Suburban frame interchange

[Jon_2399]

Just a quick question. Is a 1977 suburban frame the same as a 1988 suburban frame?
I'd like to put a 88 body on a 77 frame without a bunch of hassle. I do think the front frame horns are different for bumper mounting as the truck frames I know are. Is there anything else?

 

[Strick]

Should work. There's a few differences as the one you mentioned but overall should be compatible.

HS

 

[HotWheelsBurban]

Should work. There's a few differences as the one you mentioned but overall should be compatible.

HS

Bigger difference is between 2wd and 4wd....big block, diesel and small block power have some difference in the cross member and motor mounts IIRC. Auto trans vs. manual transmission may also have a different cross member and mount. I want to say that a 3/4 ton Burb will have a little bit sturdier frame than a half ton one too....

 

[Jon_2399]

I guess I didn't mention that they are both 4x4 models

 

[Keith Seymore]

I trust they are both 1/2 ton or both 3/4 ton models.

K

 

[Strick]

Seems that the bore for the body mount bushings are different 73-80 & 81-91. I had some Energy Suspension bushings (30 years ago) from an 81 up & they were too large to fit the mount on my 76.

HS

 

[bucket]

Yeah, use the body bushings that match the frame, not the body.

If the '77 front clip is not being retained, there will be some adjustments needed for the '88 radiator support to sit where it needs to.

 

[Jon_2399]

The 77 is a 3/4 ton and the 88 is a 1/2 ton so 3/4 ton frame under a 1/2 ton body. 1/2 or 3/4 shouldn't make any difference. I think the transfer case shifter hole in the tunnel is even the same.