52 vs 55 frame differences

[morgoon52]

I`ve been chattin with a member here that has a 55 long wheelbase frame and axles that I am going to pick up in the fall.

 

I currently have a 52 two ton long wheelbase with hyd dump that needs brakes and tires plus a whole cab resto.

 

It was a Alberta truck so it is incredibly solid, but I think I would like the 1 ton chassis for around town etc.

 

I would like to deliver cut lumber and pick up logs, firewood from my sawmill (which was the purpose of the 2 ton, but the 20`` tires are either hard to come by or expensive when you have to buy 6)

 

I wondered about putting the 52 cab on the 55 frame..I`m not scared of cutting and welding etc..

 

Just wonderd if anyone had any frame specs, or knowlege that would help

 

I know the big trucks have different fenders, but what else should I be aware of.

 

Thanks very much

[wayfarer]

You don't say if the 55 frame is also a 2-ton unit. Is the 55 frame up to the wood hauling capacity of the 52?

 

...and if the 52 cab needs a lot of work what do you gain putting it on a 55 frame?

 

Brakes and tires sounds like the easier way out......

[morgoon52]

You don't say if the 55 frame is also a 2-ton unit. Is the 55 frame up to the wood hauling capacity of the 52?

 

...and if the 52 cab needs a lot of work what do you gain putting it on a 55 frame?

 

Brakes and tires sounds like the easier way out......

 

I`m sorry it is a one ton long wheelbase and the 52 cab doesn`t need much...

 

Part of the reason I was looking at a separate frame is that the 2 ton is a nice truck and too nice to alter the frame..

 

Easier to keep the 2 ton stuff...but I was also thinking I could modify the the one ton frame to 4x4, as I have a narrow set of axles here..

 

With an end goal of a nice low 4x4 daily driver

 

I just wondered how different the frames are..

[55 Fargo]

Hey Morgoon, yes the C series trucks are different from the frames up, the boxes will fit though.

The C series front frames are curved different, and the cabs mount lower too.

So your 52 cab will have to be played with to sit on this frame.

The C series front frames, are a lot easier for a V8 transplant, as they were designed to have V8s from the factory, the steering boxes do not interfere with a V8 like the B series, the master cylinder is under the floor, and not in the way either.

Edited August 5, 2015 by Fargos-Go-Far

[morgoon52]

Hey Morgoon, yes the C series trucks are different from the frames up, the boxes will fit though.

The C series front frames are curved different, and the cabs mount lower too.

So your 52 cab will have to be played with to sit on this frame.

The C series front frames, are a lot easier for a V8 transplant, as they were designed to have V8s from the factory, the steering boxes do not interfere with a V8 like the B series, the master cylinder is under the floor, and not in the way either.

Thanks Fargos...it sounds like a fun project.