The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 61 Apache 4x4 Frame Swap

Does anyone have any experience with converting a 2wd 61 Apache 20 to 4x4 through a frame swap? Basically what I’m doing is trying to find a complete running later 60s, 70s, or early 80s ¾ ton or even better, a 1 ton, 4x4 truck that I can swap my 61 body onto. The only thing I’m really set on at this point is that I want a carbureted V8, preferably a 350 but I’m open to anything GM. I have no problem fabricating body mounts and I plan on giving it a 2-3 inch body lift anyway so the frame doesn’t have to be a near perfect match to the stock one. I was just curious if there’s anyone else out there that has already done something like this that may have some advice for me about what frames might work better than others or stuff that I might need to think about other than frame dimensions and wheel base. Thanks in advance for your input.

I've not done it but if you are comfortable fabricating mounts and you plan a body lift I don't see why you couldn't do it.

With enough lift track width becomes less critical, but you still need to be close on wheelbase unless you want to modify either the frame or the bed.

I think I'd look for a 3/4- or 1-ton truck from the 80's. I'd prefer a straight axle truck, so I'd look pre-88, but that is probably my bias because I can't think of a good reason for it. And I own both a 3/4- and 1-ton '88 to '98 truck. Maybe the best reason is that its harder to find a standard cab long box starting in '88...

yeah, that's basically what i was thinking... went and looked at a decent 84 today but between the wheel base being 5" longer than the apache and it having a semi-floating rear axle (and a few other things) i figured i would just keep looking. so far the only truck ive been able to find with a 127" wheel base is my neighbors 83 Suburban... too bad he's not selling it. Anyone know of anything else that might have that wheel base?