Suburban vs pickup frames?

[1960chevypanel]

I understand that 60-63 Suburbans and panels have rear frame horns (where the pickups obviously don't). Are there any other differences in the design, mounting point locations, or anything else? If I snip the rear horns off will it instantly become a pickup frame?

[argonaut]

This is true for the 63-66 frames. Not sure if early frames were any different. Carryalls also have an additional pair of body mount brackets, but they are simply riveted on.

[1960chevypanel]

60-62 Burbs and Panels have frame extensions at the rear that are riveted on. Once you remove those the frame is the same as a shortbed pickup. 63-66 look like the frame would need to be measured and shortened.

[padresag]

here is an example of a 60-62 suburban or panel 4 x 4 frame and rear extensions, the 4 x 4 is a ladder type frame and goes back fairly straight until it comes to the extension. the extension allows the frame to go out to 42" from 34". the 2 wheel dr 60-62 has an xmember and the frame tapers out from the trans area to the rear which on a suburban 2 wheel is 42". it has an extension also. they are both riveted on. the 63-66 suburbans and panels also have a riveted extension which removed would be equivalent to a swb p/u frame.

ron

[66 Burban]

Originally Posted by padresag

here is an example of a 60-62 suburban or panel 4 x 4 frame and rear extensions, the 4 x 4 is a ladder type frame and goes back fairly straight until it comes to the extension. the extension allows the frame to go out to 42" from 34". the 2 wheel dr 60-62 has an xmember and the frame tapers out from the trans area to the rear which on a suburban 2 wheel is 42". it has an extension also. they are both riveted on. the 63-66 suburbans and panels also have a riveted extension which removed would be equivalent to a swb p/u frame.

ron

My 66 Suburban frame is straight and does not have a riveted extension. Frame rails are one piece.

[padresag]

here is my 64 frame and just behind the rear spring hanger and that rear c/member you will see a bolt head on the top of the frame; that is where you will see the pieces meet

ron

[padresag]

Originally Posted by 66 Burban

My 66 Suburban frame is straight and does not have a riveted extension. Frame rails are one piece.

yours is a chevy 2 wheel dr as is the one in this picture

ron

[1960chevypanel]

So the answer is that 63-66 2WD's had one piece frame rails (no extensions). I checked a 63 Panel and a 65 Suburban today and found the same thing. Has anyone cut these down to make a shortbed pickup frame? I'm wondering if I have to do anything besides cut off the rear frame horns.

[padresag]

yes chevrolets but I cannot say about GMCs. perhaps this all has to do in that area when there is a rear spring hanger mounted there. if someone has a 63 - 64 2 wheel dr panel or suburban pls check
ron

[1960chevypanel]

I checked a '63 Chevy panel and a '65 GMC Suburban and they're both one piece. So no difference between Chevy and GMC. So it sounds like 60-62 2WD use an extension, as do 60-66 4WD, but 63-66 2WD are one piece.