A friend is stripping a long wheel base 53 for another project. I was interested in the frame he will not be using. Can a LWB be cut down by simply cutting to SWB length if I plan on not using leaf springs. I thought about a 4 link and coil over setup.
He was also asking me if there was any value to a documented 49000 mile Y block, 3 speed trans and original gauge cluster. I'm not sure if those components as a set would mean anything to anyone. What do you guys think?

 

you can cut it and still use the leaf springs if so desired , but with so many options such as new frames from the aftermarket , and the plethora of used frames available { i had the old frame from my 53 effie swb sitting for a year i think free and it was a roller before some one came and got it } why go through the trouble of cutting one . also the larger trucks are becoming more popular and someone may be looking for a frame for one ...... i cut up a 74 1/2 ton frame and modified it to fit and work under my 55 , not my beloved 53 , and it was a major freakin' headache to get it all right ............... the 55 is past tense and the frame got destroyed by my wife , long story and it still irks me !!

 

It doesn't matter what rear suspension system you use, the only way to properly shorten a long w/b frame to the measurements of a short one is to cut the difference out of the middle, in the straight area behind the cab, and weld the two halves back together again. You need the "kick up" area for the rear axle.

 

I found that I had to do both on my F-3 to F-1 conversion. Cut 8 inches out of the middle and then 12 inches off the rear. The larger truck frames had more overhang...

 

Yes the LWB frame needs to be cut twice to match a SWB frame. A fair amount of work to do and keep it straight. IMHO the only reason to do it would be if he has a good transferable title for the LWB frame, and you can't find a SWB one with a good title. Remember the title goes with/is for the frame, not the body.
Since the cuts on the LWB are done before and after the rear spring mounts, the rear suspension would not be affected unless you want to change it.