1973 J2000 and 1974 J20

[jimdez]

It's been hard to find parts for the 1973 j2000. I was told to use 1974 j20 parts instead and that they are inter-changeable. Now there are those who are telling me that this is not the case. Did I just put the wrong parts on my vehicle? Valve covers, new edelbrock intake manifold, various gaskets, transmission filter, can't think of the other things at the moment.

[Josh D]

For engine and some driveline parts, using a '74 model year will work fine. Suspension, some axle parts (front axle mainly) and a few other bits are from '73 and older. '73 was a transition year and has the frame, suspension, and axles of the earlier trucks with the interior (dash and electricals), double wall bed and quadra trac of the later trucks. It's a unique year for sure. Engines are pretty much the same.

[joe]

For the stuff you're talking about you're ok. I wouldn't buy a J20 for a donor rig though unless you want to do axle upgrade.