frame difference gmc - chevy

[bjcaldwe]

I have a 52 gmc and was thinking this weekend about trying to find another frame to start my suspension on. I know around here chevy frames outnumber gmc frames. I have read that there is a difference in the front crossmember that the coresupport sets on. Are there any other differences?

Thanks in advance.

[mr48chev]

Chevy has a flatter crossmember


The GMC crossmember has a distinctly different shape

[bjcaldwe]

Thank you, that is definitely what I needed to see.

[bjcaldwe]

I know around here my chances of a getting a gmc frame are not as good as just a chevy frame. It appears I could knock out the rivets and swap in a gmc crossmember. That is, if I could find one.

[mr48chev]

I had trouble getting those posted as my laptop kept wanting to kick me out. Each truck has it's own core support that matches the crossmember and I am not sure if the inner fenders are the same between trucks or brand specific.

BJ you may be able to use the Chev core support with the GMC nose and get by that way. Years ago one of my buddies in Texas put a GMC nose on a 54 Chev that he couldn't find a 54 nose for at the time but I don't know what he changed to do it.

It would also mean some mix and match at the top to get it right but it should be doable. If I can find the Chev Crossmember that I should have I am going to swap that into the GMC frame and that crossmember would be available. But when I went out and looked for it last night it appeared that it may have grown feet and walked off.

[bjcaldwe]

I have a complete gmc already, just was wondering what the differences where if I came across another frame. My truck is 100 miles away, and I have a small garage at my house. An idea was to get another frame to start my suspension install on.

I appreciate the photos they were very helpful.

[Fat Mike]

I am planning on removing that section off the gmc frame I have in the next couple weeks and would be willing to get it to you. I am going to use a mustang II front crossmember with a different style mounting for the radiator.

[Steve@OldSub.com]

As you are shopping frames be aware that a '54-'55 1st frame is a little different than the earlier frame. I don't think the center mount of the earliest frames would cause you any problems but you may find lever shocks instead of tube. That probably only matters if you are doing a stock type suspension. If you are just taking it off it isn't an issue either.

Also the panel/Suburban frame is the same as the pickup you just have a bunch of mounts that aren't used on the pickup.

And yes the Chevy vs GMC inner fenders and core support are different.

[bjcaldwe]

I have a mustang II crossmember that will be going on it, and possibly a 4 link on the back too.