The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Tons 'o Fun 3800 and 3600 front end

What's the difference between the 3600 and 3800 SRW trucks?

I'm looking at a 9' long bed 3800 truck, but would rather have shorter bed from the the 3600 truck. I was thinking of chopping the 3800 frame and installing the shorter bed.

I like the looks and ground clearance on my 3600 truck, so would I be able to swap my frontend onto the truck?

What year?
Chevrolet?

Sorry 54.

Most likely, you will find what you are looking for in various sections of this 1954 Chevrolet Truck Specification Manual.

It depends on what you are looking to actually transfer.... you can take a leaf out if you want... or do an axle swap... the frames are different.

As someone that has the longer bed, I jumped at your thought of cutting it down as the long bed is rare and personally I think gorgeous

If you happen to choose the 3800, you can choose to shorten the frame, but I think you might find some difficulty in getting the suspension adjusted for the desired ride height without investing in new springs. There is probably just enough differences that you should probably look into finding a 3600 that strikes your fancy.

If you do move forward with that project, their are many here who would love to get there hands on a complete 9 ft bed. Myself included! Be sure to post any extra parts to the Swap Meet section.

I haven't bought the truck yet. I'm actually heading out Sunday with truck, trailer, and pocket full of cash hoping to strike a deal. As far as swapping suspensions and cutting frames, I don't think it's really feasible. If anything, I see myself swapping the front sheet metal and selling the bed. The idea of the long bed 3800 is actually starting to grow on me though. Once I drag it home, I'll have to weigh my options.

Long beds are pretty rare I think. Unless your a top fab guy, I'd leave it as is. And someday you may have a $1,000,000. truck.

I like the 9' long bed too. If you get one keep it, use it, and appreciate it.

Grigg

One thing I know that is definately going is the 5.13 gearset. The 3800 might find a 14 bolt under it instead.

Mine too, actually already gave away the stock axle, have a 3.73 geared 14 bolt to go in.

Cool. I have a 3.73 geared D60 also. Too bad it's a semi-float and 70" WMS! I'd love a 3.73 or 3.42 14 bolt, but I'm gonna stick with the 4.11 I got for now.