Frame swap

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Oct 24, 2019 | 01:26 PM

WercMerc

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Jan 2019

Posts: 35

Likes: 1

Frame swap

Can anyone tell me if there any major differences between a 1976 4wd short wheel base and a 1979 2wd swb frames?

Oct 24, 2019 | 03:11 PM

mikeo0o0o0

Hotshot

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 14,333

Likes: 247

From: Stanley, VA

Yes, there are quite a few differences. They don't directly interchange.
Steering box mounting is different, engine mounting is different, crossmembers are different, etc.

Oct 24, 2019 | 07:31 PM

WercMerc

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Jan 2019

Posts: 35

Likes: 1

Cool beans, thanks for the reply, exactly what I wanted to know

Oct 28, 2019 | 01:55 PM

broktruk

Laughing Gas

Joined: Jan 2018

Posts: 898

Likes: 70

From: Coos Bay

Merc. Is the goal to switch body from frame to frame?

Oct 28, 2019 | 02:13 PM

WercMerc

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Jan 2019

Posts: 35

Likes: 1

Kinda, sorta. I stumbled upon a mint flareside short box for $500 while looking for a replacement fleet side 8' box.

My sides and cross rails are beyond pooched. For what ever reason my cab and front end are in excellent condition.

So now I have plans to build a short wheelbase. While cutting the frame is an option, I was searching for a SWB frame before I started down that path. I had found a striped down the SWB from an earlier model 4wd.