I recently aquired a 96 extended cab parts truck. My question is, are both bodys identical albeit the interior change they made in 98? my 98 body is getting ding-ed up from rust and such. I also lost a fight with a small pole tonight so my bumper is mashed in. imma pull it out BUT the rear quarter panel (bed) is trashed. Is the bed a one piece part or not?

 

If both beds are the same length, should swap right over.

Cab floor is different, as are the seat belt mount points. Rumor has it, you can swap the dash over though. (whole thing) Just need to get ALL the wiring, and PCM, from the 98.

 

how about the frame? is a 96 1500 ext cab-shortbed frame the same as a 98 2500 regular cab long bed frame?

 

Nope. Reg cabs and ext cabs have different frames. Not interchangeable.

 

Hmmm, they would have the same wheelbase though

 

You would be missing the rear most cab mounts with the 98 frame.