frame length question

[Dr1rrrr]

I have a 98 single cab long bed 2wd what frames are compatible like is a short bed with crew cab the same or are they on for the exact cab and bed specifically?

 

[HotWheelsBurban]

I think they are fairly specific between wheelbase and cab size, also between pickups and SUVs

 

[Just Nobody]

They are the same but different. A regular cab long is the same as an extended cab long box with 12'' (I am guessing) added to the frame under the driver's seat area. Under your truck, just below the brake pedal area, there's a factory weld that joins the c-channel frame to the boxed front section. From that weld to the back of cab-box kickup is the difference in the 8 foot frames. So an extended cab frame can be shortened for a regular cab truck

 

[Dr1rrrr]

So from what I can tell if I want a frame for my truck I need one from a single cab long bed like mine

 

[Schurkey]

That's what I'd expect.

I think MAYBE your options are whether to get a C1500, C2500, or C3500 frame based on the thickness of the metal, but not to swap into extended-cab/crew-cab or short-box frames. But even that could have oddball issues. The 8-lug K2500/K3500 frames use different upper control arms, and maybe different rear spring mountings from the K1500s. I don't know about the C1500/2500/3500 frames.

 

[HotWheelsBurban]

That's what I'd expect.

I think MAYBE your options are whether to get a C1500, C2500, or C3500 frame based on the thickness of the metal, but not to swap into extended-cab/crew-cab or short-box frames. But even that could have oddball issues. The 8-lug K2500/K3500 frames use different upper control arms, and maybe different rear spring mountings from the K1500s. I don't know about the C1500/2500/3500 frames.

Pretty sure the 3500 front suspension parts are a bit larger and sturdier than the 1500s, this probably also applies to the HD( 8 lug)2500s. I haven't measured them both, but everything in the front end looks stouter on the big truck, than on the Burb. 3/4 ton and 1 ton trucks are less common than 1/2 tons though so that's going to factor into it as well....

 

[Boots97]

I think they are fairly specific between wheelbase and cab size, also between pickups and SUVs

Agreed. 2WD and 4WD frames are different. I'm not 100% sure how, but I know you can't convert a C1500 into a K1500 w/o a whole different frame. The only thing I do know is that Tahoes/Yukons/Escalades share the same wheelbase as a regular cab short box.

 

[GoToGuy]

C models and K models, the suspension, attach points are way different between them. That would be monumental disaster. Torsion bars, versus coil. The front frame diff mount. Steering links. Look at the parts list compare the different components, the mount diff.
What would easy, just get the same. Easy day to swap parts over. No having to reinvent the wheel.
Good luck.

 

[GoToGuy]

There are two different lengths for Tahoe and Yukon. The one wheel base may be same length, but the frames are different.

 

[Pinger]

Pretty sure the 3500 front suspension parts are a bit larger and sturdier than the 1500s, this probably also applies to the HD( 8 lug)2500s. I haven't measured them both, but everything in the front end looks stouter on the big truck, than on the Burb.

So there are 6 lug (light duty?) 2500s and 8 lug heavy duty 2500s? Mine's an 8 lug so HD. Anything else different between 6 and 8 lug - or just the suspension?