newer frames - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

FBPBchevytrucks · 10-17-2009, 01:59 PM

I have an '85 short box with a badly rusted frame (western NY) and I'm having trouble finding a good replacement frame. Does anyone know how close the '88 and up frames match up. They are still plentiful in the junkyards here.

Thanks.

Pyrotechnic · 10-17-2009, 02:19 PM

I've seen it done but it's not a bolt up affair. Looked like they had to build all new body mount points. It was a 4x4 so they built a little bit of body lift into the mounts they made.

cadpwrd · 10-17-2009, 06:33 PM

Yeah, rust free parts are almost impossible to find in this neck of the woods. I'm in Fredonia..not too far from you. All the good stuff has to be "imported" from down south or out west. Good luck finding what you need. Lookin for 2WD or 4WD?

FBPBchevytrucks · 10-17-2009, 10:17 PM

yeah, this is what they call "God's country". I'v found a couple of long wheel base frames but i'm debating the work involved in making a long wheel base in to a short wheel base compared to makng a '88 & up short wb fit. Looking for 2wheel drive. 4WD would actually be easier to work with.

**old Rusty C10** · 10-17-2009, 10:59 PM

there are quite a few pick and pulls in PA that have the swb frames in decent shape for our area

Storm Chaser · 10-18-2009, 10:12 PM

To be honest, if you can weld (or know of a good welder), it would be easier to shorten a lwb frame. The reason I say that, is the 88-up frames are wider and different in wheelbase, so you are gonna have to lengthen/shorten anyway... plus build new body mount locations, because they aren't even close.

10-17-2009, 01:59 PM	#1
FBPBchevytrucks Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: bemus point, new york Posts: 13	newer frames I have an '85 short box with a badly rusted frame (western NY) and I'm having trouble finding a good replacement frame. Does anyone know how close the '88 and up frames match up. They are still plentiful in the junkyards here. Thanks.

10-17-2009, 02:19 PM	#2
Pyrotechnic Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3,930	Re: newer frames I've seen it done but it's not a bolt up affair. Looked like they had to build all new body mount points. It was a 4x4 so they built a little bit of body lift into the mounts they made. __________________ 1977 GMC Sierra Grande

10-17-2009, 06:33 PM	#3
cadpwrd Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Fredonia NY Posts: 65	Re: newer frames Yeah, rust free parts are almost impossible to find in this neck of the woods. I'm in Fredonia..not too far from you. All the good stuff has to be "imported" from down south or out west. Good luck finding what you need. Lookin for 2WD or 4WD?

10-17-2009, 10:17 PM	#4
FBPBchevytrucks Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: bemus point, new york Posts: 13	Re: newer frames yeah, this is what they call "God's country". I'v found a couple of long wheel base frames but i'm debating the work involved in making a long wheel base in to a short wheel base compared to makng a '88 & up short wb fit. Looking for 2wheel drive. 4WD would actually be easier to work with. Last edited by FBPBchevytrucks; 10-17-2009 at 10:20 PM.

10-17-2009, 10:59 PM	#5
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,277	Re: newer frames there are quite a few pick and pulls in PA that have the swb frames in decent shape for our area __________________ 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!!

10-18-2009, 10:12 PM	#6
Storm Chaser Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: In the Indiana Corn Posts: 449	Re: newer frames To be honest, if you can weld (or know of a good welder), it would be easier to shorten a lwb frame. The reason I say that, is the 88-up frames are wider and different in wheelbase, so you are gonna have to lengthen/shorten anyway... plus build new body mount locations, because they aren't even close. __________________ 1988 R2500 Crew Cab Immediate plans- get it running! Future plans- Rear disc swap & Hydroboost Dually conversion with shackle flip-n-switch 4x4 conversion with 52" springs Maybe some new body panels Who needs a car when they make crew cab trucks?



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