66 frame under 72 body ?
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New User
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Chandler AZ
66 frame under 72 body ?
Maybe this should be in the bump sides forum, but I've reviewed both and there is lots of info on these truck frames. A lot of guys putting newer frames under older bods.
I have a nice body 72 short box with a very twisted and bent frame. The local frame shop can straighten it, but big $ and a lot of pulling around. The local old fashioned junkyard has lots of long frames, but only a 65 or 66 short box frame. It appears from what I've read that my 72 body and box should bolt onto the 65 or 66 frame but I wanted to post here to be sure. I will use up most of labor day weekend wrenching on this and don't want to have a mess. I plan to use the 72 power steering box and it's associated suspension and the 72 rear axle and springs. I can see that the 65 or 66 frame has a wider (or is that thicker / longer) front crossmember than the 72. Back to front the older crossmember measures more. Front suspension appears to all mount the same, but I don't have them side by side to be sure.
Should I spend the weekend turning big wrenches or just pay the frame shop bill?
thanks
I have a nice body 72 short box with a very twisted and bent frame. The local frame shop can straighten it, but big $ and a lot of pulling around. The local old fashioned junkyard has lots of long frames, but only a 65 or 66 short box frame. It appears from what I've read that my 72 body and box should bolt onto the 65 or 66 frame but I wanted to post here to be sure. I will use up most of labor day weekend wrenching on this and don't want to have a mess. I plan to use the 72 power steering box and it's associated suspension and the 72 rear axle and springs. I can see that the 65 or 66 frame has a wider (or is that thicker / longer) front crossmember than the 72. Back to front the older crossmember measures more. Front suspension appears to all mount the same, but I don't have them side by side to be sure.
Should I spend the weekend turning big wrenches or just pay the frame shop bill?
thanks
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Zebby, Change what you must, but aside from the rear end, everything else should be the same parts. If the steering gear is worn out, you can change but you will be swapping in the same part. The difference is above the chassis.
For me. I would go to a 73-79 and get the disc brakes and power steering. But that's my O.
John
For me. I would go to a 73-79 and get the disc brakes and power steering. But that's my O.
John
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New User
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Chandler AZ
I'm confused?? I thought that the rear ends were the same 66 to 72. I have power steering on the bent 72 frame and will bolt it onto the 66 frame ( I hope).
I can get a 75 short frame cheap, but didn't want to go that route as the rear axle is wider and tires may touch the body, plus there would be the big gap between the cab and box..........or am I still confused?
I can get a 75 short frame cheap, but didn't want to go that route as the rear axle is wider and tires may touch the body, plus there would be the big gap between the cab and box..........or am I still confused?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Zeb, The reason that I posted what I did, in 68 the brake size was changed to the larger size that was used through 86 when the 9" was discontinued. It was 73 when the axle housing was widened or lengthened to again match the front track that was changed in 65 with the introduction of the I-Beam.
Depending on wheel width or offset I don't think wheel rub is an issue. It could be an issue with installing and removal.
The 6 mount point measurements for the cab and front clip are the same from 65 to 79.
John
Depending on wheel width or offset I don't think wheel rub is an issue. It could be an issue with installing and removal.
The 6 mount point measurements for the cab and front clip are the same from 65 to 79.
John
