The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Frame swap

I'm looking to get another frame for my 62 stepside that I can build while still driving my truck. Then when the frame is finished the down time will be drastically reduced. I'll just put my body on a different chassis. In doing so, I'd like to add a few things like power steering and disk brakes. I'm looking for a 64 to 66 frame with front coil springs. Would a 70's frame bolt up the same way since the rear suspension looks the same? What year frame do you all suggest? Thanks.

If you switch to anything newer than '62 you'll be making a switch to spring front end instead of torsion bars.

I understand that the 67-71 frames are VERY similar to the 64-66. I know that the rear axle is a bit wider, but I think that might be your best bet. 71, of course, is the first year for front disk brakes.

Brian

hehe, funny, I was going to ask this same question yesterday. If a 71-72 frame with discs is an easy swap for a 60-66 body?

hehe funny.

No frame swap is going to be easy!

I've not done it, but I expect this swap would be a lot easier than some of the other frame swaps people try. The differences between frame and suspension may not be much. The changes are more likely to be exactly where and how the body mounts, and where some holes and brakets are located.

I don't know details on 60-72 trucks, but looking at 47-54 trucks you have several small changes year to year affecting different aspects of a swap like this. I would expect you'll see some of the same issues, only more so, in a swap like this.

I guess I should just whip out the old tape measure and go to town.

the bumper mounts on front are different on the 67-72.