crew cab questions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

jrsmith_2010 · 10-02-2008, 10:52 PM

hey guys, ive been lookin for a new project, and have been lookin for a crew cab. but for the 73-87 did they come with a v8 or a diesel? did they come stock with long beds? if they do, how hard is it to make it a short bed? and the most general questions will help me out. its gettin colder here in KS and im wantin me a winter project and i like the way mike nutts crew cab shorty looks, so any help will point me in the right dirrection, thanks

jrsmith

**old Rusty C10** · 10-02-2008, 10:55 PM

they came longbed there are many threads here about people converting to shortbeds please use the search ... i believe most were gas if not all the diesel was later .. after 87... bigblock73 or captkaos would be able to better answer that part.. im not a diesel guy

jrsmith_2010 · 10-03-2008, 08:06 AM

how hard is it to make a long bed into a short bed?

**N2TRUX** · 10-03-2008, 08:12 AM

Check the FAQ forum, there is a great write up there.

**Captkaos** · 10-03-2008, 11:31 AM

82-91 Crew cabs came with 6.2L diesels. All 73-87 trucks over 1/2T only came with Long beds.

If you follow OJOE's thread there is info on how he shorted his. You can also aquire a short bed and put it in place to see where the frame should be sectioned...

hrc200x · 10-03-2008, 01:04 PM

I've seen crewcabs with big blocks, small blocks and diesels.

Has anyone done a crew cab short box step side?

Tony@AirRideTech · 10-03-2008, 01:34 PM

All of the factory units I have see were all long boxes. Motor wise you could get the diesel 6.2L.... small block 5.7L.... and big blocks 7.4L. My Crew is an 86 long box with a 7.4L

jrsmith_2010 · 10-03-2008, 04:29 PM

ok ive been doin some research, and got some new questions. 1st, will a longbed frame work for a crew cab shortbed? 2nd, after cuttin the frame to make it a shortbed, do i have to get a different driveshaft? 3rd, how will all the shock, hanger, and shackles be moved if any, and where? if i find one i plan on baggin it, and body drop, so can anyone answer me these questions?

thanks
jrsmith

jrsmith_2010 · 10-03-2008, 04:30 PM

and can someone with a crew cab shortbed, measure how long it is from the front to the back? over all length, thanks

Tony@AirRideTech · 10-03-2008, 04:40 PM

yes it can be done, You are going to shorten frame in front of the kick up and the frame hanger....

jrsmith_2010 · 10-03-2008, 04:51 PM

so a lwb frame will work?

suicide 63 · 10-03-2008, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrsmith_2010

so a lwb frame will work?

Im sure it will but finding a swb donor frame will make it easier to do.As said before check out ojoes build thread that is what i used as a guide to build mine.The driveshaft will have to be shortened, brake line will also.Check out my thread to.I am a hour or so away from mclouth and have family there so when your ready to dive i will be glad to come help.

Prerunner1982 · 10-03-2008, 04:59 PM

Yes you use the lwb frame.. a short wheel base/ or short wide bed (which ever swb means to you) isnt long enough, you would have to lengthen it.

jrsmith_2010 · 10-03-2008, 05:04 PM

so i need a lwb donor truck then take the crew cab off, then do the modifying to the lwb frame to fit a shortbed?

kevinr1970 · 10-03-2008, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suicide 63

I am a hour or so away from mclouth and have family there so when your ready to dive i will be glad to come help.

Dang! Wish you were closer to me!

jrsmith_2010 · 10-03-2008, 05:33 PM

im lookin to do a 81-87 crew cab, but what year did they start adding computers in them? cause i plan on putting a 350 in it, but dont want to mess with the reprogramming of the computer

**lolife99** · 10-03-2008, 06:33 PM

jrsmith,... You will be cutting your original crew cab frame directly behind the cab and shortening that frame. OR,... you will get a 1/2 ton short wheel base frame and grafting it on to the rear of your crew cab frame. Do you want to keep the 3/4 (OR 1-ton) suspension or do you want to convert to 1/2 ton suspension? Look at member OJOE's thread on this subject. That will help alot. Shortening the frame is just the beginning. Bagging and body dropping will require some professional know how. Good luck!

jrsmith_2010 · 10-03-2008, 06:40 PM

well idk what would be better or easier to do, 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton frame. does this really matter that much?

