Which chassis for longbed to shortbed conversion

Good evening all. Recently bought a 2wd single cab stepside shortbed. Didnt notice the frame bent and now debating doing a chassis swap. My question, is there a chassis that is preferred for a shortbed conversion? I have access to either a regular cab longbed or an extended cab shortbed. I'm not sure which chassis would be the easiest to cut and where the location of the cuts should be, whether it's under or behind the cab. Any and all information will be greatly appreciated.

The few times I've seen it done, it's always been regular cab longbeds getting cut down. I think you could have trouble with the regular cab mounts on an extended cab frame. No since in adding to the work.

X2 on the reg cab. I believe that on a episode of "Trucks" on Powernation they showed how to do it. Cut the frame vertically and horizontally to have a strong joint. Sure others here have done it and chime in. And remember, pics or it didn't happen!!! Good luck

Never did one but the regular cab for sure. The front bed mounts are going to be in the same place. One thing I would look at when the frames are side by side before I cut one in half is if it would be easier to move the spring hangers, rear crossmember, and shock mounts forward. Those parts are all riveted, so it's just a matter cutting the rivets, drilling some holes farther forward and bolting the stuff back on and cutting the ends of the rails. Maybe drill the more rearward holes for the bed and a holes for a bumper. All with no welding if it's possible to do it that way. You already have a shortbed to make templates and take measurements from. Might have to use the front spring hangers from the shortbed.

Cutting a frame in half, and fixturing it can get complex rather quickly. Concrete floors are typically wavy making measurements difficult etc. With the thickness of metal involved you really need a 220v welder. It would be my last resort if there was no other way.

Been a while since I looked but the simple thought of just cutting/drilling rivets and then drilling new holes to move the spring hangers etc. forward doesn't really work for a regular pickup chassis as they aren't literally parallel, straight frame rails. The ones that are, are cab & chassis models. Those get shortened and lengthened all the time in that fashion.

Richard

someotherguy said:

Been a while since I looked but the simple thought of just cutting/drilling rivets and then drilling new holes to move the spring hangers etc. forward doesn't really work for a regular pickup chassis as they aren't literally parallel, straight frame rails. The ones that are, are cab & chassis models. Those get shortened and lengthened all the time in that fashion.

Richard

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ok, didn't know that they are not exactly parallel. Any idea how much?

Hipster said:

ok, didn't know that they are not exactly parallel. Any idea how much?

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Nope, never measured one, but to the eyeball it looks tapered. I could be completely nuts. Wouldn't be the first time. Also the "ladder-straight" terminology used when describing C&C frames for upfitting purposes may have just been marketing and have no bearing on comparison to non-C&C frames.

If I had a bunch of trucks sitting around with no beds on them I'd go out with a tape measure, but, ya know...

Richard

Z the cut and fish plate the weld.

someotherguy said:

Nope, never measured one, but to the eyeball it looks tapered. I could be completely nuts. Wouldn't be the first time. Also the "ladder-straight" terminology used when describing C&C frames for upfitting purposes may have just been marketing and have no bearing on comparison to non-C&C frames.

If I had a bunch of trucks sitting around with no beds on them I'd go out with a tape measure, but, ya know...

Richard

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lol, I hear ya, I was just curious. Most times I've worked on these trucks I've used electronic measureing equipment of have taken x measurements so never really noticed. It interests me as my neighbor is parting a k2500 and interested in possibly doing a similar project as the OP to get 2500 running gear under a shortbed