Wheelbase:How Short is too Short? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

allytle · 10-11-2017, 11:03 PM

I have a 63 LWB I'm doing a flatbed dually with. I've been thinking of notching the back but maybe shortening it up too since I'm not running a bed and I won't need to match it up to anything. I've got it mocked up at about 113" and I like it. I've read 110" to 120" is used for hot rods and stuff so it seems reasonable. Any thoughts? Stupid idea? Any problems you think I might run into with handling?

andrewmp6 · 10-12-2017, 05:34 AM

Do you want to tow with it or more just a truck used ?

BR3W CITY · 10-12-2017, 10:47 AM

For a dual wheel truck (assuming you want to tow or load it) shorter = less stable.

A short truck with a lot of weight on it will have a harder time controlling a load under braking.

allytle · 10-12-2017, 11:22 AM

Thanks guys! I don't plan using like a truck. I'm building a little novelty hot rod for my business. I'm going to drive it like a car.

**mongocanfly** · 10-12-2017, 12:20 PM

also the shorter the wb the ruffer the ride..

Jstrumpf · 10-12-2017, 12:32 PM

does anyone have a link or place of a wheel base chart for short bed?? I believe short bed should be 115in but I thought I remember seeing a chart some where with precise measurements. thanks

allytle · 10-12-2017, 01:39 PM

I believe a SWB is 117", a long is 127", and a one ton is 133". So 113" is just a little shorter.

I'm building a little downtown hot rod. I'm laying frame too so it's not a practical truck it's to get attention. So I thought while I was notching it I could shorten it at the same time. I'll be building a rear end anyway.

EVRLET · 10-12-2017, 04:03 PM

I have a 73 P10 stepvan and the wheelsbase is 102”. So I’m thinking that Chevy designed a “half ton” with 102” and used for hauling stuff. Can it really be all that unsafe and unstable...maybe not

PDW HOTRODS · 10-12-2017, 04:27 PM

I would make it short bed length. You never know if you come across a good bed someday you may change your mind. with a flatbed you probably would never notice a few inches either way.

BR3W CITY · 10-12-2017, 05:46 PM

AFAIK the only vehicle (full frame truck) that is shorter than the 2dr S10 Blazers, is the Postal Jeep. I was able to tow single axle motorcycle trailers etc, so its not "unsafe" at small loads. I think it being a dually one ton is what throws people. If you aren't using it as a one ton, then so as short as you want. Heck, guys drag race Topolino's and Anglias, and they are TINY>

allytle · 10-12-2017, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BR3W CITY

AFAIK the only vehicle (full frame truck) that is shorter than the 2dr S10 Blazers, is the Postal Jeep. I was able to tow single axle motorcycle trailers etc, so its not "unsafe" at small loads. I think it being a dually one ton is what throws people. If you aren't using it as a one ton, then so as short as you want. Heck, guys drag race Topolino's and Anglias, and they are TINY>

I just checked out your YouTube channel. I've used a couple of your videos in the past to help me. Thanks for sharing.

BR3W CITY · 10-14-2017, 01:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allytle

I just checked out your YouTube channel. I've used a couple of your videos in the past to help me. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for watching!

69gmcc10 · 10-20-2017, 01:19 PM

frame specs
lwb and swb

**raggedjim** · 10-20-2017, 01:44 PM

The 1969-1972 blazers are 104" and people tow with them all the time.

Good luck, Rg

10-11-2017, 11:03 PM	#1
allytle Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: lake havasu city, az Posts: 129	Wheelbase:How Short is too Short? I have a 63 LWB I'm doing a flatbed dually with. I've been thinking of notching the back but maybe shortening it up too since I'm not running a bed and I won't need to match it up to anything. I've got it mocked up at about 113" and I like it. I've read 110" to 120" is used for hot rods and stuff so it seems reasonable. Any thoughts? Stupid idea? Any problems you think I might run into with handling?

