I have an 89 pickup with that's has been well used to say the least. I went to a buddy's junk yard and bought an older pickup with a solid axle (84 or 85), as I was planning on swapping out the ifs. I also just bought my buddy's 95 pickup that was stolen and smashed, planning on using the mint condition box, trailer hitch etc.. The 95 has the frame bent right behind the control arms, fenders bent and hood bent. Basically from the fenders forward is ruined. But the older pickup with the solid axle has a great front end. The front part of the frame, the fenders, the hood the front clip etc... So what I'm wondering is if I cut between the doors and fenders of each truck. Then cut the frame the same length. Will I be able to match the frame up, weld it and have a solid axle truck. Both trucks are 22re, I am very good with mechanics and have most of the necessary tools. I also have my welding trade so fitting and welding are not a huge problem. So is it worth trying or do you think I'll be wasting my time. I haven't got around to measuring yet but I'll get around to it next week. Thanks for any input

 

If I do go through with this I want it to be street legal but only to drive it to the trail. My 89 I will turn into mainly street.

 

I think you would be better off bolting the box onto the 85 along with whatever else you want. Welding them together is going to be a royal pain in the ass because you need to attach the brake and fuel lines, wiring, etc, etc.

 

The 95 has a good engine, trans transfer case etc. both trucks have the 22re so that should bolt up the same. The only thing to wire would be headlights, blinkers. Also the 85 is completely rotten from the doors of the cab all the way to the back. These trucks are getting more and more rare so putting a little work into this might be worth it. If the Measurements match this should be fairly easy. I'll try to post pics of the trucks