1972 Bed box

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Topic author
Niko617
Posts: 5
Joined: Wed Oct 27, 2021 6:35 pm

1972 Bed box

Post by Niko617 »

Does anyone know where I can find the dimensions for a 1972 j4000 bed box. I need one for my build but the project that I have didn’t come with one to measure out for a replacement? I’d like to find a bed box with a step side that will fit the frame, but don’t know what it’s dimensions would have to be? Can anyone help? It’s an 8’ bed frame.
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tgreese
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Joined: Fri Jun 08, 2012 6:31 am
Location: Medford MA USA

Re: 1972 Bed box

Post by tgreese »

What is your location? If you are thinking of fabricating a bed, I suggest that you try and find someone near you that has a truck with the style of bed you want and measure it. Jeep's step-side bed is called the "Thrift Side" and the style of bed appears in the VIN at position 6 "body style." This style of bed was not common, and most of them came on 120" wheelbase trucks (a 7' bed, not 8'). The main difference between the 7' and 8' bed will be an additional 12" of length between the rear axle and cab.

If you are thinking of putting a bed from a Ford or Chevy or whatever, you have the truck frame to measure from. Then I don't understand what additional information you need. It seems very unlikely that a bed from another make will fit without modification.
Tim Reese
Maine beekeeper's truck: '77 J10 LWB, 258/T15/D20/3.54 bone stock, low options (delete radio), PS/PDB, hubcaps.
Browless and proud: '82 J20 360/T18/NP208/3.73, Destination A/Ts, 7600 GVWR
Copper Polly: '75 CJ-6, 304/T15, PS, BFG KM2s, soft top
GTI without the badges: '95 VW Golf Sport 2000cc 2D
Dual Everything: '15 Chryco Jeep Cherokee KL Trailhawk, ECO Green
Blockchain the vote.

Thomas792
Posts: 54
Joined: Fri Oct 05, 2012 6:02 am

Re: 1972 Bed box

Post by Thomas792 »

There was a post on here or ifsja.org about some company that sells old vehicles. Here is the link: https://www.worldwidevintageautos.com/v ... 8-jeep-j10

The bed is a Ford bed or so (someone can identify it for sure). It does not look too bad at first glance and I think a Thriftside version of that bed might be ok. I have no idea what went into making it fit if anything at all.
1974 J10 - 401, TH400, QT, D44, 28" tires - Sold under duress
1988 GW - "Mrs Tickety" - 360, 727, NP228, D44, 32" tires
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Topic author
Niko617
Posts: 5
Joined: Wed Oct 27, 2021 6:35 pm

Re: 1972 Bed box

Post by Niko617 »

I was just curious if I could take an old 80s is Chevy sidestep bed and put it on the frame of a 72 j4000. Without to much of a hassle that is, and not having to pour a lot of time and funds into refurbishing or customizing a new one. I’m just not to sure on the whole measurements needed to determine what might work? All of my fabrications are geared towards motorcycles, an entirely different world!
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tgreese
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Joined: Fri Jun 08, 2012 6:31 am
Location: Medford MA USA

Re: 1972 Bed box

Post by tgreese »

Niko617 wrote: Sat Nov 06, 2021 12:47 pm I was just curious if I could take an old 80s is Chevy sidestep bed and put it on the frame of a 72 j4000. Without to much of a hassle that is, and not having to pour a lot of time and funds into refurbishing or customizing a new one. I’m just not to sure on the whole measurements needed to determine what might work? All of my fabrications are geared towards motorcycles, an entirely different world!
Somebody may have tried to fit a different bed. Suggest you post another thread with the question in the title, like "What other beds will fit a J-truck?" All the bed swaps I've seen have been flatbeds, either built for the measurements or modified from another application. You could ask on IFSJA too.

I would measure 1) the distance from the back of the cab to the center line of the rear axle. 2) the distance from the back of the cab to some reasonable point forward of the rear bumper. 3) the distance between the two rear tires (the tires have to fit into the wheel wells of the new bed).

Note that a Jeep truck is narrow compared to a Ford or Chevy. The design needed the rear flares so that the rear track could be made wide enough for 4' (a sheet of plywood laid flat) between the wheel wells. Your Ford or Chevy bed may fit on with some new mounts, but will be wider than the Jeep cab.
Tim Reese
Maine beekeeper's truck: '77 J10 LWB, 258/T15/D20/3.54 bone stock, low options (delete radio), PS/PDB, hubcaps.
Browless and proud: '82 J20 360/T18/NP208/3.73, Destination A/Ts, 7600 GVWR
Copper Polly: '75 CJ-6, 304/T15, PS, BFG KM2s, soft top
GTI without the badges: '95 VW Golf Sport 2000cc 2D
Dual Everything: '15 Chryco Jeep Cherokee KL Trailhawk, ECO Green
Blockchain the vote.
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