Frame Comparison

[Stock Jimmy]

Is the front frame section of the 1980 k20 camper edtion the same as the 90 k5? all my measering says yes to the first body mount. I am curios cause I want too use this very thick frame too build my Jimmy. I did look for days to find this and no results.

 

[nvrenuf]

There is a shape difference forward of the very front body mount but I don't believe it really matters. I've seen folks interchange bumpers between the 2 styles.

One thing to note is I believe there might be a shape difference. I think the earlier style frame horns might curve upward a hair more but, again, I don't think it will stop the show.

Edit: For the effort of shortening a truck frame to fit a K5, I'd go with a K30 frame to make it worth it. Imo, there's not enough of a difference in the K20 frame to justify all that work.

 

[sweetk30]

seen most all of them . and front half from firewall area forward are basicly the same except 73-80 rounded front nose and 81-91 slant cut open nose for bumper area.

the real diffrence is the firewall area back gets taller on the true c-k 30 frames till it gets over the axle then tapers back to std tail end size.

this is why k5 and 1/2 and 3/4 tons use same tranny / tcase crossmembers and 1 ton is specific to its self.

so like said if you want beef and are using mid to back end more strength then k30 other wise no real diffrence.

and guys have said 1 is thicker over other for years but gen idea is maf veriences basicly.

and a k5 body on truck frame = bit of work to clear floor pans . frames bend diffrent on the 2 styles.

 

[tRustyK5]

and guys have said 1 is thicker over other for years but gen idea is maf veriences basicly.

When it's a few thou I'd agree...but the 1/2 ton frame is .151" thick and the one ton frame is .230" thick.

To back this up have a read through this. There is a pic of a GM book in there regarding Suburban frames and it lists the different thickness's.

http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=235499&highlight=frame+thickness

 

[bailey9r]

When it's a few thou I'd agree...but the 1/2 ton frame is .151" thick and the one ton frame is .230" thick.


You misread his meaning, He said USE the one ton frame if you were going to do it BECAUSE there is not much difference in the K5 and THREE QUARTER frame so you both get a gold star