hi guys, know this will probably not only sound lame but increase the stock share value at pepto bismol....but, I have an '83 sr5 with a useless frame (it's all rusted out go figure). I have a chance to buy an '83 two wheel drive with a blown engine and am wondering if it's feasible to take the engine, transmission, transfer case yada yada off my 4x4 truck and install on the 'new' one. Were the frames the same, or am I setting myself up for the project from hell requiring custom fabrication, lots of welding etc?
The guy wasn't home tonight, but he has kept his truck in his garage, apparently the top end is shot and the head etc is sitting in the box. Sounds like the frame might be o.k. on this one. I can probably get the 'donor' truck for about 150-200.00.

anyway, thanx for any suggestions/comments

tinbird

 

Entire frontend of te frame is different. It can be made to work but not easy.

 

hey CJM thanx for the response. am wondering though how much of a difference between the two front ends of the frames?
I have a buddy with a shop so a place to work on the trucks isn't a problem.
Can the front axles be swapped by changing the hanger location, or is the frames bent in completely different locations, are the engine mounts the same or can't be moved?
I guess what I'm asking is two-fold:

1 - what modifications do I need to know about before tackling this project.

2 - are there charts that show the actual dimensional measurements of the frames, I searched the forum but haven't had any luck,maybe the wrong search terms or something.

thanx

Rod