**lolife99** · 10-03-2008, 06:50 PM

OJOE's way,... in my opinion,... is the easiest, if converting to 1/2 ton. How much suspension or welding have you done? Read as much as possible. The "Search feature" is your friend,...

jrsmith_2010 · 10-03-2008, 07:19 PM

well im just doin some research, i havnt found a truck yet, im seein if this is the way i want to go and how hard it will be to do. and i just read all of OJOE's thread, and this is the way i wanna go! im gonna go huntin for one tomorrow

cochino12 · 10-03-2008, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrsmith_2010

well im just doin some research, i havnt found a truck yet, im seein if this is the way i want to go and how hard it will be to do. and i just read all of OJOE's thread, and this is the way i wanna go! im gonna go huntin for one tomorrow

Here ya go

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/860444994.html

budgetstperformance · 10-03-2008, 11:05 PM

hey there jrsmith when you go looking for your crew cab dont rule out the duallys cause if your gonna cut it any way it dosent matter. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=303335

im going 1/2 ton from a donor burban

g/l on the truck hunt

jrsmith_2010 · 10-03-2008, 11:28 PM

ive noticed that they made crew cabs in 3/4 and 1 tons, but is there a way to covert all 4 corners to 1/2 ton with 5x5 bolt pattern?

mike nutt · 10-04-2008, 07:46 AM

here is a little more info on OJOE,s build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=218953

budgetstperformance · 10-04-2008, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrsmith_2010

ive noticed that they made crew cabs in 3/4 and 1 tons, but is there a way to covert all 4 corners to 1/2 ton with 5x5 bolt pattern?

yes, for the front you swap spindles and upper and lower control arms.

10-02-2008, 10:52 PM	#1
jrsmith_2010 I like turtles... Join Date: May 2008 Location: Kansas Posts: 993	crew cab questions hey guys, ive been lookin for a new project, and have been lookin for a crew cab. but for the 73-87 did they come with a v8 or a diesel? did they come stock with long beds? if they do, how hard is it to make it a short bed? and the most general questions will help me out. its gettin colder here in KS and im wantin me a winter project and i like the way mike nutts crew cab shorty looks, so any help will point me in the right dirrection, thanks jrsmith __________________ 1979 Silverado- lowered 5/7, 20 inch Boss rims, everything shaved, caddy lights, billet interior, UP FOR SALE! 1983 Scottsdale-on the back burner...SOLD!!! 1992 Silverado- extended cab, stock for now, but no promises SOLD!!! 2006 Chevy Cobalt-college car, staying stock Whatever can't get fixed with a hammer, a roll of duct tape, a clothes hanger, a tube of glue, and a case of beer, can wait until tomorrow.

10-02-2008, 10:55 PM	#2
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,310	Re: crew cab questions they came longbed there are many threads here about people converting to shortbeds please use the search ... i believe most were gas if not all the diesel was later .. after 87... bigblock73 or captkaos would be able to better answer that part.. im not a diesel guy __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!! Last edited by old Rusty C10; 10-02-2008 at 10:55 PM.

10-03-2008, 08:06 AM	#3
jrsmith_2010 I like turtles... Join Date: May 2008 Location: Kansas Posts: 993	Re: crew cab questions how hard is it to make a long bed into a short bed? __________________ 1979 Silverado- lowered 5/7, 20 inch Boss rims, everything shaved, caddy lights, billet interior, UP FOR SALE! 1983 Scottsdale-on the back burner...SOLD!!! 1992 Silverado- extended cab, stock for now, but no promises SOLD!!! 2006 Chevy Cobalt-college car, staying stock Whatever can't get fixed with a hammer, a roll of duct tape, a clothes hanger, a tube of glue, and a case of beer, can wait until tomorrow.

10-03-2008, 08:12 AM	#4
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: crew cab questions Check the FAQ forum, there is a great write up there. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

10-03-2008, 11:31 AM	#5
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	Re: crew cab questions 82-91 Crew cabs came with 6.2L diesels. All 73-87 trucks over 1/2T only came with Long beds. If you follow OJOE's thread there is info on how he shorted his. You can also aquire a short bed and put it in place to see where the frame should be sectioned... __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

10-03-2008, 01:04 PM	#6
hrc200x Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Minnesota Posts: 203	Re: crew cab questions I've seen crewcabs with big blocks, small blocks and diesels. Has anyone done a crew cab short box step side? __________________ '75 Chevy 3/4 4x4, 6" suspension lift, 3" body lift, 3" lifted gas tanks, '83 cab, '88 clip, 35" cooper tires, American Racing Baja rims, 350, 700r4, 208.

