Chevy 1/2 ton and GMC Frame question

[cmkruse]

Can anyone tell me if the 3100 Chevy 1/2 ton and the GMC 1/2 ton frames are the same?

 

[MT AZ]

They are the same EXCEPT....the front X members are different.

 

[cmkruse]

Frame up!

Thanks DZ - appreciate the response

 

[Bill Hanlon]

... and therefore the front motor mounts are different as is the mounting for the radiator and the front end sheet metal. Also, Chevy and GMC sway bars are not interchangeable.

 

[cmkruse]

Well It Was Just a Thought

Thanks guys, With the differences I can't do what I was thinking so back to fixing the chevy frame. I really appreciate the detail info on the differences.

 

[Bilbo]

My GMC came with a Chevy engine in it... They used a 1/2" thick plate to bridge the gap from the front motor mount on the engine, to the cross member of the GMC frame, which is about 2" further forward for those 'long motors'. I built my GMC, however, on a Chevy chassis.... Of course, the Chevy motor bolted right in with no problems. All I had to do for the GMC front sheet metal was modify the radiator support. I set the Chevy support in place on the frame, and measured up to the fender mounts on the radiator support. Then I cut the lower section off the Chevy support, and the GMC support. Spliced the upper from the GMC onto the lower of the Chevy, with the fender mount brackets at the same height. Installed all the sheet metal, and it all fit fine. Hope this helps with your issue ;o) Bill B.

 

[MT AZ]

The only difference between the Chevy & GMC frames {in the 1/2 ton models} is the front X member.

You can easily convert a GMC frame to a Chevy frame { or visa versa } by simply changing out the front X member.

Both X members are mounted to the frame with 12 rivets & both Chevy & GMC rivet locations are identical.

Cut the rivets.... remove the X member & install the new X member in the existing holes & you are good to go..... Everything lines up.

 

[cmkruse]

Frame up!

Thanks guys, I see what I need to do now.