71 chevy 4x4 frame change
 

Bought a 1971 swb 4x4 last year. When I went to register it I learned the frame was not original. In fact, the DMV inspector told me it was from a 1974 Ford. Imagine my surprise! I am in the process of a frame up rebuild and have decided I should look into swapping out my Ford frame since I have the truck taken apart to the frame. I am having difficulty finding a factory 67-72 K10 4x4 frame so I am considering looking at 64-66 frames since the swb on those are the same as for 67-72 (115"). My question to you all is, will a 64-66 chevy 4x4 frame work for a 1971 C10 swb body? Any help is very much appreciated.

Re: 71 chevy 4x4 frame change
 

I believe Early Classic Enterprises has a 4x4 frame for sale. You might want to call them up.

Re: 71 chevy 4x4 frame change
 

Thanks RH. I checked it out, but unfortunately it is a lwb and I need a swb.

But I do appreciate the help!

Re: 71 chevy 4x4 frame change
 

interesting that the ford frame was close enough to work out.
had the frame mounts been moved or changed??

got any pics?
thanks

Re: 71 chevy 4x4 frame change
 

Have you checked it against another 67-72 Chevy truck to see if it is Ford frame? Any 67-72 would do.

Be willing to bet some chick might have checked the wrong box when she changed the title.........

Re: 71 chevy 4x4 frame change
 

I'll upload photos later since the ones I currently have are too large. Although I have not compared my frame to other Chevy's yet I'm pretty sure it is a Ford since the frame # begins with F, and the DMV inspector who came to my house(a policeman) told me it was a Ford frame when he called my frame # in. It also looks like a modified/custom frame since my leaf spring brackets are welded on.

Re: 71 chevy 4x4 frame change
 

i have heard of this being done before. The guy who i know that did it did it because of the steering box craking and the chevy frames twisting and breaking just infront of the rear spring hangers behind the ab. ITs funny he has an all chevy drivetrain and chevy body on a ford frame

He lives in NC or SC i think... maybe his old truck?

Re: 71 chevy 4x4 frame change
 

Good info, thanks. I bought my truck from a guy named Walter Loki in Tennessee. I thought I was going to just use it as a daily driver, but decided to do a frame up restoration instead. I've learned a lot just taking it apart.

Re: 71 chevy 4x4 frame change
 

Here are a few photos. This is my truck before I took it apart, and this is the 'Ford' frame I am considering swapping out for a Chevy frame.

Re: 71 chevy 4x4 frame change
 

I am torn between keeping this frame because I have it torn down, and swapping for an original frame to keep it all Chevy. I found a frame to swap with this one so I have the one to sell if anyone out there needs one. Frame # is OF 172251 if anyone wants to find out if it really is a ford frame.

Re: 71 chevy 4x4 frame change
 

From that last pic, it almost looks like a chevy/gmc short bed two wheel drive frame. The center crossmember looks like that one (cutout for driveshaft) on two wheel drive trucks. Trevor

Re: 71 chevy 4x4 frame change
 

if you are not going to use this frame pm me,i might be interested.thanks