10-03-2008, 01:34 PM	#7
Tony@AirRideTech Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Huntingburg IN Posts: 620	Re: crew cab questions All of the factory units I have see were all long boxes. Motor wise you could get the diesel 6.2L.... small block 5.7L.... and big blocks 7.4L. My Crew is an 86 long box with a 7.4L

10-03-2008, 04:29 PM	#8
jrsmith_2010 I like turtles... Join Date: May 2008 Location: Kansas Posts: 993	Re: crew cab questions ok ive been doin some research, and got some new questions. 1st, will a longbed frame work for a crew cab shortbed? 2nd, after cuttin the frame to make it a shortbed, do i have to get a different driveshaft? 3rd, how will all the shock, hanger, and shackles be moved if any, and where? if i find one i plan on baggin it, and body drop, so can anyone answer me these questions? thanks jrsmith __________________ 1979 Silverado- lowered 5/7, 20 inch Boss rims, everything shaved, caddy lights, billet interior, UP FOR SALE! 1983 Scottsdale-on the back burner...SOLD!!! 1992 Silverado- extended cab, stock for now, but no promises SOLD!!! 2006 Chevy Cobalt-college car, staying stock Whatever can't get fixed with a hammer, a roll of duct tape, a clothes hanger, a tube of glue, and a case of beer, can wait until tomorrow.

10-03-2008, 04:30 PM	#9
jrsmith_2010 I like turtles... Join Date: May 2008 Location: Kansas Posts: 993	Re: crew cab questions and can someone with a crew cab shortbed, measure how long it is from the front to the back? over all length, thanks __________________ 1979 Silverado- lowered 5/7, 20 inch Boss rims, everything shaved, caddy lights, billet interior, UP FOR SALE! 1983 Scottsdale-on the back burner...SOLD!!! 1992 Silverado- extended cab, stock for now, but no promises SOLD!!! 2006 Chevy Cobalt-college car, staying stock Whatever can't get fixed with a hammer, a roll of duct tape, a clothes hanger, a tube of glue, and a case of beer, can wait until tomorrow.

10-03-2008, 04:40 PM	#10
Tony@AirRideTech Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Huntingburg IN Posts: 620	Re: crew cab questions yes it can be done, You are going to shorten frame in front of the kick up and the frame hanger....

10-03-2008, 04:51 PM	#11
jrsmith_2010 I like turtles... Join Date: May 2008 Location: Kansas Posts: 993	Re: crew cab questions so a lwb frame will work? __________________ 1979 Silverado- lowered 5/7, 20 inch Boss rims, everything shaved, caddy lights, billet interior, UP FOR SALE! 1983 Scottsdale-on the back burner...SOLD!!! 1992 Silverado- extended cab, stock for now, but no promises SOLD!!! 2006 Chevy Cobalt-college car, staying stock Whatever can't get fixed with a hammer, a roll of duct tape, a clothes hanger, a tube of glue, and a case of beer, can wait until tomorrow.

10-03-2008, 04:59 PM	#13
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,904	Re: crew cab questions Yes you use the lwb frame.. a short wheel base/ or short wide bed (which ever swb means to you) isnt long enough, you would have to lengthen it. __________________ Jon 1982 Chevy Silverado 350/th350.... RETIRED 1993 Jeep XJ 2 door(Cherokee) 4wd 4.0ltr/AX-15 (5spd)/NP231 .... Oklahoma Roll Call

10-03-2008, 05:04 PM	#14
jrsmith_2010 I like turtles... Join Date: May 2008 Location: Kansas Posts: 993	Re: crew cab questions so i need a lwb donor truck then take the crew cab off, then do the modifying to the lwb frame to fit a shortbed? __________________ 1979 Silverado- lowered 5/7, 20 inch Boss rims, everything shaved, caddy lights, billet interior, UP FOR SALE! 1983 Scottsdale-on the back burner...SOLD!!! 1992 Silverado- extended cab, stock for now, but no promises SOLD!!! 2006 Chevy Cobalt-college car, staying stock Whatever can't get fixed with a hammer, a roll of duct tape, a clothes hanger, a tube of glue, and a case of beer, can wait until tomorrow.

