1978 W200 frame

Working on a 78W200 regular cab long bed with a rusty frame. Rather than repair the frame, what other frames are a direct replacement for this? Thanks.
nd65

Just how direct does it need to be?
To unbolt everything from your truck and bolt it to a different frame without any modifications probably limits you to a 77-79 W 200 standard cab long box with the same style transfer case as you have.

If some minor modifications are allowed, the choices open up more, to 73-79 W 200 standard cab, long box. If it has a different transfer case (married vs divorced) you may have a bolt in crossmember to change.

Somewhere around 1980/1981, Dodge changed the location of the radiator support mounting bolts from outside of the frame rails to the inside of the frame rails (or the other way around). This could require a radiator surround for the same era of truck to be used. This modification would open the years of options up to 73 to 93.

Most likely 75 to 79 would be for sure exactly the same. 80 to 93 will work but there may be minor snags as you get into it. You also should stay with a 3/4 ton frame. However a 1/2 ton can work. 72-74 could also work. For the most part the 72-93 are very similar. Nothing that some drilling and minor fabrication can not fix.

What is the difference between the 1/2 and 3/4 ton frames? How about 2wd and 4wd frames? Drilling, some fab is not a deal breaker. Would a 87 2wd be a good donor?

just about everything swaps or can be made to work 72-93. I always thought rad support mount holes was a 2wd / 4wd thing and know they used both locations in the 70s - the rad supports have two sets of holes. Only xfer case specific cross member is the divorced 205 and ya need something stiffer anyway. 2wd vs 4wd is same frame, different mounts riveted up front. 1/2 ton vs 3/4 ton check frame rail height.

Without looking at a manual for specifications the difference is in several items. Slightly thicker and a taller beam is the main things. Way back I used a 78 1/2 ton frame with 73 3/4 ton axles. Never used a 2wd frame and I would stay away from one. Lots of differences. Guys have converted them and had a lot of work and some other unforeseen snags later. Best to find a 4wd frame and for the most part it will be a bolt together job.

Good info guys. Thanks for the fast replies.

How close do they need to be? Too far I guess. Not mine https://springfield.craigslist.org/pts/d/ava-1977-dodge-parts-truck-plus-more/7347456681.html

I’ll take that pile for $650 - have a use for most of it.

Pretty good deal.