I've got a 1988 crew cab square thats overall pretty clean and nearly rust free. I've always been a duramax geek, owned probably a dozen of them, with various degrees of mods and power over the years. Very close to pulling the trigger on a wrecked LBZ or LMM for a swap. Considering a body swap for a few reasons. #1, my square body is 2wd, and I'd be swapping with a 4x4 truck. I have to have 4x4. #2 better frame. #3 heavier suspension and better brakes. The IFS doesn't scare me, I'm very familiar with it, will upgrade tie rods. I appreciate the smooth ride of the IFS. I'm pretty handy with a wrench, and have done engine swaps before successfully. Built a 1995 chevy with a 12 valve cummins in it. Been driving it for years.
So all this being said, am I crazy for considering a body swap? I didn't find much for builds in here for guys doing swaps on to newer frames like this. Facebook groups provided very little info either. Just a couple useful comments saying the front body mounts line up, the rest will have to be moved. Another guy said he planned to cut out the duramax firewall and use that to keep the duramax dash and steering column. I'd rather keep the square body dash, and use a dakota digital cluster.
Would love to hear some thoughts and feedback on the idea. Thanks!
