Author Topic: Body swap compatibility 85 to ??  (Read 3350 times)

Offline Silver_Bullet85

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 48
  • Newbie
Body swap compatibility 85 to ??
« on: February 03, 2014, 08:08:17 am »
Ok so I have an 85 lwb that I'm going to swap frames from 2wd to 4wd. My only question is before I start shopping I'm curious as to what year model frames will match up to the 85 body without having to modify the mounts.  I'm aware of all the other modifications I'm going to have to do but just need to know the mounting position compatibility so I can get started.  THanks guys.

Offline Engineer

  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1402
Re: Body swap compatibility 85 to ??
« Reply #1 on: February 03, 2014, 09:02:24 am »
If you are wanting to use your old body mount bushings then look for a 81+.

Any frame will work with your cab you just use the rubber mounts from the year model frame that you are building.

You may want to replace your cab mount bushings anyway. 30 year old bushings tend to be rotten after this amount of time.
2002 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 8.1/ZF6sp RC/LB
2001 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 6.0/4L85E EC/SB
1997 Chevy Blazer 4x4
1994 Chevy K-2500 4x4 C6P 5.7/4L80E
1979 Chevy K-30 4x4 4sp 4.10
1977 Chevy K-30 4x4 4sp 4.10 454

Dad of an Eagle Scout, and a Life Scout

Offline Captkaos

  • OWNER and Administrator
  • Administrator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 18462
    • http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com
Re: Body swap compatibility 85 to ??
« Reply #2 on: February 03, 2014, 08:59:05 pm »
The locations of the mounts didn't change from 73-87.  everything will bolt back in place.
You just have to use the mounts/bushing from the donor as Engineer stated..

Offline Silver_Bullet85

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 48
  • Newbie
Re: Body swap compatibility 85 to ??
« Reply #3 on: February 03, 2014, 09:50:18 pm »
Good deal, I will definitely change out the bushings, they still look decent but 30 yrs is 30 yrs.  After spending all day in Corpus Christi looking for a frame I found 2, an 85 k10 in a junkyard for $850 stripped and delivered and my buddy's running k10 for probably $400ish (haven't talked final sale yet). It's a no brainer, now all I need is the time to pick it up from his ranch.

Thanks for the info guys!