The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Differences between a 52 Chevy and a 52 GMC 1/2 ton Pickup

Can someone shed some light on any fitment issues on using a GMC frame, and Chevy body components. I've heard that the GMC frame is a bit stronger then the Chevy. Is this true? Are there any major worry cards I need to be aware of.

Thanks in advance for any comments/suggestions

I don't know much about differences, but I don't think that the frames should be much different in strength .

The frames are the same gauge and shape but the GMC has the front engine mount a bit further forward to accommodate the longer engine and more forward radiator mount. The body work is the same except for said radiator mount and the front of the hood. The GMC fenders will have parking light holes; the Chevy has them in the grille. The dash will have General Motors Truck on the stainless accent strip instead of Chevrolet. That's about it.

I am in the process doing this with my GMC. I am going to use a 1951 chevrolet suburban frame with my 1948 GMC suburban body. I am going to change out the front cross member on the chevy frame to accept the longer GMC engine. The only difference in the two frames that I am working with are: The chevy and GMC front cross members, tube shocks on the 1951 frame, knee action shocks on the 1948 GMC frame, Huck brakes on the 48 GMC and Bendix brakes on the 1951 chevrolet. That's about it. Steering, axle, rear end, parking brakes etc are the same.

If you are planning on using the Chevrolet front sheet metal on your GMC, you will need to use everything Chevrolet, radiator, radiator support, hood, front splash valence etc. The only interchangeable sheet metal are the fenders and the inner fenders. The fenders can be used, but as stated before, the GMC have their parking lights in the fenders and the chevrolet has them in their grille

There may be more subtle differences like the springs and sway bars, but those are only differences that a purist would care about. I like the front of a GMC, I plan on keeping it too!

I have been thinking about this and now I have some doubts about the cross members. Many years ago I put a 235 chevrolet engine in a 53 GMC suburban. I welded an engine mount to the original GMC cross member. Later I changed the cross member with a chevrolet cross member and bolted the GMC radiator frame to it. I don't remember any problems doing that, so if you are going to bolt chevy sheet metal to the GMC frame, unless you are going to install a 235. I think you can do this without changing the cross members. Just take some measurements. Sorry for the confusion, but then thanks for rattling the gray cells!