71 Frame questions(4x4)conversion

[c20olive]

Hey fellas I've got a c20 I'm looking to change over to 4x4. I have found a suburban but it's a 73-87 model. My question is how much different is the suburban frame? I have also found a 3 door suburban it's a 67-72 truck I'm not sure the exact model on it either but would the frame be a better fit? Or is the suburban frame all together different!

[trukman1]

Frames are quite a bit different. The newer frame has raised portion for side saddle tanks and is about 4 1/2" longer, IIRC. Lot more work than you might think. WAY easier to find the right frame to start with, IMO, but you can try it if you want. (Lots of projects have started like that and not been completed.) YMMV.

[c20olive]

Ok thank you for the info it's much needed! This Is my first frame swap... I do have another question. I can use a frame from any 4x4 67-72 truck correct? And how difficult is it to just swap over a 4x4 suspension to my frame? Thanks again

[trukman1]

Any 67-72 4x4 frame should work fine. The problem with converting a 2wd frame is that the frame is wider at the rear. Not only that but it will be wider at the rear spring hanger than at the front. One easy idea is to find a GMC frame. While most Chevrolet frames came standard with coil spring rear ends, GMC trucks came standard with leafs. There is a post somewhere on this site where one very talented member in AK put his on a newer Yukon frame, IIRC. I'd be intimidated at something like that though. Good luck.

[dennislbrooks]

c10 frame to 4x4 -- for rear front spring mount , it needs to be notched -- think 1.25" and the rear is spaced out 1/2". For front the 4x4 hangers will work but the font rear frame needs to be blacksmithed where the emergency cable goes thru then drilled for the front rear hanger.

Using a K10 frame may be better for you unless you enjoy fabricating. I used the trailing arms for alignment of the diff before removing them but remember as the stiock c10 diff is lowered the panhard will move it to the side.

I have heard some have just left the rear with trailing arms for the 4x4 conversion.

[Jeff's bowtie's]

Originally Posted by trukman1

Frames are quite a bit different. The newer frame has raised portion for side saddle tanks and is about 4 1/2" longer, IIRC. Lot more work than you might think. WAY easier to find the right frame to start with, IMO, but you can try it if you want. (Lots of projects have started like that and not been completed.) YMMV.

The 73-91 suburban frame is very similar to the 67-72 frame they don't have the raised frame rails like the trucks because the tank is in the rear frame rails you do have to locate your body mounts

[chaff]

Where can I find out more about a 71 onto a 76 suburban frame swap.
I had my 71 4x4 torn down (for years) and now the frame, running gear, etc, are missing. I already have a 76 suburban.