getting framed

[rieckmanntrucking]

can anyone tell me how much a difference there is between 73-87 4x4 frames and 67-72 width,contour etc ? im thinking of using the newer frame and running gear for my 67 2wd to convert it to 4x4 and woundering how much of a pain it would be . thanks

[franken]

You didn't say long or short, or 1/2, 3/4, or 1 ton.
Wheelbase is different so I think a frame swap w/o moving the rearend is impractical.
I was thinking of taking the 3/4 ton diffs from a later truck and swapping them for my 1/2 ton diffs. The front is supposed to bolt up, but the rear I would have needed to get the springs and spring hangers riveted to the frame. The shock mounts are also different. Later trucks used the same width frame, but had wider spring perches and longer springs. Some or all DRW cab and chassis are said to use the same width spring perches.
So if the rear diff has to be moved anyway, I suspect just using the diffs is going to be easier than also moving body mounts. On the other hand, I seem to recall the front crossmembers are different on 4x4 trucks so using the 2x4 frame may be impractical.

[rieckmanntrucking]

long for long . my 67 is a 1/2 ton 2wd the other frame I don't have yet