body swap 95 1500 on 77 gmc 1500 frame

[phantom1818]

need some good advice here. I am trying to put a 1995 c/k 1500 body and bed on a 1977  1500 frame. Both trucks are 4wd. i am putting the 95 engine and gas tank in the 77 truck as well. I knw that  the 1995 frame has a s curve in it. It curves up i dont knw if this will be a promblem. Has anyone done this and do you think it can be done.

[zieg85]

I can tell you the wheel base of the 1995 is 2 inches longer so you should be able to make it look half way decent but just about everything else would have to be modified to get it to work.

[Grim 82]

Is your end game just to have a SFA in the 95? If so that swap may be easier in the long run.

I'm sure it can be done, but if you are using the 95 drivetrain verify that the t-case drop is on the correct side for the front axle, and compare the width of the body mounting locations. If you have to custom weld body mount perches, it may be easier to just weld up new spring perches for the front axle swap.

I'm sure there are some home brewed SFA conversions on the interweb somewhere, since it's a very desirable upgrade and the kits for sale are  $$$$

[slammed79]

I agree with Grim. The two frames are night and day. If your 95 frame is trashed, try and find another of the same vintage. If yer going for a solid front axle Off-road unlimited has your kit for about  $750, you'll still need an axle and some other nicknack's from the looks of the kit.

I know the kit is expensive, but trying to adapt your 95 to a 77 frame is gonna end up a long and difficult task. Harder= longer build time, and as we all know, time equals money.

Also, if you keep your factory style frame, I'd look for a 3/4 or 1 ton when shopping frames.

[phantom1818]

yes i want i solid axle 1995 chevy but i can not find the right axle for the swap it has to be  specific years and i cant find those axles around here Also i dont have 750 dollars for the kit. The next best thing is to take my 1995 body and put in on this 1977 frame. So has anyone done this or could you give me some advice because i would appreciate it. I can post pictures if needed

[Blazin]

My advise is don't do it. By the time your done you will have spent triple or way more time, and money than if you just spent the $750, plus bought the correct axle. Why is the axle so hard to find. Any Danna 44 out of a 70s F150, you can swap it over to 6 lug with parts from a Chevy or Jeep Wagoneer Dana 44. Any Dana 60 out of any Ford will work.  
 You will need a good welder, torches, or plasma cutter, and good metal working skills to do a decent looking swap along with all the cash for parts, steel, hardware etc.

[Grim 82]

You know that this crowd would rather see you build up the '77 instead 
Whatever you decide to do, start a thread and put up some pics of the build and we will help you the best that we can.

[phantom1818]

okay then i also have a 1976 ford ford f150 dana 44 hp axle can i swap this into my 1995. The ford has coil over suspension that i wish to use if i can. everyone that i have talked too said that it can be done but i would have to have 4 to 6 inches of lift and i have no need for that. That is my only alternate to body frame swapping the truck

[Captkaos]

I have to agree with Blazin,  Time would be well spent to save the money and to a solid swap on the 95.  You could part out the Chevy and Ford to pay for it.