73-87 c10 frame

[KMC3420]

Hello, I have a 79 k10 SWB and want to convert it to a two wheel drive. Am I okay in using any 73-87 c10 frame to do the swap?

[cadillac_al]

I'm almost positive any73-87 frame will work. I still see SWB C10's for sale and sometimes surprisingly cheap. I would be taking the easy way out.

[sweetk30]

just use the body mount bushing kit for the frame vintage you pick 73-80 or 81-87 . and if 81-up there is a simple mod i seen posted here on how to make the 73-80 front bumpers bolt up .

[KMC3420]

Thanks guys. That’s what I wanted to know. My plan is to redo the frame front end/rear end and make sure it’s all gone through. Slow and steady. Then just throw my sheet metal and motor on the new frame. It never goes that smoothly but that’s the plan.

[toddoky]

The 73-74 2wd C10 and 75-78 2wd Big10 frames are the same, but the 75-up standard 2wd C10 and 79-up 2wd Big10 frames are different. Those later mentioned frames were produced with a specific left side frame rail that was formed to accomodate the catalytic converter that was mounted under the cab on the left side and use differently designed transmission crossmembers. Either style frame will work for you as long as you use the specific style transmission crossmember designed for each of them. I don't know if the 4wd frames are affected the same way or not.

[1957 Chief]

Also, the parking brake cable routing is different. I think 81'ish is the break. Not for sure tho.

Bubba