Frame Swap

[rausbern]

I have recently started a project that is really headed the wrong way. I needed to ask if anyone can help me determine what chevy pickup frames can be used for a 68 SWB. When I first purchased my project, I was told it came with a 1981 frame and that it would work fine; however, I'm having some challenges getting the bed and cab to align. I like the disc breaks on the front and the leaf rear so I'd really like to make this work, but right now I'm not very optomistic!

Does anyone have information or a link to help me figure out where to go next?

Thanks,
Randy
'68 Basket Case

[Shyguy]

You are right, frames newer than 72 require quite a bit of alignment.

The '68-72 frames work better and all the running gear and rear-end from the '81 should be able to be used on the '68-72 frames without a lot of problems.

I am sure someone else will chime in with more info.

Danny

[rausbern]

Thanks for the info Danny.

So, if I understand you correctly, I can use a '67 - 72' frame and remove the track bars and front suspension and replace with the new model suspenson?

Again...I appreciate the feedback!

[Longhorn Man]

are you talking 2 wheel drive... or 4X4?

[dragginass]

I dont think the newer leaf springs will fit on the older track bar trucks. The set up is totally different. Unless your able to fabricate some custom brackets for it. I would try to find a 68-72 frame and use that suspension or do the modifications to make the 68' cab and bed fit the newer frame.

[rausbern]

Sorry I wasn't clear. Yes it is a 2WD.

[Longhorn Man]

forget the 73 on up frame. Too much fab work. As you noticed, you need a flat frame, and the one you have is anything but flat.
You should look into the coil/trailing arm suspention before instantly ruling them out. They are better than the leaf rear in many ways. They have shortcomings, but most prefer the coils.
You CAN get 67 - 72 GM frames in 2 wheel drive that came stock with leafs... most commonly foun under GMC trucks, but some chevys had them.

[rausbern]

Thanks Longhorn Man.

Part of my problem is that I got ahead of myself on this one. MacGaughy's had a sale on suspension parts so I ordered drop spring, drop spindals, flip kit and c-notch with lowered shocks to boot. I can get over the coil spring issue in the rear, but I really don't want to throw away the money on the spindals for sure!

Thanks again to everyone for the inputs.

Randy

[shifty]

(This is all assuming you're talking 2WD and not 4WD)

If I'm not mistaken, the 73-87 front crossmember will bolt right into a 71-72 frame with no modifications at all to the framerails. Be aware, the framerails in all trucks 73-87 (possibly 71-72 also) are 6" tall, versus the 5.5" tall that the 67-68 (and possibly 69-70) are.

In fact, I know for a fact that you can use 73-87 upper/lower control arms in the 67-68 pickups with no modifications at all because ... I've done it and am in the process of all this

Your cab, front clip and body should plop right onto a 71-72 frame w/o too many issues that I can think of. I bolted up a 75 front crossmember to my 68 frame, two holes lined up, I had to "waller" out a third hole, and drill the fourth.

Radiator support provisions on the frame for 67-68 have slightly smaller holes, and the front bumper supports may be different, but I don't know that this will even matter in your case, it's just something I'll toss in for reference.

For me, if I remember right, I am using stock '68 2WD frame, '75 front crossmember which required minimal modification to bolt directly in, and '73-87 StrongArm control arms (with same year ball joints). For the brakes, I went full spindle/disc in front for '73-87, and I am using the steering of a '73-87 (pitman arm/idler arm/center link, tie rods) and a '68 power steering gearbox.

Back in the rear, some things you need to be aware of: rear axle on 71-72 and 73-87 are (reportedly) interchangeable. The 71-72 and 73-87 rear axle housing is like ... 1" wider (either total or on both sides) than the '68 rear axle. From what I could see, the drum brake setup from my '68 was a direct bolt-on to the '75 rear axle I have at home.

[shifty]

(Make sure you get a short wheel base [SWB] frame or a long wheel base [LWB] frame, depending on whether you got a longbed or shortbed!!)

[Hart_Rod]

This would make your swap pretty simple..................

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=301802

Just send your stuff back and buy this, .