72 on '88 LWB 4X4 frame - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

haulnrat · 01-06-2011, 07:44 PM

Has any one done this or can send me to a post of this swap.

Thanks

tx72k15 · 01-08-2011, 09:25 PM

I'm getting a 72 gmc long bed that the PO mounted on an '83 4x4 suburban frame restored right now. The end of the frame is cut off, about 18" or less I think. They pretty much cut up 3" and 4" tubing and made their own body lift. I was pretty uneasy about it but its solid as hell. Just don't do it before you have everything (especially the tight spots) restored to your liking and plan to invest in some nicer suspension. It's gonna ride like a brick, trust me.

Based on doing it like this, you could pretty much mount it to any frame even close to the right size and length.

Hope this helps,

Doyle

**special-K** · 01-09-2011, 11:04 AM

That would be a nice riding truck. I know 4wds have been swapped. I'd like to see what it takes to do this,too.

treveiger · 01-09-2011, 05:49 PM

Ive seen them on craigslist and im sure if done right would be pretty nice.

Walts_restoration · 01-09-2011, 05:57 PM

Ive never seen em on an 88 ifs 4x4 frame, but ive seen them on 73-87 frames.

Garys57 · 01-09-2011, 06:30 PM

I've got much the same idea to try that also..........
I have an 89 4X4 sportside with a completely restored bed
that I want to swap out the cab (mine rusted beyond repair) with
a 72 Chevy. My plans are to keep the 72 cab as close to
original as possible and still have the 89 chassis and drivetrain
and box.

I've been looking for info on how to go about this and what all
needs to be done to the chassis to mount the cab. Don't know if
its a direct bolt on or mods will have to be made to the body
mounts. Anybody know?????

My biggest obstacle is finding a 72 cab and front clip around here.
Up here in Canada, they are scarcer than hen's teeth. Anything that
WAS around here is long since gone ! Salted roads in winter time took
care of all the nice IRON !

Any advice would be appreciated !

**Palf70Step** · 01-09-2011, 07:13 PM

The wheelbases of all models (LWB & SWB) 73-87 and 88-96 are longer than the 67-72 counterparts, so there may need to be some manipulation of the axle so that the tires are centered in the wheel wheels. I believe some one on this site did the 67-72 swap to a 88-98 (2WD SWB) chassis, but I cannot remember the name or any details they specially mentioned.

tx72k15 · 01-09-2011, 07:49 PM

My wheels line up fine with the wheel wells. I'll post some pics when I get it back.

Garys57 · 01-09-2011, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tx72k15

My wheels line up fine with the wheel wells. I'll post some pics when I get it back.

So did you do a body swap like I'm thinking about doing?
Did you have to make any mods to the chassis or the cab?

Any help would be appreciated !
Thanks

Garys57 · 01-10-2011, 08:34 PM

Anybody with more info?
Thanks

72 tigger · 01-11-2011, 08:01 AM

I mounted a 72 body on a 02 Dodge frame. I had to shorten the WB by cutting a section of frame out to get a 127" WB. I also had to make new body mounts (I cut off all the Dodge mounts). If you can do fab work, you can do it.

01-06-2011, 07:44 PM	#1
haulnrat Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Iowa Posts: 136	72 on '88 LWB 4X4 frame Has any one done this or can send me to a post of this swap. Thanks

01-08-2011, 09:25 PM	#2
tx72k15 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Floresville, TX Posts: 40	Re: 72 on '88 LWB 4X4 frame I'm getting a 72 gmc long bed that the PO mounted on an '83 4x4 suburban frame restored right now. The end of the frame is cut off, about 18" or less I think. They pretty much cut up 3" and 4" tubing and made their own body lift. I was pretty uneasy about it but its solid as hell. Just don't do it before you have everything (especially the tight spots) restored to your liking and plan to invest in some nicer suspension. It's gonna ride like a brick, trust me. Based on doing it like this, you could pretty much mount it to any frame even close to the right size and length. Hope this helps, Doyle

01-09-2011, 11:04 AM	#3
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: 72 on '88 LWB 4X4 frame That would be a nice riding truck. I know 4wds have been swapped. I'd like to see what it takes to do this,too. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

01-09-2011, 05:49 PM	#4
treveiger Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: South Dakota Posts: 4,093	Re: 72 on '88 LWB 4X4 frame Ive seen them on craigslist and im sure if done right would be pretty nice. __________________ 1969 Chevy c20(Miss Hackjob)

01-09-2011, 05:57 PM	#5
Walts_restoration Real Projects never die Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Lawrence, kansas Posts: 1,508	Re: 72 on '88 LWB 4X4 frame Ive never seen em on an 88 ifs 4x4 frame, but ive seen them on 73-87 frames. __________________ Ill put it this way, ive got a few lawn ornaments My name tag says Ryan KansasTwister On other forums

01-09-2011, 06:30 PM	#6
Garys57 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: CBS NL Posts: 20	Re: 72 on '88 LWB 4X4 frame I've got much the same idea to try that also.......... I have an 89 4X4 sportside with a completely restored bed that I want to swap out the cab (mine rusted beyond repair) with a 72 Chevy. My plans are to keep the 72 cab as close to original as possible and still have the 89 chassis and drivetrain and box. I've been looking for info on how to go about this and what all needs to be done to the chassis to mount the cab. Don't know if its a direct bolt on or mods will have to be made to the body mounts. Anybody know????? My biggest obstacle is finding a 72 cab and front clip around here. Up here in Canada, they are scarcer than hen's teeth. Anything that WAS around here is long since gone ! Salted roads in winter time took care of all the nice IRON ! Any advice would be appreciated !

01-09-2011, 07:13 PM	#7
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,251	Re: 72 on '88 LWB 4X4 frame The wheelbases of all models (LWB & SWB) 73-87 and 88-96 are longer than the 67-72 counterparts, so there may need to be some manipulation of the axle so that the tires are centered in the wheel wheels. I believe some one on this site did the 67-72 swap to a 88-98 (2WD SWB) chassis, but I cannot remember the name or any details they specially mentioned. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

01-09-2011, 07:49 PM	#8
tx72k15 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Floresville, TX Posts: 40	Re: 72 on '88 LWB 4X4 frame My wheels line up fine with the wheel wells. I'll post some pics when I get it back.

01-10-2011, 08:34 PM	#10
Garys57 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: CBS NL Posts: 20	Re: 72 on '88 LWB 4X4 frame Anybody with more info? Thanks

01-11-2011, 08:01 AM	#11
72 tigger Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Berne IN Posts: 3,255	Re: 72 on '88 LWB 4X4 frame I mounted a 72 body on a 02 Dodge frame. I had to shorten the WB by cutting a section of frame out to get a 127" WB. I also had to make new body mounts (I cut off all the Dodge mounts). If you can do fab work, you can do it.



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