The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Chevy S10 versus GMC Sonoma

I am new here and I am doing a lot of reading and research to see as to what direction I want to go with my truck. One think I see a lot is S10 frame swap. Isn't GMC Sonoma and Chevy S10 basically the same? Or is there is a difference in their frame and chassis setup?
Also, is it possible to just bolt/weld the front cross member with all the front end parts to 47-54 trucks rather than the whole frame swap? Based on what I read the width of the frames are the same, isn't it?
One last question, my truck is 3/4 ton, I am assuming the extended cab long bed would be a better choice for me due to my longer wheel base although I may still have to stretch the S10 frame by few inches. Am I thinking in the right direction?
Thanks

Same truck. If you're thinking V8 then the ones with the 4.3 V6 are the way to go. These also have the 700R4 overdrive transmission which many like. The S10/Sonoma trucks have a box frame from front bumper to rear of cab then it becomes a "C" channel which is very easy to lengthen or shorten. Cutting the welded in S10 cross member out of the S10 frame would be a task and do you know how to put it onto an AD frame RIGHT. Study up on caster, camber, anti dive, and Ackerman before beginning. If on a budget you can get all the stamped out pieces for Mustang II ifs and weld them together yourself (kind of like Ikea furniture). This setup will have the correct mounting angle for the cross member to frame fit and is the least expensive if the factory type springs, shocks, upper A-frame, and lower control arm is used. I would use the spread lower control arm that requires no strut rod. There is a 1950 3100 on the two post lift right now that has the M2 set up and ready to go except for steering shaft and shifter rod; total time to get to this stage---one day. Still needs V8 engine/trans mounts, driveshaft, and an Explorer rear end that will take another day to complete. Drive in with a 6 cylinder/3 or 4sp/ torque tube/drum brakes on Monday and drive out on Friday with a V8/OD auto/open rear/ power disc brakes/ all the bells and whistles.Have done so many of these that the guys could do it really fast if I let them turn the lights on.

You can use an S10 front clip on the original frame. I have a friend who did it, he said it worked great.

I used a long bed on an S10 frame, but my approach was not to lengthen the frame but to shorten the box.

The definitive Q and A to AD-S10 frame swaps can by found here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=632686

Thanks guys.
Coilover: I am assuming you are talking about the stamped out IFS pieces that web sites such as speedway are selling, but what do you mean by factory type spring shocks etc? Do you mean S10 factory type front end component?
Thanks

No, the Mustang parts---I can see the confusion.