10-03-2008, 05:33 PM	#16
jrsmith_2010 I like turtles... Join Date: May 2008 Location: Kansas Posts: 993	Re: crew cab questions im lookin to do a 81-87 crew cab, but what year did they start adding computers in them? cause i plan on putting a 350 in it, but dont want to mess with the reprogramming of the computer __________________ 1979 Silverado- lowered 5/7, 20 inch Boss rims, everything shaved, caddy lights, billet interior, UP FOR SALE! 1983 Scottsdale-on the back burner...SOLD!!! 1992 Silverado- extended cab, stock for now, but no promises SOLD!!! 2006 Chevy Cobalt-college car, staying stock Whatever can't get fixed with a hammer, a roll of duct tape, a clothes hanger, a tube of glue, and a case of beer, can wait until tomorrow.

10-03-2008, 06:33 PM	#17
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: crew cab questions jrsmith,... You will be cutting your original crew cab frame directly behind the cab and shortening that frame. OR,... you will get a 1/2 ton short wheel base frame and grafting it on to the rear of your crew cab frame. Do you want to keep the 3/4 (OR 1-ton) suspension or do you want to convert to 1/2 ton suspension? Look at member OJOE's thread on this subject. That will help alot. Shortening the frame is just the beginning. Bagging and body dropping will require some professional know how. Good luck! __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823 Last edited by lolife99; 10-03-2008 at 06:33 PM.



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10-03-2008, 06:40 PM	#18
jrsmith_2010 I like turtles... Join Date: May 2008 Location: Kansas Posts: 993	Re: crew cab questions well idk what would be better or easier to do, 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton frame. does this really matter that much? __________________ 1979 Silverado- lowered 5/7, 20 inch Boss rims, everything shaved, caddy lights, billet interior, UP FOR SALE! 1983 Scottsdale-on the back burner...SOLD!!! 1992 Silverado- extended cab, stock for now, but no promises SOLD!!! 2006 Chevy Cobalt-college car, staying stock Whatever can't get fixed with a hammer, a roll of duct tape, a clothes hanger, a tube of glue, and a case of beer, can wait until tomorrow.

10-03-2008, 06:50 PM	#19
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: crew cab questions OJOE's way,... in my opinion,... is the easiest, if converting to 1/2 ton. How much suspension or welding have you done? Read as much as possible. The "Search feature" is your friend,... __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

10-03-2008, 07:19 PM	#20
jrsmith_2010 I like turtles... Join Date: May 2008 Location: Kansas Posts: 993	Re: crew cab questions well im just doin some research, i havnt found a truck yet, im seein if this is the way i want to go and how hard it will be to do. and i just read all of OJOE's thread, and this is the way i wanna go! im gonna go huntin for one tomorrow __________________ 1979 Silverado- lowered 5/7, 20 inch Boss rims, everything shaved, caddy lights, billet interior, UP FOR SALE! 1983 Scottsdale-on the back burner...SOLD!!! 1992 Silverado- extended cab, stock for now, but no promises SOLD!!! 2006 Chevy Cobalt-college car, staying stock Whatever can't get fixed with a hammer, a roll of duct tape, a clothes hanger, a tube of glue, and a case of beer, can wait until tomorrow.

10-03-2008, 11:05 PM	#22
budgetstperformance Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: lake worth fla. Posts: 125	Re: crew cab questions hey there jrsmith when you go looking for your crew cab dont rule out the duallys cause if your gonna cut it any way it dosent matter. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=303335 im going 1/2 ton from a donor burban g/l on the truck hunt

10-03-2008, 11:28 PM	#23
jrsmith_2010 I like turtles... Join Date: May 2008 Location: Kansas Posts: 993	Re: crew cab questions ive noticed that they made crew cabs in 3/4 and 1 tons, but is there a way to covert all 4 corners to 1/2 ton with 5x5 bolt pattern? __________________ 1979 Silverado- lowered 5/7, 20 inch Boss rims, everything shaved, caddy lights, billet interior, UP FOR SALE! 1983 Scottsdale-on the back burner...SOLD!!! 1992 Silverado- extended cab, stock for now, but no promises SOLD!!! 2006 Chevy Cobalt-college car, staying stock Whatever can't get fixed with a hammer, a roll of duct tape, a clothes hanger, a tube of glue, and a case of beer, can wait until tomorrow.

10-04-2008, 07:46 AM	#24
mike nutt 69fatmotor Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: bama Posts: 660	Re: crew cab questions here is a little more info on OJOE,s build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=218953

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