Frame Swap
#11
It's been a little while so I can't tell you all the little things that need to be done. But I'll share these photos. This is a '94 4x4 V8 frame (unknown tranny)) going under a '93 4x4 V6 body (5 speed). Zero differences. I found it easier to pull the fenders off then the cab, then the radiator support It was also practical because the radiator core cab mount bolts were completely seized, and with the hood and fenders removed it was much easier to access and cut up the top of the "square nut cage"...whatever it's called to pull half off the sawzall'd bolt out the top. You maybe should plan on your front cab mount bolts also being seized. None of the (6) others on my extra cab truck were seized at all, which was really fricken nice. All in all it's not terribly difficult but I couldn't help but redo EVERYTHING when I was during a frame swap so I went deep, deep down a rabbit hole that took over a year to have the truck driving again. It's just so satisfying to pull driveshafts and brake lines while standing up in the middle of the frame. Some people wouldn't be as **** about that as me but I don't have a lift or anything an I try to minimize my work laying on gravel underneath cars...somehow I still end up doing it all the time.
You asked about differentials. As far as I know there were 3 rear differentials available on these trucks. 7.25", 8.25, or 9.25". I don't think the 7" came in any 4x4s, and my impression is that the 9.25" is pretty rare, the 8.25" being the most common 4x4 axle used for either V6 or V8. So axles are probably the same, but if you got a 9.25" in one I'd keep that one...or if one of the axles has a limited slip, I'd keep that too. Front differentials are the same 7.25", no problem there. Suspension is all exactly the same as far as I remember.
I don't have A/C so that was nice for me.
Good luck.
You asked about differentials. As far as I know there were 3 rear differentials available on these trucks. 7.25", 8.25, or 9.25". I don't think the 7" came in any 4x4s, and my impression is that the 9.25" is pretty rare, the 8.25" being the most common 4x4 axle used for either V6 or V8. So axles are probably the same, but if you got a 9.25" in one I'd keep that one...or if one of the axles has a limited slip, I'd keep that too. Front differentials are the same 7.25", no problem there. Suspension is all exactly the same as far as I remember.
I don't have A/C so that was nice for me.
Good luck.
Last edited by tbugden; 01-21-2017 at 08:46 AM.
#12
Never tried it, but I cant imagine suspending the cab, fenders, hood, core support, all as one assembly. Then to add the engine-transmission assembly all together with that, and lift at once. If everything does not come up together, something is going to get bent or broke.
I would think you would need to take the fenders, hood, and front end off. Then remove the cab and bed. Then the motor, transmission assmebly. Then reverse.
If you do this, take pictures!! Just never heard of doing it that way. Good luck!!
I would think you would need to take the fenders, hood, and front end off. Then remove the cab and bed. Then the motor, transmission assmebly. Then reverse.
If you do this, take pictures!! Just never heard of doing it that way. Good luck!!