10-12-2017, 05:34 AM	#2
andrewmp6 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Louisville,Ky Posts: 5,811	Re: Wheelbase:How Short is too Short? Do you want to tow with it or more just a truck used ?

10-12-2017, 10:47 AM	#3
BR3W CITY meowMEOWmeowMEOW Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: MKE WI Posts: 7,128	Re: Wheelbase:How Short is too Short? For a dual wheel truck (assuming you want to tow or load it) shorter = less stable. A short truck with a lot of weight on it will have a harder time controlling a load under braking. __________________ *'66 Short Step / SD Tuned / Big Cam LQ4 / Backhalfed /Built 4l80e / #REBUILDEVERYTHING* MY BUILD THE H8RDCPTR //\\ MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL REV J HD

10-12-2017, 11:22 AM	#4
allytle Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: lake havasu city, az Posts: 129	Re: Wheelbase:How Short is too Short? Thanks guys! I don't plan using like a truck. I'm building a little novelty hot rod for my business. I'm going to drive it like a car.

10-12-2017, 12:20 PM	#5
mongocanfly Post Whore Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alabama Posts: 14,670	Re: Wheelbase:How Short is too Short? also the shorter the wb the ruffer the ride..

10-12-2017, 12:32 PM	#6
Jstrumpf Registered User Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Selden Posts: 74	Re: Wheelbase:How Short is too Short? does anyone have a link or place of a wheel base chart for short bed?? I believe short bed should be 115in but I thought I remember seeing a chart some where with precise measurements. thanks

10-12-2017, 01:39 PM	#7
allytle Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: lake havasu city, az Posts: 129	Re: Wheelbase:How Short is too Short? I believe a SWB is 117", a long is 127", and a one ton is 133". So 113" is just a little shorter. I'm building a little downtown hot rod. I'm laying frame too so it's not a practical truck it's to get attention. So I thought while I was notching it I could shorten it at the same time. I'll be building a rear end anyway.

10-12-2017, 04:03 PM	#8
EVRLET Registered User Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Las Vegas NV Posts: 371	Re: Wheelbase:How Short is too Short? I have a 73 P10 stepvan and the wheelsbase is 102”. So I’m thinking that Chevy designed a “half ton” with 102” and used for hauling stuff. Can it really be all that unsafe and unstable...maybe not __________________ Customization is what you want it to look like -- not what other people think it should look like

10-12-2017, 04:27 PM	#9
PDW HOTRODS Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sutherlin Oregon Posts: 502	Re: Wheelbase:How Short is too Short? I would make it short bed length. You never know if you come across a good bed someday you may change your mind. with a flatbed you probably would never notice a few inches either way.

10-12-2017, 05:46 PM	#10
BR3W CITY meowMEOWmeowMEOW Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: MKE WI Posts: 7,128	Re: Wheelbase:How Short is too Short? AFAIK the only vehicle (full frame truck) that is shorter than the 2dr S10 Blazers, is the Postal Jeep. I was able to tow single axle motorcycle trailers etc, so its not "unsafe" at small loads. I think it being a dually one ton is what throws people. If you aren't using it as a one ton, then so as short as you want. Heck, guys drag race Topolino's and Anglias, and they are TINY> __________________ *'66 Short Step / SD Tuned / Big Cam LQ4 / Backhalfed /Built 4l80e / #REBUILDEVERYTHING* MY BUILD THE H8RDCPTR //\\ MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL REV J HD

10-20-2017, 01:19 PM	#13
69gmcc10 Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Missoula, MT Posts: 934	Re: Wheelbase:How Short is too Short? frame specs lwb and swb Attached Images __________________ 69 GMC C10 build thread- http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=501676 03 Silverado build thread-http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=591582

10-20-2017, 01:44 PM	#14
raggedjim Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Murray, Kentucky Posts: 3,477	Re: Wheelbase:How Short is too Short? The 1969-1972 blazers are 104" and people tow with them all the time. Good luck, Rg __________________ Roger '68 Short step - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=849675 '69 ('70?) 2wd Blazer '70 GMC Jimmy 2wd '73 Firebird - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=853203



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