79' to 80' changes

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Dec 7, 2003 | 04:55 AM

2tailfins

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 4

Likes: 0

79' to 80' changes

I am interested in getting (another) old pickup (pre 1980) but what is the difference in the chassis? i noticed that aftermarket suspension is always 65' to 79' or 80' to ? is there a huge difference in the TTB between 79' and 80'?

Dec 7, 2003 | 07:54 AM

bremen242

Logistics Pro

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 3,739

Likes: 3

From: GANS

there is a big difference. It is because 79s (4x4s at least) don't have TTB. they have solid front axles..

Dec 7, 2003 | 02:34 PM

2tailfins

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 4

Likes: 0

is there a difference in the frames? length, track width, wheelbase? (only on 2wd TTB) Thanks!

Dec 7, 2003 | 02:54 PM

bremen242

Logistics Pro

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 3,739

Likes: 3

From: GANS

that I am not 100%. I know the rear axles have the same spring perch width.

are you thinking about swapping in a 4wd TTB from an 80+ truck?

Dec 7, 2003 | 03:07 PM

2tailfins

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 4

Likes: 0

no actually I am building a prerunner desert truck and all of the suspension manufacturers seem to cut off at 1980 their kits. if i need to do some fab to get the later kits to fit, thats ok. just curious why the 79' to 80' seems to be a cutoff. check out
www.McneilOff-Road.com to see what I want to do.

Dec 7, 2003 | 06:08 PM

dashashopdog

Senior User

Joined: Nov 2003

Posts: 219

Likes: 0

From: chino valley az

well ther was a major change to the front end on the 80 2wd. no one really make the kit because there are very few 79s left. the suspension didn't change again till 97 on the 2wd. so it isn't like there is more 80's left. the reason it wont fit is the differnce in the i beam arm length change in 80. though in theory and by my collision books, the frame width is the same, so you could install the 80 and later crossmember and i beams, but not sure to the front spring perch widths.. Kurt