VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Trucks and Vans 50 chev p.u. on 84 chev p.u. frame

I'm new to this site,but like what I see. Have any of you ever put a AD design body on a 1973-1986 chev p.u. frame? It would solve a lot of problems, modern steering, eliminating torque tube, and give you a decent gear ratio. I realize i'd have to make new cab mounts, front clip mounts, and bed mounts. What has me concerned is the arches above the rear axles and how it would affect the bed mounting. I can shorten the frame as i've done it before. I was a bodyman 20 years ago, so would be a lot of fun to get into it again. THANK YOU in advance for any advice you can give me. Maybe it's a dumb idea, I don't know

I have seen it done but the wheels stick out too far and looks a little goofy,some are putting them on a S10 chassis but it requires a lot of cutting. Use the original frame and upgrade the suspensions and you will be alot happer with the results and have something that if you want to sell in the future it wont be a cobbled up mess you would have to almost give away.

My 1950 is a 3/4 ton. Would it be a lot harder to install the late model suspension on the 3/4 ton frame, or should I find a 1/2 ton frame to install the later model stuff on. Also, what kind of vehicle would make a good donor? I prefer to use existing vehicles like they did back in the day, rather than write checks to companies. After all, that's how hot rodding started. I just want a safe,reliable vehicle that will keep up with traffic,handle,and stop well. I plan to drive it,not haul it.Plus,like most people,I have a lot more time than money!!

Since its a 3/4 ton and you want to use them like they did back in the day then keep it a 3/4 ton,since its a 3/4 to you have it easier to change the gears in the rear end then those with a 1/2 ton. The 3/4 tons dont have a complete torque tube like the 1/2 tons and you can get a center section from a 60s 3/4 ton and install it in your 50 to get a better gear so you can go highway speeds. You need to check on the stovebolt page as there are a bunch over there who modify their trucks unlike on here who mainly like original vehicles.