1977 SWB frame vs. Later SWB frames

[BADAZ chevy guy]

I have a 1977 1/2 ton SWB. I have a chance to pick up an 81-87 SWB 1/2 tom frame. What differences will I find between to two? I'm was thinking of having the newer frame sand blasted and painted, then start swapping parts over as they got finished.

[winky]

i put an 83 body on a 77. there are a few small things i think were different like how the e brake was ran. also the 77 frame the front frame horns are curved where on the 81 ( i think?) AND later trucks they are cut slanted. different style bumper brackets and possibly bumpers. you need to use the body mounts that are the same year as the frame you plan on using. I.E. taking a 77 body putting it on an 84 frame, use the 84 body mounts.

[BADAZ chevy guy]

Sounds good. Thank you. I haven't bought the new frame yet. I'll keep looking for a 77 just in case.

[Captkaos]

The 80-87 frame has opening in the crossmember to lighten it up.  Frame horns aren't rounded off on 81-87's.  Body mounts have a bigger opening.  The Ebrake swapped to a single side sometime in 81-85ish.
If you get a 81-87 from make sure you get the body bushing mounts, as you will need them for putting the body back on.