73 blazer frame questions for matching years

[73blazertaylor]

So let me start by saying I got a 73 K5 I bought with a frame reinforcement kit already installed and whoever repaired it decided to butcher the frame at the same time. I’m trying to figure between what years is the frame the same so that I can take a driver side frame rail cab mount forward to replace mine any help with this would be greatly appreciated

 

[K85 Octane]

Damn Taylor, 8 posts in 4 years?

His pictures. Time to be a real member!

 

[beags86]

How is that butchered? Seen way, way, worse. Just find someone that is a competent metalworker and pay him for an hour or two times.
Was that frame brace poorly welded in?
Yes. Do you need to start fresh? I don't think so.

 

[K85 Octane]

Both the frame and brace are cracked in different spots, in some areas it looks like the crack goes through both. Seeing as he can typically find good frames around here, either a junkyard or someone parting a truck out, it would be pretty easy to start over. Plus, as a bonus, his front end is off and his engine is coming out.

Just throwing that out there since I recommended the frame swap. Question now is, will any square body frame patch work or is one better for his ‘73 than another. Will a 2wd work without much fuss, just some extra hole drilling for spring mounts?

 

[K85 Octane]

Nobody know the year splits? Or COVID taking over everything?

 

[onetonbb74]

1978 was the first year the K5 frame was different to accomodate rear passenger footwell body. Id get a 73 to 77 frame to swap.

If your cutting out a DS framerail from the cab bushing forward, 73 to 80 will work as a donor. Not sure on 2wd frames.

 

[K85 Octane]

Thank you sir!! Sounds like 73-80 kinda has the same front clip and core support mounts. I suppose that would be the biggest change between 80/81? Cool beans