I've been mulling my options here. Tell me what you would do.

The wrecked truck has the better engine and all the suspension mods done.
Then new truck has the body, but the motor is very tired and the suspension is...well it's a stock 87, ya know?

I know that I could swap the engine, and move the suspension parts over when I can save up the $$. But then I thought, what if I just put the straight body on the modified frame?

How hard is a body swap, really?

Thanks in advance.

body swap is easy if you've got a lift.

Easy as pie!





Or, a few friends, not hard at all. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

OK, since you seem to be types who have done it, what do I need to look out for? Any gotchas?

Once you're ready to lift it off, check EVERYTHING TO MAKE SURE IT'S ALL DISCONNECTED:

Steering wheel disconnect in engine compt.,

Brake/clutch hoses in engine compt

Shifters removed

Exhaust (pick yer spot)

Tank filler hose

Any wiring/hoses attached along the bottom

All body mounts etc.

Remove the wrecked body first, and give the frame and everything a good going-thru, esp where the fuel tank rests against the frame; that seems to be a problem area. Do repairs/cleanup as needed. Make sure it's a ROLLING frame. The engine/tranny do NOT need to come out at all.

If you feel you'd like to have a fresh clutch job, this is the time to break it all loose. Same for ujoints.

I haven't done a 4R, but have done a cab swap on a truck. Using an engine hoist would be pretty tough on a 4R chassis; what I would suggest is rounding up 6 jackstands and some 2x6s or 2x8s for cross supports, along with whatever other dunnage you need to get it all high enough to clear (hence removing the shifters), roll the frame out from beneath one, and under the other.

Inform your help that the beer WILL stay on ice until you're done.

Bleed brakes/clutch, make sure you're happy with how the steering column lines back up, etc, etc, Good to go. The only thing that won't match now is your VIN on the data plate and the frame, so check what needs done for a clean swap.

Good rolling frame? Dingding-- new trailer. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />