Bought a 4wd frame what are the differences - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

FNBasham · 02-15-2017, 07:24 PM

Bought a frame for a 1974 c10 that is 4wd what are the frame differences between that and a 2wd truck I have a longbed Donor truck can I convert this frame to 2wd?

**cdub2010** · 02-15-2017, 09:59 PM

http://www.chuckschevytruckpages.com/framespecs.html

UKNOWME · 02-15-2017, 11:09 PM

I've know a handful of people to strip the frame down and convert to 2wd with no issues. Looks like the link above proves it's pretty much the same frame.

FNBasham · 02-16-2017, 01:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UKNOWME

I've know a handful of people to strip the frame down and convert to 2wd with no issues. Looks like the link above proves it's pretty much the same frame.

So what has to be stripped and moved exactly?

andrewmp6 · 02-16-2017, 07:56 AM

The front end is a lot of work.basicly the front needs to be stripped down to the frame rails even the steering boxes are different.The rear i think its different springs or shorter not 100% sure on that.

UKNOWME · 02-16-2017, 10:50 AM

Yeah basically all steering and suspension

FNBasham · 02-16-2017, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UKNOWME

Yeah basically all steering and suspension

But if I have the 2wd to take parts from I'd just need to drill a few holes?

1968vetL-71 · 02-16-2017, 05:36 PM

I agree with andrewmp6.... That's a lot to do. 2wd frames are usually plentiful. Why go through all the work??

UKNOWME · 02-16-2017, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FNBasham

But if I have the 2wd to take parts from I'd just need to drill a few holes?

Cut some rivets and drill away! It'll be something to be proud of

FNBasham · 02-16-2017, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1968vetL-71

I agree with andrewmp6.... That's a lot to do. 2wd frames are usually plentiful. Why go through all the work??

I can't seem to find one

franken · 02-16-2017, 09:46 PM

Another issue is there's a reason things are riveted to the frame, not to mention 4x4 frames are relatively rare since what 10% od trucks are 4x4?
The rivets fit the holes w/ no clearance and are actually a pain to remove. Bolts will fit loosely and will have threads in contact w/ the frame and bracket. Thus, when moving, the truck will flex that bracket/frame/bolt and try to loosen the nut, break the bolt, and make the hole bigger. Nothing will stop the process other than not driving. Do you want your suspension attached to the frame by bolts?

FNBasham · 02-16-2017, 09:58 PM

Well if anybody know a person who wants a 4wd frame I'll trade it for a 2wd or just sell it outright for a good price

UKNOWME · 02-16-2017, 10:23 PM

What were you plans with the truck? You might also consider shortening the longbed frame. There are many write ups on that.

FNBasham · 02-16-2017, 11:04 PM

I'm thinking about doing that but now I have to off load this frame

jbristo67 · 02-17-2017, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by franken

Another issue is there's a reason things are riveted to the frame, not to mention 4x4 frames are relatively rare since what 10% od trucks are 4x4?
The rivets fit the holes w/ no clearance and are actually a pain to remove. Bolts will fit loosely and will have threads in contact w/ the frame and bracket. Thus, when moving, the truck will flex that bracket/frame/bolt and try to loosen the nut, break the bolt, and make the hole bigger. Nothing will stop the process other than not driving. Do you want your suspension attached to the frame by bolts?

Ummmmmmm I've put over 100k on a truck with bolted on leaf spring hangers. It's not a big deal.

Tom · 02-17-2017, 08:00 PM

I have no problems using bolts for pretty much anything other then putting aircraft skin together.

**Jeff's bowtie's** · 02-17-2017, 11:39 PM

I've also used bolts on many spring hangers and had no problem but I also drilled the rivet holes out to a 1/2" and use grade 8 bolts & nuts

02-15-2017, 07:24 PM	#1
FNBasham Registered User Join Date: May 2014 Location: tampa fl Posts: 22	Bought a 4wd frame what are the differences Bought a frame for a 1974 c10 that is 4wd what are the frame differences between that and a 2wd truck I have a longbed Donor truck can I convert this frame to 2wd?

