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Shadow334
08-06-2011, 09:00 PM
im restoring my 82 chevy and found a crack in the frame. im looking for another frame and was wondering if the 73-79 frames would work. it seems like i have heard at some point and time it wouldnt work cause of the core support mounts. if anyone can help it would be great thanks
cj
GreaseDog
08-06-2011, 09:57 PM
where are the cracks at?

the problem actually lies in the very front of the frame, and making sure that your cab and core support mounts match the frame, and not the cab.
Shadow334
08-07-2011, 08:50 AM
the crack is right behind the gas tank. it pretty bad. and another small crack on the other side under the cab. what do you mean by match the frame not the cab? so if i order all my body mounts for a 73-79 it will work?
GreaseDog
08-07-2011, 10:45 AM
yes. you will have to modify the front of the rails to get the 81+ bumper to fit, but its VERY easy.
Shadow334
08-07-2011, 02:36 PM
ok this helps alot since it broadens my options about 7 more years. this frame has been alot harder to find then i thought. another question though. if i pick up a 2 wheel drive frame will the holes for the front spring hangers already be in the frame rails? or is it a completely different frame? my truck is a 1982 rcsb 4x4. and all my spring hangers are in great shape and could be reused. and i may have to convert a 2 wheel drive frame to a 4 wheel drive
Shadow334
08-09-2011, 06:22 PM
bump
GreaseDog
08-09-2011, 07:03 PM
the rails themselves carry the same service part number (used to be able to buy them as replacement parts individually), so i'm assuming that the replacement rails had holes for both 2wd and 4x4 trucks. with that said, the front hanger on the 4x4, and the core support mount on the 2wd will bolt in the same 4 holes. the hanger will require additional holes to be drilled, but it will fit. then its up to you to locate the shackle hole for the rear.

be aware that 2wd rear brackets (between the frame and the spring) are 2" shorter than the 4x4 versions. change them, or just add 2" more lift.
Shadow334
08-10-2011, 07:43 AM
ok i got ya. all my hangers on my old frame are in good shape so i could use them. thanks again for all the help
GreaseDog
08-10-2011, 05:12 PM
the hangers are different between a 73-80 and an 81-87, due to the difference in the very front of the rails i mentioned before.