1965 body going on to 1975 frame 4x4 questions...

[Auctioneerhere]

A while back I saw a nice build thread similar to this topic but for the life of me I can't find it now.

I'm in the process of doing this swap now. I understand about the wheel base length difference. I'm going to leave the gap. {This truck will be a 4x4 pulling truck so it will bend & twist some so in the factory configuration it would just beat the cab to hell every pull.}

I guess I am looking at issues a person has run into doing this swap. I'm keeping the 4 speed.

Any thread links you know of would be helpful.

[Captainfab]

You will have to build new body mount brackets on the frame. This will result in aprox a 3" body lift. This is due to the different profile of the '73-'87 frames as compared to the '60-'72 frames. The only way around the body lift would be to cut and modify the rear of the cab floor to clear the newer frame.

Here is a thread I started showing what a '62 body looks like on a '74 frame. This is one I helped build for a customer 20+ years ago. This will give you an idea on what you will have to do for the body mounts.

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=481023

The K series frame profile will be the same as for a C series frame.

[Novalicious]

I have a killer 4x4 frame for sale for your body style. just add the body

http://smallblockposse.com/showthrea...hlight=monster
Pictures here, i know its a long way, but I'd work with you on price a little to help offset the shipping,

[Auctioneerhere]

Originally Posted by Novalicious

I have a killer 4x4 frame for sale for your body style. just add the body

http://smallblockposse.com/showthrea...hlight=monster
Pictures here, i know its a long way, but I'd work with you on price a little to help offset the shipping,

Thanks, but I have other 4x4 frames.

This is a switch over for other reasons.

[Auctioneerhere]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

You will have to build new body mount brackets on the frame. This will result in aprox a 3" body lift. This is due to the different profile of the '73-'87 frames as compared to the '60-'72 frames. The only way around the body lift would be to cut and modify the rear of the cab floor to clear the newer frame.

Here is a thread I started showing what a '62 body looks like on a '74 frame. This is one I helped build for a customer 20+ years ago. This will give you an idea on what you will have to do for the body mounts.

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=481023

The K series frame profile will be the same as for a C series frame.

Thanks... I noticed the cut cabs on another frame that was done here, but I don't need to do that as the 4x4 bed is staying the stock height, not going to lower it.

I am going to peal the old cab mounts off the 65 frame & prepare the 1975 frame to get them mocked up into position. I'll post a picture or two when I get it all lined up.

[Strodder]

I welded the back half of a 73 frame to my 65, and the cab didn't fit level. I had to make tunnels on the rear of the floor under the seats. Now it fits level with the frame. It would be the same as swapping to a 75 frame. I wanted to keep the orignal frame numbers that matches the cab. Check it out.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=327644&page=3

[Auctioneerhere]

^ I see what you did there & like it. When I set my bed on it looks like my bed will have to go up an inch just to match the rear of the cab.

I'm still getting it sorted out.

[Auctioneerhere]

I'm just going to leave my cab up vs. cutting it to lower it.

Here is a question... When using the 75 frame, where did your core support bolts land on yours?

[Strodder]

For a 4X4 I guess thats ok.

[padresag]

Originally Posted by Auctioneerhere

I'm just going to leave my cab up vs. cutting it to lower it.

Here is a question... When using the 75 frame, where did your core support bolts land on yours?

here is one way. this was under a 4 x 4 that I bought for the body to put on an orig 4 x 4 frame this was an 84 frame.

the other side and then the frt cab mounts



and then he didn't shorten the frame as the wheels weren't centred.
actually have the frame still sitting here if you are interested with those nice brackets. a deal that I can give you. instant set-up
ron

[Auctioneerhere]

Originally Posted by padresag

here is one way. this was under a 4 x 4 that I bought for the body to put on an orig 4 x 4 frame this was an 84 frame.

the other side and then the frt cab mounts



and then he didn't shorten the frame as the wheels weren't centred.
actually have the frame still sitting here if you are interested with those nice brackets. a deal that I can give you. instant set-up
ron

Thanks for the pictures. I will pass on those mounts. I cut the mounts off the 65 frame & will be using them on the 1975 frame.

I am going to get the engine trans & transfer in then mock up the body & go with it. I'm using a BBC so I am going to make sure it all fits before I fasten the cab down.

When I get done I will picture it & provide measurements for others.

[padresag]

I was just teasing you. that was how I got it though and it was mounted solid in the back
I wouldn't sell that setup to anyone
ron

[Auctioneerhere]

Originally Posted by padresag

I was just teasing you. that was how I got it though and it was mounted solid in the back
I wouldn't sell that setup to anyone
ron

10-4 I figured it so.

[ky-donzi]

I have just finished my swap and I used a 80 suburban frame it is with in 1.5 of the same wheelbase if I remember correctly. The frame rails are much flatter when compaired to a pickup. If I had it to do all over I might have searched a little harder for a cab and 4x4 chassis frame and looked it over... the suburban frame worked out fine tho... I would guess that my cab sets about 1.5 inches off the frame and I could have went lower, the frame contour was not the hold up... the cummins engine needed more clearence

I put a flat bed on it so I cant attest to how a pickup box will set on the frame.

Captain fab is correct... you will be fabercating alot of mounts and ect...

My build is on here as 61 gmc 4x4 1 ton

Reid

[Auctioneerhere]

I should be done with it this weekend. I actually have had a very smooth transition. I will post pictures & such when done.