Coe question

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Aug 26, 2012 | 09:59 PM

fish-albuq

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 357

Likes: 0

Coe question

My truck is setting on a 75 chevy 2500 4x4 frame. Can I swap front suspension to a 2wheel drive? It currently has a chevy 350 but will definitely change that.

Aug 28, 2012 | 12:31 PM

38Chevy454

More Turbo

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 521

Likes: 6

From: Cincinnati, OH

No, 4x4 frame is different (parallel leafs solid axle vs coil spring IFS). But you could probably make it work, as the GM 2wd front susp is bolted on and the frame widths should be the same. You will need to drill some holes probably and you will need the 2wd steering box. Go to a junkyard and take measurements and pics and then compare to your frame.

It might be easier to just get a 2wd donor chassis and swap that under your truck (73-87 are essentially the same frame and truck). You would need to make new body mounts and a few connections.

My 49 COE is on a 74 GM 1-ton frame.

Aug 28, 2012 | 01:46 PM

fish-albuq

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 357

Likes: 0

Yeah, I've been thinking and I'm gonna probably put it back on the original frame and go from there. Were you cruising this weekend up towards Santa fe? I think I saw you pass by the Casa.

Aug 28, 2012 | 02:48 PM

38Chevy454

More Turbo

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 521

Likes: 6

From: Cincinnati, OH

Quote:

Originally Posted by fish-albuq

Yeah, I've been thinking and I'm gonna probably put it back on the original frame and go from there. Were you cruising this weekend up towards Santa fe? I think I saw you pass by the Casa.

Orig frame if you still have it can work, just depends on what you want final results for the truck. Unless you want restored, the orig truck is geared very low and you will be life in slow lane. The reason for a lot of later model frame swap is to get modern IFS with all the benefits of ride, disc brakes, P/S, sway bars, easy to find tires and wheels, parts availability, etc. Even swapping a later model rearend and front end on your stock frame will be work.

Was not me this past weekend, spent the day Sat doing stuff around the house and garage; then Sun ran to Roswell and back. Not near Santa Fe, and did not drive my COE either.

Aug 28, 2012 | 02:54 PM

ALBUQ F-1

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 27,297

Likes: 1,059

From: NM

I'm pretty sure all the Chev frames are punched for either 2WD or 4WD front end parts. I helped a friend convert a 2WD early '80s C1500 to 4WD and I don't recall having to drill anything. Going the other way should be easier.

Aug 28, 2012 | 05:10 PM

bobbytnm

Roast em' if you got 'em

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 22,010

Likes: 9,948

From: Rio Rancho, NM

I agree, I think the frames are the same. It would be good if you could get a complete donor truck, but if not a hard day at the pull-a-part should get you all you need. Like 38chevy said, it'd be worth spending some time at the wrecking yard comparing 4x4's and 2wd's

Good luck
Bobby