Frame swap questions
Frame swap questions
Just picked up a 1961 shortbed. Just curious on what options are out there. I've done Dakota frame swaps in the past with a 53 pilothouse and even clipped a 59 belvedere with success. Also would a 2001 Dodge 1500 work under these trucks.
Re: Frame swap questions
Don't know but a decent swept short frame, if you get rid of it, would have value!
- marklein
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Re: Frame swap questions
I have looked at using that vintage of frame, the issue is that you will need to shorten it. If I recall correctly, the shortest wheelbase available is 118", which means you still need to make it shorter. The 72-93 is closer, but the shape is no conducive to a nice swap. I have also looked at using the 04 up durango frame, I think it would work.
- soopernaut
- Sweptline.ORG Pioneer
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Re: Frame swap questions
If you cut the bed floor you can put the truck on a 72-93 truck frame with no frame modifications. You could also do a body lift and have no cutting of either the bed or frame. You can splice the frame under the cab and leave the rear of the old frame.
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- Sweptline.ORG Member
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Re: Frame swap questions
Why change it? Just curious. You can upgrade it with IFS and a 4-link, add some disc brakes.... These frames are pretty good, and not very common.
Isaacs truck:
Picture album. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/ ... sp=sharing
Build thread. viewtopic.php?f=34&t=41915
Picture album. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/ ... sp=sharing
Build thread. viewtopic.php?f=34&t=41915
- soopernaut
- Sweptline.ORG Pioneer
- Posts: 8931
- Joined: Wed Dec 31, 1969 6:00 pm
- Location: Des Moines,IA
Re: Frame swap questions
Probably cost. When I considered rebuilding what I had versus going to IFS, PS, disc brakes; it seemed that the price for upgrades using a newer frame/clip was the most cost effective. I got a 77 truck for $350 w/ 70,000 miles on it. When I realized the whole frame wasn't going to fit correctly I traded the engine/transmission for the frame splice work.Drummerdad wrote: ↑Tue Apr 21, 2020 7:38 pmWhy change it? Just curious. You can upgrade it with IFS and a 4-link, add some disc brakes.... These frames are pretty good, and not very common.
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- Sweptline.ORG Member
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- City: gray
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Re: Frame swap questions
Makes sense. I didnt think of that. Cost will limit me on the f100 Im building. You can buy a new frame, but Im not spending $12k for a frame. The brand name IFS kits are usually in the $4k range.
Isaacs truck:
Picture album. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/ ... sp=sharing
Build thread. viewtopic.php?f=34&t=41915
Picture album. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/ ... sp=sharing
Build thread. viewtopic.php?f=34&t=41915