"..."Why how bad is yours?"...etc..

How do I let people know that there chatter doesn't answer my question without saying, "HEY REREAD MY POST, THAT WASN'T WHAT I ASKED!"

It is very frustrating to want a answer to something I consider serious (I mean the frame is the foundation) and get posts that don't relate in the way I want them to.

I know this is a community and everyone wants to help and their help is greatly appreciated. I just wish sometimes the conversation wouldn't stray. I guess I am a little stressed because I am under the gun on this project.

Sorry if I offended anyone

[71blksuper4x4]

Hey I tried to help you too. I told you where you would be making the cuts. No exact measurements to cut out, but if you read up about how to cut down a swb Bed, it gives you the exact measurements. I know you are stressed out and I can see your frustration with all your wtb posts on the classifieds. There is no difference in the leaf spring hangers on a lwb or swb, that is all the same. What is different is the length of frame rail behind the rear leaf spring hangers, and right behind where the cab would sit. I took this thread more as being have you ever seen or knew anyone who cut down a 4x4 lwb frame, which I have seen over the years. I have even seen people stretch blazer frames to make a swb 4x4. Like I said above though, read through the 2wd lwb to swb conversion threads, because they will tell you the dimensions to cut out of the frame, plus you already have a template with your frame. That is perfect, as you can see where things need to be and how far back. Take a deep breath, measure 3 times and cut once. Trevor

[Dave Reed]

Trevor thanks so much.

Can you be a little more specific on the length of the frame behind the rear leaves. I mean are you talking about the amount you cut off as in the 2wd conversion?

This may all be a mute point soon. I got a line on a real nice 4wd swb frame that I might pick up this weekend.

[special-K]

Well...we can ask specific questions but we can`t specify the answer.Just gotta weed out what you want.It`s like fishing.Every fish isn`t a keeper.

[Dave Reed]

Well bought a frame today. Lots of surface scaling, but no rot. 4WD SWB frame. Found it locally in a junk yard. That stuff is unheard of in CT.

[special-K]

That`s the best yet!!Congratulations!

[Dave Reed]

Yeah I am pretty psyched! All that thrashing around and suddenly stuff fell into my hands. I also found a rust free cab and doors. Another anomoly in the NorthEast.

[bobcat1]

Originally Posted by Dave Reed

I tried searching and couldn't come up with any info that was concrete. Has this been done. I know the 2WD has been, but what about a 4WD.

Any links or info is appreciated, but please keep it to personal experience.

I would really prefer a step by step process if at all possible.

Thanks in advance,
Dave

I know this is an old thread,i contacted brothers about the frame template kit and they say it wont work on a 4x4 because of the transfer case on 4x4. anyone actually shortened a 1969 k10?

[mongocanfly]

welcome....
im not sure exactly what answer your looking for...ive shortened a 67 k20 though
may be better to start your own thread on this

[bobcat1]

thanks, I am looking at purchase of 69 k10 with a plan to shorten to swb. I wanted to be sure it is possible before I purchase it. thanks for the reply