frame swap?

[bucketofburban]

Hey yall! Working on my 1964 suburban 2wd. I'm wondering if anyone has ever swapped the entire running gear with a newer model running gear? I'm thinking of a 1973-1987 short bed 4x4.

[WDShaffer]

I know the fourth generation C/K front suspension is a bolt-on change...so maybe the frame swap would be less cumbersome for that era too...Without really looking and side-by-side measurement, I couldn't tell you, though.

I do know with enough gumption, welding rod, and duct tape anything is possible.

[6066gmcguy]

I once put a 1963 Corvair Van on a 1967 GMC 3/4 ton chassis, so as already pointed out, anything is possible. I'm pretty sure its been done, just not by me....yet.

[BarryGMC]

The 73 -87 truck frames have a step up under the cab that make it hard to graft to a 60-72 body. The cab sits really high on the frame. If you look under the seat on a 73-87 cab you will see how this is different . The 73-89 suburban frames are flat in the middle and work way better, and they are not to hard to shorten to make a shortbed or whatever.. I did a few of these back in the day with 60-66 and 67-72 bodies. The other way is to use the spring hangers from a 67-72 or a 73-87 truck and the engine crossmember from a 67-72 truck and the tranny crossmember from a 73-87 truck. Set the hangers to the 73-87 length and put 4 inch blocks in the rear. I have done this also and can tear down and set up with power steering in about 10 hours. I think this is the easiest really. Good luck.

[bucketofburban]

Thanks BarryGMC. Im looking at a couple late 80's early 90's Burbs locally and as you stated it looks like theyre the better donor. Now what do I ask for ask for all my other running gear?

[bucketofburban]

I listed a bunch of stuff on the marketplace thread.

[kieth]

Thanks BarryGMC. Im looking at a couple late 80's early 90's Burbs locally and as you stated it looks like theyre the better donor. Now what do I ask for ask for all my other running gear?


We used a 91 burban (last yr for bolt in front crossmember) to build my 66 GMC pickup, cost $700.00 for donor after scrapping the burban body and frame....

1. TBi 350 including serpentine belt system, alternator, power steering pump, motor mounts, etc
2. 700 r4
3. wiring harness and fuse block
4. front crossmember for disc brakes, sway bar, wider stance, bigger bearings.
5. tilt steering wheel

I think it is easier to move everything to your frame that to swap the frames. JMO Kieth