'98 3500 hd

[JSarge]

Hey guys, have a few questions.

I have the opportunity to pickup a '98 3500 HD (single cab, 5 lug front and 8 in rear) .. without a bed on it. I know there are multiple chassis lengths that were produced in the HD model.. but my questions are-

What is the major difference in the frame? Why does it seem as if the frame sits higher in the rear than it does under the cab? I.E.. why is there a spacer between the grille and the front bumper unlike any other of the models? .. Biggest reason im asking is because i would like to put a regular long box bed on the rear of this truck. After measuring the length of the frame from the rear of my cab to the rear on my '95 and the length of this '98s frame, it seems to be the same.

Thanks guys

[vstech]

... 5 lug 3500HD? um do you have a vin? that sounds like a frankentruck...

[thee craig]

its 5 lug in the front and 10 in the rear. its the 3500 HD which precedes the current hd's. it was heavier duty. usually roll backs or cherry picker utility trucks. the 5 and 10 lug wheels are the hubs the front and rear wheels are interchangeable... fyi they are a gm proprietary pattern to my knowledge. i think they are c channel like the 'yaks

[2005_Sierra]

i am pretty confident frames are to different to just mount a regular bed on because of the way the frame is. And the front end is setup that way because these trucks have a bigger radiator. and in my opinion the bigger grill area looks better along with the fender flares.

Heres our 98 3500HD 7.4/5speed

[vstech]

ahh... the 5 lug 19.5" rim bolt pattern... not the 5 lug 15" bolt pattern!

[k30_dump]

Hello,

Not sure what was involved, but a couple of guys have done this on 3500HD.com. This thread has some good info:

http://3500hd.com/index.php?topic=176.msg927#msg927

There are a few more on that board, but that one comes to mind. Would be easiest to start with the 135.5" w.b. (shortest the HD came in), as its only 4" longer than a pickup w.b. Any of them can be cut and the axle moved though, as it's a straight "ladder" frame.

Hope this helps,

Joe

[JSarge]

Sorry, i guess its a 5/10 lug pattern not 5/8. I realize the frame can be cut / axle moved but will the cab sit the same height as a reg long box bed from a 3500?

[k30_dump]

Originally Posted by JSarge

Sorry, i guess its a 5/10 lug pattern not 5/8. I realize the frame can be cut / axle moved but will the cab sit the same height as a reg long box bed from a 3500?

Probably not. You'll likely have to space the bed mounts so that the bed sits higher to match the cab. The link I have posted above shows the bed mounting .

Joe