opinions wanted on frame choice

[350TacoZilla]

Ok so I have been looking for a 63 gmc short bed off and on for about 10 years after getting rid of a shortbed converted 4x4 years ago, when I would have the cash for a project I always ended up finding another project first lol

I finally got a 63 gmc with the 305 V6 I wanted BUT its a 3/4 long bed stepside not short bed so here is my dilema, I want to end up with a 305 V6 powered 4spd manual short bed stepside 4x4 with about a 33" tire for a fun run around play truck, not hardcore offroad and not a show truck.

I have the stock 3/4 frame and truck is together and runs (bed is off and in bad shape) but I also have a 80's blazer frame laying here, I know the blazer wheelbase is 106.5 and is little short for true shortbed truck but I also know I can extend the wheel base to about 110 easily with junkyard parts (52's up front 63's out back) but I have seen where people say its harder to swap onto a different frame and just easier to swap the 4x4 pieces onto stock frame but i would then have to cut stock frame down to short bed wheelbase.

So here are options as I see them.

1. Cut stock frame down in middle/splice together and add 4x4 pieces
2. Slide stock rear forward on frame,4x4, then cut off rear of frame
3. transfer body to 80's frame, sell complete 2wd frame to help fund project
4. the one I dont want to do, buy a 67-72 SWB 4x4 frame and running gear


I would also prefer to use a sm-465 with attached 205 for strength and ease of parts availability but not sure show I could attach that to my 305 V6 since bellhousing is different for the 420 sized input collar and also motor bolt pattern. I think 90% of people doing the 4x4 swap use a small block or big block V8 so they dont have the bellhousing issue, also my truck is stock with hydro clutch and even though I have had a hyrdo 465 before it comes back to the bellhousing issue that the stock bell wont fit a 465 and a 465 bell wont fit motor.

I also just have to ask is the stock frame worth anything? am I worrying about cutting it up too much or am I correct it is kinda rare to find a 3/4 2wd? The rear also isnt a eaton unit it looks to be dana 60 derived and appears original.

[350TacoZilla]

Here is a pic of what I'm looking to get the truck to sit like, this was posted over on the 60-66 trucks gone wild area.

I would also like to make truck 6 lug all the way around so rear would need changed either way I went for the 4x4.

I should also mention I am not new to frame swaps as I put a 97 toyota on a 72 blazer frame in the past and got it street legal. ( I had to steal the flares in one pic because I got pulled over in other toy for tires sticking out.)

so I'm not unaware of work involved just looking for opinions on which one you guys would do if it was your truck.

[argonaut]

Option 5: Build a new frame using 2x6 rectangular steel tube

[andrewmp6]

I would get a 80s swb 4x4 frame or shorten a 1 ton frame to swb.

[argonaut]

What is the thickness of the 80s blazer frame steel vs the 63? The shortened 63 2wd frame will fit the body better but the blazer frame will fit the drivetrain and suspension better.

[350TacoZilla]

I'll have to do some measurements on the frames actual thickness, as well as cab mount locations.