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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Body, Glass & Paint => Topic started by: unbludictable on June 30, 2010, 12:09:23 pm

Title: Queston about the "A" Frame?
Post by: unbludictable on June 30, 2010, 12:09:23 pm

I have a '76 GMC High Seirra 1/2 Ton with a badly rusted body good 350 motor and 350 tranny. I bought a '86 Chevy 3/4 Ton body with no rust, but the "A" frame is crack on the bottom.

My question is: Can I put the '86 3/4 Ton Chevy body on my '76 1/2 Ton GMC frame, or just pull the motor and trany, put it in the '86 Body and fix the "A" frame?

Title: Re: Queston about the "A" Frame?
Post by: ccz145a on June 30, 2010, 01:04:37 pm

The answer is:
Yes
and Yes

I put a newer body on my '75, only issues were the engine harness connector (had to re-pin) and body mounts (use the ones that match you frame)

Title: Re: Queston about the "A" Frame?
Post by: Captkaos on June 30, 2010, 04:40:20 pm

Realize that you will loose the 3/4T capacity.

Title: Re: Queston about the "A" Frame?
Post by: unbludictable on July 06, 2010, 03:46:30 pm

Thanks guys! I guess my next question is which is easier?

Title: Re: Queston about the "A" Frame?
Post by: Swims350 on July 06, 2010, 06:31:38 pm

engine swap is easier then body swap.

A arm is easy you can get a new one with balljoint for like $100 from  . Got one for the 84 sitting at dad's house he bought from   with balljoint in it and the bar and bushings as well.

Title: Re: Queston about the "A" Frame?
Post by: unbludictable on July 08, 2010, 02:39:08 pm

Thanks! It sounds like a weekend project instead of a month long project. The problem now is finding which weekend and the balljoint?

Can I take the ball joint/"A" frame out my '76 and put it the '86?

Title: Re: Queston about the "A" Frame?
Post by: Swims350 on July 08, 2010, 03:00:00 pm

the ball joints are made/pressed/riveted/bolted to the a arm/control arm so if you pull the a arm the balljoint comes with it. I checked and according to another parts site, the 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton a arms are 2 different part numbers.

Title: Re: Queston about the "A" Frame?
Post by: unbludictable on July 15, 2010, 11:30:01 am

Thanks! Sounds like I need a hammer! You guys always come through!