I got a 84 4x4 ext cab truck that needs a frame. I was going to fix the frame that was on the truck. But, there's to much rust... Can i use a 88 or ? ext cab truck frame if i cut off the IFS brackets and weld on new spring hangers..Will the cab, bed, and trans line-up with out moving the brackets on a later mode ext cab truck frame...Any help with this will be much appreciated..Thank you..

 

you can use anything you want, with enough fab work.

As for direct bolt up without suspension work, it would be 84-85 X-cab only. The 86-88 frames will bolt up the cab and bed just fine, but obviously you will deal with the IFS issue.

 

If it were mine, I'd go with a regular cab frame for the shorter wheelbase, and modify it like the guys at FROR did with their pickup. I'd make a 4' bed by shortening it both at the front and the back.