View Poll Results: what is your truck year?
1948-52
4
11.11%
1953-56
2
5.56%
1957-60
1
2.78%
1961-66
2
5.56%
1967-72
3
8.33%
1973-79
9
25.00%
1980-86
3
8.33%
1987-92?
1
2.78%
93-99
4
11.11%
2000+
7
19.44%
Voters: 36. You may not vote on this poll
Years represented here
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: saskatoon saskatchewan
ya they're nice trucks, i have a question bout it, what would a guy have to do to mount that body on the chasis of an 85' reg cab long box?, i kno its prolly lotta work but in like minimal detail?
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 97,491
Likes: 1,998
From: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
I hope Nathan jumps in on this as he`s the blackbelt on swapping frames. Myself I believe it would be a very large task to do it if you are talking about a 52 on an 85 frame.
Not saying it can`t be done but it would be alot of work as the newer frame will be wider, longer with alot of bends in it that would have to be removed as the 52 frame is a straight one.
Not saying it can`t be done but it would be alot of work as the newer frame will be wider, longer with alot of bends in it that would have to be removed as the 52 frame is a straight one.
Last edited by Fomoko1; Dec 13, 2006 at 11:54 PM.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,682
Likes: 12
From: Saskatoon SK Canada
Personally speaking I wouldn't touch that '85 frame with a 10 foot stick. There is too much work to make it fit. The frame is just too wide to work. You stock 6.5' box would hit the rear springs way before it was even close to sitting on the frame. You would have to make all new cab mounts (have to use rubber doughnut mounts for the rear), front sheetmetal mounts, running board mounts (the running boards would require new mounting holes since the rear springs are much longer than the factory ones) and your truck will sit about 3-4" higher than stock. IMO it just isn't worth the effort when a 65-79 frame is so much easier but this isn't for the inexperienced. 
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Moderator
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 97,491
Likes: 1,998
From: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
It`s alot easier to swap in a 302/C4, a Ford nine inch rear end and up grade the brake system. All this could be done in stages as desired. With a rebuilt front suspension you would be good to go and have a fairly stock looking truck.
Last edited by Fomoko1; Dec 14, 2006 at 06:20 PM.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,682
Likes: 12
From: Saskatoon SK Canada
The 80-96 are similar in structure to the 65-79 frames but they are just too wide. They are 37.5" front to back while the 48-52 frames were 32" front and 34" back. You have to deal with 5.5" wider in the front frame section.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,800
Likes: 9
From: Rouleau, Saskatchewan
Originally Posted by Fomoko1
It can`t hurt but be sure your wife and dad know about it too! 