02-15-2017, 09:59 PM	#2
cdub2010 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: detroit mi Posts: 209	Re: Bought a 4wd frame what are the differences http://www.chuckschevytruckpages.com/framespecs.html

02-15-2017, 11:09 PM	#3
UKNOWME Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Clovis, NM Posts: 2,705	Re: Bought a 4wd frame what are the differences I've know a handful of people to strip the frame down and convert to 2wd with no issues. Looks like the link above proves it's pretty much the same frame. __________________ 2018 Audi S5- wife's ride 1980 Chevy Scottsdale http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=543511 1981 Chevy Silverado- in pieces 1964 Chevy c10 2017 Jeep Wrangler JKU

02-16-2017, 07:56 AM	#5
andrewmp6 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Louisville,Ky Posts: 5,811	Re: Bought a 4wd frame what are the differences The front end is a lot of work.basicly the front needs to be stripped down to the frame rails even the steering boxes are different.The rear i think its different springs or shorter not 100% sure on that.

02-16-2017, 10:50 AM	#6
UKNOWME Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Clovis, NM Posts: 2,705	Re: Bought a 4wd frame what are the differences Yeah basically all steering and suspension __________________ 2018 Audi S5- wife's ride 1980 Chevy Scottsdale http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=543511 1981 Chevy Silverado- in pieces 1964 Chevy c10 2017 Jeep Wrangler JKU

02-16-2017, 05:36 PM	#8
1968vetL-71 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Murfreesboro, Tn Posts: 1,092	Re: Bought a 4wd frame what are the differences I agree with andrewmp6.... That's a lot to do. 2wd frames are usually plentiful. Why go through all the work?? __________________ 1969 impala conv 427 #s loaded. dad bought new 1969 "Judge" RA-3, rare warwick blue/white, #'s 1968 vet convertible #s 427/435 tripower (sold) 1968 belair 2door post #s 427/385 1936 ford 5w coupe dads 1st car 1969 camaro ss (17,xxx) miles Wanted: 69-72 suburban project, 69 camaro convertible. also any big block cars. 69-70 gto judge project.

02-16-2017, 09:46 PM	#11
franken Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Somewhere Posts: 3,128	Re: Bought a 4wd frame what are the differences Another issue is there's a reason things are riveted to the frame, not to mention 4x4 frames are relatively rare since what 10% od trucks are 4x4? The rivets fit the holes w/ no clearance and are actually a pain to remove. Bolts will fit loosely and will have threads in contact w/ the frame and bracket. Thus, when moving, the truck will flex that bracket/frame/bolt and try to loosen the nut, break the bolt, and make the hole bigger. Nothing will stop the process other than not driving. Do you want your suspension attached to the frame by bolts?

02-16-2017, 09:58 PM	#12
FNBasham Registered User Join Date: May 2014 Location: tampa fl Posts: 22	Re: Bought a 4wd frame what are the differences Well if anybody know a person who wants a 4wd frame I'll trade it for a 2wd or just sell it outright for a good price

02-16-2017, 10:23 PM	#13
UKNOWME Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Clovis, NM Posts: 2,705	Re: Bought a 4wd frame what are the differences What were you plans with the truck? You might also consider shortening the longbed frame. There are many write ups on that. __________________ 2018 Audi S5- wife's ride 1980 Chevy Scottsdale http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=543511 1981 Chevy Silverado- in pieces 1964 Chevy c10 2017 Jeep Wrangler JKU

02-16-2017, 11:04 PM	#14
FNBasham Registered User Join Date: May 2014 Location: tampa fl Posts: 22	Re: Bought a 4wd frame what are the differences I'm thinking about doing that but now I have to off load this frame Last edited by FNBasham; 02-17-2017 at 12:27 AM.

02-17-2017, 08:00 PM	#16
Tom driving is in my blood Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 5,748	Re: Bought a 4wd frame what are the differences I have no problems using bolts for pretty much anything other then putting aircraft skin together. __________________ -78 c10 short/step: 388cid, M20, 5/5 drop, lots more. Playtoy and first vehicle. -98 c1500 x-cab: 5.7L, 17" rims, 5/6 drop, flowmaster, helper bags,NBS rear disk brakes. -02 Suburban 4x4: leveled front -CBR600F4i, CBR600RR, CBR1000RR, and standup skis DISCLAIMER: I cant spell for the life of me.

02-17-2017, 11:39 PM	#17
Jeff's bowtie's Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Kearneysville Wv Posts: 3,957	Re: Bought a 4wd frame what are the differences I've also used bolts on many spring hangers and had no problem but I also drilled the rivet holes out to a 1/2" and use grade 8 bolts & nuts



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