GMC 3/4 ton frame swap question

[Red 66]

Hi all. I am working on restoring my 1966 GMC 1500. The frame, rear end, front end and everything in between is still in good shape. I could stay with it but I have found a 1966 Chevy 1/2 ton rolling chassis. My question: Will my cab, bed, steering and everything else bolt right up to the Chevy frame? I am considering doing this for the high geared rear end and more options for wheels etc.
Another question: What is a fair price for the rolling chassis?
Feel free to tell me why I should not make this change.
Thanks to all in advance for your input.

[bigblockv6]

By switching to the Chevy frame more than likely you will be giving up the rear leaf spring suspension of the GMC to the rear coil and trailing arm suspension of the Chevrolet. GMC also used the coil and trailing arm suspension from 1960-62 and didn't like it for it's lack of suspension travel, you really sure you want to go this route?:ahhhh:

[Jeannie]

Red,

Chevrolet also stamped the VIN number on the frame, whereas GMC did not. You may run into a problem with the DMV when the vehicle changes ownership.

Have a good evening,

-Jeannie
6066 GMC Club

[AZKen]

Hello Red. This might be picky and don't take it the wrong way. If you are thinking of doing that, you are not "restoring" it. I've done all kinds of modifying and swapping but on a forum like this "restoring" has a different meaning.

Anyway sounds like the major issue is gear ratio. What is the GMC ratio and what is the Chevy ratio? What trans and motors?

You can possibly swap another complete GMC rear end and there are lots of 8 lug wheel choices. You can also re-gear the diff (not my choice)
Any proper width donor axle/tube can be modified to fit any suspension with time, money, tools and knowhow.

With the issues mentioned by BBV6 and Jeannie, maybe sell the 3/4T truck you don't want and buy a 1/2T you do want.

Probably staying with the truck is probably the best goal.

You tell us first, what is the price of the long bed Chevy chassis? (be specific as to trans, motor, condition, extras etc) That's a better way to get an opinion without fifty posts suggesting a "fair price" of a completely unknown item.

P.S. Is this in the correct forum?

[James]

This is my belief. I would change the rear axle for the ratio you desire. In my case I changed the rear axle gears in my 1500, went from a 4.11:1 to 3.54:1 and added a posi unit. Made a big difference cruising down the freeway. I had also change the brakes from drums to discs at the same time, plenty of stopping power now. :thumbsup: