Silvio Iacuone
OBS Enthusiast
I got a crusty, but rot free one from Wisconsin and I think I am just going to take my 2 frames and make one good one
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ive got 2-1997 srw 3500s 350/4l80 9200gvw and a 1996 2500 454/4l80 8600gvw. ive looked from stem to stern and cant find any difference in the frames, axles, or front control arms. they seems identical other than one 3500 has a set of triangle spring packs that are ridiculously beefy. both 3500s are 4.10 gears, the 2500 is 3.73. thats the only difference i can find. also, id part with one of these frames if ya needed it Silvio.
On the early GMT 400 literature they list the "section modulus" of the frames a bit higher on the 3500, implying thicker walls, but I'm not certain if that stayed consistent throughout the production of the series.
Also, the frame thickness got thicker progressively from a RCLB, ECLB and CCLB. But seems that doesn't apply to you.
Check the brake RPO code also.
I think my K3500 has a Borg Warner 4401 transfer case. I'm certain those have PTO, if for some reason you need that. Otherwise you can probably just run the New Process transfer case on your truck.
You cannot easily swap a 2wd frame for 4wd. Suspension mounting points are different, front crossmember different, among several other things. Easier to just find the proper frame.I’m also looking for a crew cab frame for a 98 srw but I have a drw and don’t see any difference. Is there much difference in width in a 2wd versus a 4wd frame other than the having to put all the 4wd parts on the front of the frame? I haven’t come across a 2wd to measure to see if the horn are bent the same. I found a 94 k3500 drw frame but it doesn’t have the helper springs and I don’t know if it’s different between the split. Any info would be greatly appreciated
But thesr frames are getting harder to come by that aren’t junk