swb to lwb bed interchange help

[DRCKISS]

i just purchased a 75 K10 LWB without a bed and my wife suggested she would like a SWB stepside bed, is it possible with out too much fabrication? or would i get luck and just be able to bolt it in? i found a SWB bed, i was just wanting the group ideas and opinions first


TIA

 

[Scott91370]

You have ot cut somewhere around 16" out of the frame of the longbed (just behind the cab) and another like 4" off the rear of the frame for the shortbed to fit.
Then you have to adjust your brake lines (hydraulic and parking) and driveshaft.
Wiring can be looped.
You'll also need 16 gallon fuel tank(s). But I don't think the fuel lines need to be adjusted.

 

[TotalyHucked]

As Scott said, it's definitely not bolt in. Here's a good overview of what's involved:

Brothers 73-87 Longbed To Shortbed Conversion Kit Part 1

Brothers Trucks has updated their 73-87 longbed to shortbed conversion kit to make it that much easier!

inthegaragemedia.com

Brothers 1973-87 Longbed To Shortbed Conversion Kit Part 2

Our 2nd part covers the Longbed To Shortbed Conversion for your square body Chevy.

inthegaragemedia.com

 

[DRCKISS]

thanks, for the help

 

[WFO]

Long beds ride better.

 

[Bennyt]

While scary to cut your truck in half, its actually a fairly easy job. If you look at my build thread, you can see where my 15yo did it with no experience with cars, tools, women, etc. and my neighbor and I welded it all up. Just don't rush it.

Rather than make your own or z the frame, buy the conversion brackets.

Metalox sells/ manufactures brackets and he has probably shortened more than anybody out there. He has videos for sale that walk you through it.
Other vendors are the brothers above, but I used the brackets from "Built by Brooks". You can find him on instagram. His brackets are longer, heavier and tie in to the front spring mount as well.

I believe the kits tell you to cut 6" off the rear of the frame to match the swb frame dimensions but you can cut less. I believe I only cut 5" as I want as much frame for protection as possible as my gas tank is mounted in back.

 

[Rusty Nail]

Don't do it.
If you want a short stepside - buy one.
Longbeds are better anyways.

 

[TotalyHucked]

#longbedsarejustpartstrucks #changemymind j/k

 

[WFO]

#longbedsarejustpartstrucks #changemymind j/k

#shortbedsarejustfronthalfpartstrucks #changemymind n/k