1973 crew cab and 1991 burb

[Mark_Chininia]

I have a project in mind and need some advice. i picked up a 1973 3/4 (454)ton crew cab last year and put a new flat bed on it. i got a 1973 1/2 (350)longbed, which was my grandmothers, and a got a 1991 3/4 (350)4x4 suburban for $250 last week. I would like to start a crew cab 4x4 short bed project, but trying to figure out which frame to start on. i am open to any suggestions. thanks.

[oldwhity]

I think it would be easier to use the crew cab chassis to start with and shorten the frame. Use the rears and tc from the sub and shorten the bed(or find one)from the longbed. Just my 2cents.

[Captkaos]

Use the Crew Cab frame. 
The long bed is shorter with no room to mount a short bed, and the Suburban although will "technically" work, the bed front would have to be cut completely off on a shortbed as it is shorter than a LWB truck.

[Lt.Del]

If emissions are a problem in your state, there were none on a 73.  No cats!  Use that VIN for titling.

[joesgarage71]

 I would build the 73 3/4 ton( if the frame is in good shape). put the 91 front clip on it. Find a D44/14 bolt and a 205 TC.  You can use the 91 diffs but I'm not crazy about the 10/12 bolt that I'm guessing is in the 91.(assuming you want to wheel the thing)Sell all the unused parts to help finance the build, and whatever don't sell wait a couple of months for the price of scrap to go up and get rid of the rest. Around here scrap is $130 a ton for cars/trucks.6 months ago it was $250.
 Now there is a limit on tire size using a D44 I would stay around 36's you can go bigger you just have to watch how hard you wheel it. If you have a good cash flow get a D60 Front diff.
 My .02
Steve

[lowbucktruck]

I would build the 73 3/4 ton( if the frame is in good shape). put the 91 front clip on it. Find a D44/14 bolt and a 205 TC.  You can use the 91 diffs but I'm not crazy about the 10/12 bolt that I'm guessing is in the 91.(assuming you want to wheel the thing)Sell all the unused parts to help finance the build, and whatever don't sell wait a couple of months for the price of scrap to go up and get rid of the rest. Around here scrap is $130 a ton for cars/trucks.6 months ago it was $250.
 Now there is a limit on tire size using a D44 I would stay around 36's you can go bigger you just have to watch how hard you wheel it. If you have a good cash flow get a D60 Front diff.
 My .02
Steve

What's wrong with the 73 front clip?  Damaged?  Or just don't like its looks? 

[joesgarage71]

 A popular upgrade, I have a 86 (w/91 burb rad support and grill)clip for my 75 one ton and my 78 will stay 78(w/ 73 grill), I like both myself.