Frame interchange help needed please: 1995 C2500 Suburban 7.4

[Vintage Musclecar]

Noob here, already posted in the intro section.

My DD `95 Suburban is down for the count with a pretty serious came of frame rot. Scrapping the truck is NOT an option, so I'm trying to nail down what other frames are a direct interchange so I can locate a suitable donor vehicle.

I understand the 1500/2500 frames "sort of" interchange, but the 2500 frames are made from thicker 3/16" steel as opposed to the 1/8" used on 1500's. As this truck is used for towing a race car trailer and hauling engines back & forth to the dyno/etc., I need to stick with the heavy duty frame--which brings me to my question:

What frames are a direct interchange for my truck?

I did find a `95 C2500 donor, but it's a diesel--is that an issue?

Thanks in advance.
Eric

 

[454cid]

I think pickup truck frames are different than Suburban frames. I know the fuel tanks are different and mount in differant spots. You'll want to stick with a 2wd frame, too.

The engine shouldn't matter, that I've ever heard.

 

[Schurkey]

Wild Guess with no evidence: Diesels and big-block 2500s got a heavier frame than V6 and small-block trucks.

I'm wondering if this info is in the service manual.

Yeah, I'm sure C/K would be different from Suburban.

 

[Keeper]

The burb has an 11' wheel base. Even a short bed crew cab p/u is 13'. If your donor C2500 burban has the 5.7, make sure the tranny is a 4l80e and you will be good

 

[HotWheelsBurban]

Yes Burb frame is different than pickup! Frame on pickup kicks up after the cab to the height of the bed floor. Burbs and other SUVs have flatter floors, so the frame is configured for that.
First pic is my crew cab, second one is my Burb. Burb pic is from underneath because of the running boards.

 

[Keeper]

So I typed previous post before walking outside and doing some rough measurements. He very well may be able to use a reg cab C2500 p/u. Fascinating.

 

[stutaeng]

I don't believe so. The trucks and SUV frames are completely different, even the leaf springs won't swap.

I recently downloaded a PDF that has very detailed frame measurements, I think it was for those outfitter companies @df2x4 posted that link.

I think the only option for OP is to find another C2500 suburban frame. Engine should not matter, as the frames were GVWR specific. 8600#?

Edit: here's the link:

https://www.gmupfitter.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/1999_LD_CKTruckCurrent.pdf

 

[Keeper]

I don't believe so. The trucks and SUV frames are completely different, even the leaf springs won't swap.

I recently downloaded a PDF that has very detailed frame measurements, I think it was for those outfitter companies @df2x4 posted that link.

I think the only option for OP is to find another C2500 suburban frame. Engine should not matter, as the frames were GVWR specific. 8600#?

Edit: here's the link:

https://www.gmupfitter.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/1999_LD_CKTruckCurrent.pdf

Oh I agree with that. A donor C2500 burb would be way way easier, and preferred.
The rclb p/u is the same wheelbase though (131.5). It is doable and he has the old burb frame right there to match up with. Ton of work though.

 

[someotherguy]

OP did request "direct interchange" not "major fab project" another C2500 Suburban frame is the only direct interchange.

Richard

 

[someotherguy]

Ya know, the more I think about it, and believe me I am someone that has had body-off-frame truck projects.. I think you'd be better off getting another good running rust-free Suburban and keeping yours as a parts truck.

Say you find another C2500 Suburban that has a good frame. Stands to reason the rest of the truck has a high probability of still being good, too. You gonna go to all the trouble to swap bodies, interiors, drivetrains, etc.? For what goal?

Richard