[mbaldwin]

Hi,
I am trying to find out for sure what chassis the 1981 Monte Carlo was built on. I understand it is a generation IV Monte, 81-88. I thought the 82 year was when it went to a g-body, but some stuff says the 81 is a g-body, and other sources say it was an a-body.

I just want to make sure I will get the right parts for it.

Thanks,
Michael

[cobalt327]

I've always referred to the Monte like yours as well as my '80 Malinu, as G-bodies.

Also referred to a "metric" chassis.

[joe_padavano]

The 1978-1988 A/G body cars use essentially an identical chassis. These cars were originally designated the A-body line. The new FWD A-body cars were supposed to replace them in 1982 (think Olds Cutlass Ciera, Pontiac 6000, etc). GM made the decision to keep the RWD cars in production and redesignated them as G-body cars, but the parts are the same.

The 2dr and 4dr cars use the same frame, with a 108" wheelbase. The wagons have the same 108" wheelbase but have some slight differences in the rear frame rails. The El Camino used a 117" wheelbase and thus a different frame.

Much of the front suspension, spindles, etc is common with the S-10 trucks.

[mbaldwin]

Thanks for that. Now I feel more confident in getting parts that say they are for a g-body, and they should fit the car.

michael