Using 87 C20 frame for a 87 V20

[dc7432]

Our 87 V20 (4wd) frame needs to be replaced and we found a 87 C20 (2wd) frame. Looking for advice on what modifications the C20 will need to convert to 4wd. Our plan is to use everything on the V20 just need a frame, thanks in advance.

[Captkaos]

Generally speaking every component for the engine mounting and trans mounting will need to be transfered.
The front and rear suspension mounting will also need to be transfered over.

Basically, in short without granular detail, you are going to strip both frames down to the frame rails and transfer them over being mindful of location

[JohnnyPopper]

Take lots of photos before starting 

[VileZambonie]

Do you mean R20?

[JohnnyPopper]

VZ pretty sure he does 

Curious why you need a complete frame?

[dc7432]

It’s a V20 change to V in 87. The frame is complete rusted and falling a part.

[bd]

Do you mean R20?

It’s a V20 change to V in 87. The frame is complete rusted and falling a part.

VileZambonie's post simply refers to the thread title, "Using 87 C20 frame for a 87 V20."

GM rebranded the 1987 model year light-duty trucks from "C" to "R" and "K" to "V" for marketing reasons.  Most people rolled their eyes when GM did that.

[Shifty]

It was tough to be an auto parts counterman after that mistake....

[bd]

It's funny how after 36 years the confusion has only slightly waned.

[JohnnyPopper]

I get what the R stood for.

What was the V supposed mean, along with what marketing target?

[bd]

I think both chassis codes were arbitrary, outside of not conflicting with other GM car line chassis codes.

The marketing challenge was to retain the C/K designations for the new body styles during the overlapping years that both body styles were produced and sold (1987 - 1991).