1/2 ton - 3/4 ton swap (need advice) - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

deek114 · 07-11-2010, 11:31 AM

Hi, I need some advice before I start this project.

I have a 72 C10 that is a complete running driving truck. I want to put a 68 c20 frame that I have under it. No really good reason other than it is in much better shape than the one under my truck, and I tow a lot so I would like to use this truck.

Has anyone done this? Any minor hang ups or anything I need to know before I jump in?

**fine69** · 07-11-2010, 11:58 AM

Direct swap. You should have no problem doing this.

deek114 · 07-11-2010, 12:15 PM

Ok good thats what I was hoping to hear. Thank you

I think Im going to set the frame next to the truck on the back padio, and pretty much do it piece by piece. The "plan" is to take the front clip off, and move the motor and trans over. Then Take the cab and move it. After the cab is the new bed, and finally the front clip goes on.

Hopefully its as easy as it sounds!

Shyguy · 07-11-2010, 12:53 PM

The frames are the same, but one minor difference that might throw you is that the back cab mount rubber is thicker on the 3/4 ton frame. So make sure you use the proper mount rubber bushings or you will have a fitment problem (gap) between the fenders and cab.

When you have the two frames side by side you will notice that rear cab mount on the 3/4 ton is mounted lower on the frame. That was done so a thicker rubber bushing could be used to make for a smother ride with the stiffer suspension.

deek114 · 07-11-2010, 01:57 PM

Oh thanks, thats good to know. I bought a kit from lmc that had all the bushings, but it was for c10s. So i guess when the time comes im gonna be on the forum looking for the correct bushings. Thanks for the info it probly just saved me a bunch of headaches

Shyguy · 07-11-2010, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deek114

Oh thanks, thats good to know. I bought a kit from lmc that had all the bushings, but it was for c10s. So i guess when the time comes im gonna be on the forum looking for the correct bushings. Thanks for the info it probly just saved me a bunch of headaches

I learned about the bushing differences when we took the cab off of a '67 C-20 and put it on a swb '69 C-10 frame.

07-11-2010, 11:31 AM	#1
deek114 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: decatur, IL. Posts: 162	1/2 ton - 3/4 ton swap (need advice) Hi, I need some advice before I start this project. I have a 72 C10 that is a complete running driving truck. I want to put a 68 c20 frame that I have under it. No really good reason other than it is in much better shape than the one under my truck, and I tow a lot so I would like to use this truck. Has anyone done this? Any minor hang ups or anything I need to know before I jump in? __________________ Friends don't let friends drive fords.

07-11-2010, 11:58 AM	#2
fine69 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Urbana,Ohio,USA Posts: 4,618	Re: 1/2 ton - 3/4 ton swap (need advice) Direct swap. You should have no problem doing this. __________________ 2008 Chevy HHR 1/2 panel. 1949 Chevy Panel truck(just sittin, waiting) Board member #6

07-11-2010, 12:15 PM	#3
deek114 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: decatur, IL. Posts: 162	Re: 1/2 ton - 3/4 ton swap (need advice) Ok good thats what I was hoping to hear. Thank you I think Im going to set the frame next to the truck on the back padio, and pretty much do it piece by piece. The "plan" is to take the front clip off, and move the motor and trans over. Then Take the cab and move it. After the cab is the new bed, and finally the front clip goes on. Hopefully its as easy as it sounds! __________________ Friends don't let friends drive fords.

07-11-2010, 12:53 PM	#4
Shyguy Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southeast Missouri Posts: 2,436	Re: 1/2 ton - 3/4 ton swap (need advice) The frames are the same, but one minor difference that might throw you is that the back cab mount rubber is thicker on the 3/4 ton frame. So make sure you use the proper mount rubber bushings or you will have a fitment problem (gap) between the fenders and cab. When you have the two frames side by side you will notice that rear cab mount on the 3/4 ton is mounted lower on the frame. That was done so a thicker rubber bushing could be used to make for a smother ride with the stiffer suspension. __________________ '67 Chevy C-20 short stepper - build complete, 454/SM-465. '75 C-30 Single Cab DRW-350 small block/NP-435. '77 GMC-6500 Dump Truck, 427 Tall Deck. '92 GMC K-3500 Duallie, 454/4L80E.

07-11-2010, 01:57 PM	#5
deek114 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: decatur, IL. Posts: 162	Re: 1/2 ton - 3/4 ton swap (need advice) Oh thanks, thats good to know. I bought a kit from lmc that had all the bushings, but it was for c10s. So i guess when the time comes im gonna be on the forum looking for the correct bushings. Thanks for the info it probly just saved me a bunch of headaches __________________ Friends don't let friends drive fords.



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