What is the wheelbase of a 1972 Chevy short box?
The wheelbase of a 1972 Chevy short box is 115 inches. This measurement is the distance between the front and rear axles on that year's short‑bed C/K pickup.
In 1972 Chevrolet offered two bed lengths for the C/K line: a short box (roughly 6.5 feet) and a long box (about 8 feet). The short box configuration was common on the C10 series and favored maneuverability, while the long box provided additional cargo length at the cost of a longer wheelbase.
Wheelbase options for 1972 C/K pickups
To summarize the factory figures, the wheelbase varies with bed length as follows:
- Short box (6.5 ft bed, C10): 115.0 inches
- Long box (8 ft bed, C10): 131.0 inches
Note: These figures refer to standard two‑wheel‑drive configurations. Four‑wheel‑drive (4x4) variants typically followed the same wheelbase conventions for the corresponding bed length in that year, but specific builds can differ depending on options and cab configurations. For restoration or precise specification, consult the original build sheet or GM heritage data for the exact vehicle.
Additional context
The wheelbase difference between short and long boxes was intended to accommodate the change in cargo bed length without radically altering cab geometry. The 115-inch short box offered tighter turning and easier parking, while the 131-inch long box allowed more cargo room on the same basic chassis.
Summary: For a 1972 Chevrolet C/K short box, the wheelbase is 115 inches; the corresponding long box wheelbase is 131 inches. Always verify against your specific vehicle’s build data for precision.
