Frame Swap Questions?

[csdineley]

Hello

Just brain storming something I was talking with a co-worker about today. So I have an 87 3/4 ton as my Daily Driver. And an 86 1 ton as a parts truck. And we were talking about swapping the two frames. The frame on the 1 ton is in better shape and has the 14 bolt ff rear axle, but the cab is really been cut up and in bad shape.

My questions are:
My truck rides pretty rough as is, how much worse would the 1 ton ride?

How hard would it be to do the swap (mainly the wiring and fuel lines is what worries me)?

I have both titles, could I register and swap my lic plate to the 1 ton. Put the 87 cab and bed on it and run it as an 86'? I've read that's there a vin on the frame as well. And you can get in trouble if the cab and frame don't match?

Just wondering if it's worth the trouble.

Thanks

[zieg85]

You would be surprised how easy it actually is.  The wiring pretty much stays with the cab when you pull it off.  If a rusty frame is the concern your fuel lines have been replaced or at least should be.  The only real concern is it a cab and chassis 1 ton or was it a pickup C30?  The ride will be somewhat stiffer but that shouldn't be a deal breaker.  Each state has different rules but I wouldn't think swapping frames on a 26 year old truck would raise any eyebrows especially that you have both titles.  My $.02

[csdineley]

It's a GMC c30 pickup and the the other is a Chevy R20 c6p option. Kind of wanted to make it as an 86 so down the road I would have more options when it came time for a new motor. With the 87 I have to run the TBI (which is fine for now) for emissions. But as an 86 I could leave it Tbi or put a carb on it. 

[zieg85]

One ton 86 shouldn't have had a catalytic convertor on it either, better yet

[csdineley]

It just had blast pack when I got it. It was also originally a diesel but the PO put a 350 in it. 

[zieg85]

If you have to deal with emission testing you may want to find out what you have to go through.  They test according to the VIN as to what standards your truck would have to meet.  Diesel may be exempt or they may require something else.  Bottom line is to check first. 

[csdineley]

Well it's not emission testing it just a safety and visual inspection. What came on the truck for that year has to be on the truck. Even if it doesn't work (i.e the air pump / doesn't have to go to anything just has to be there. And since in 86 they still had carbs. I could put one on. As far as I understand it Diesel are exempt but I've also read that anything with a Gvwr over 8600 or so pounds is exempt too. But they still check my truck every year and it's over that.

[audrima]

From what I remember NC was like WV in this area, and that is the Truck or "jeep" vin is the vin to the frame. you just have to go to the dmv and get it certified for title and reinspected. (the same inspection that is done for a S title to become a R title basicly). but this was about 13 years ago when I was last down there and talking about it.

mariah
=^_^=

[csdineley]

We'd like to move back up to WV. Loved living up there.

[silent]

When I checked in VA if you do it the legal way they take both vins and make you a new one. They also said if you put a 80 cab on a 73 frame they'd register it as an 80(just an example). Told me it was over people trying to get out of emmisions. Might be different in other states.

[csdineley]

Ok so putting the 1 ton frame under my 3/4 ton. Any other Pro's or Con's other the stronger axle and bigger brakes? And of course less rust.