78 K20 to 2002 2500HD frame swap

[68 TT]

Has anybody tried putting a 73-87 truck body onto a newer truck frame?

I am converting my 78 K20 to an LQ4 / 4L80E / NP261 using a wrecked 2002 2500 HD truck as a donor. It just occurred to me I could probably swap my 78 body onto the 2002 chassis to save me some time plus get ABS, rear disc and newer suspension out of the deal. I might be able to even fit the 2002's dash and steering column to the 78's cab as well.

Both are regular cab long bed trucks. I can't get to either of them right now to do any measurements as we have received over five feet of snow in the past three weeks and both are completely buried.

I am a skilled welder and machinist so the metal work is no big deal I just wondered if there were any major issues with doing this swap that I have no info about like track width or wheel base issues.

Any help would be appreciated.

[VileZambonie]

If you are a skilled fabricator/welder go for it! I'm sure there will be plenty of conflicts but It would be a great project. Sorry I have no info on the swap for you but good luck!

[68 TT]

I guess the worst thing that happens is I waste a bunch of time and end up putting the 78 body back onto the 78 chassis and doing the engine swap to old fashioned way.

[VileZambonie]

Take some basic measurements for comparisson. Check out the FSC forum too and see if anyone over there has done it but stay over at this board because it's better.

http://www.fullsizechevy.com/forums/

[68 TT]

I want to take some actual measurements but both trucks are buried in five feet of snow out in the back yard at the moment.

I was hoping to find some basic chassis dimensions but have not found much yet. I am still searching.

[Novadiecast]

Let us know how this measures out. This seams like a very practical swap in theory. It makes me think I could do the same on my crew cab shortbed project. Keep us updated on your progress.

[frogman68]

Heres some info on the 78

http://www.chuckschevytruckpages.com/framespecs.html

[68 TT]

I have been told the track width is enough different that it would put the wheels pretty far outside the body of the 78 and that the wheel base is 6" longer.

I don't have a problem fixing the wheel base issue but narrowing the IFS front suspension is not something in my budget for this project.

I can not get to the trucks right now as they are well buried in nearly 80" of snow that we have received in the past three weeks but I will still measure everything and see if it can be done once the snow melts. Most likely I will just end up doing the engine / trans swap with a 4L80E to NP205 conversion if the track width is really as far off as I have been told. I think the firewall to center of the front wheels may be off as well and that could kill the project as well if it is too much to overcome.

Thanks for the input everybody. Now I just have to wait for spring or a good melt off.