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| | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 49 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 49 | I have a 51 3100 that sits on a S10 chassis. Can I safely put a BB chevy engine in this chassis. Is the stock front end strong enough?
I would like to put a large set of tires on the rear-what is the recommendations for a rear and wheel combination?
Thanks,
Jeff | | | | | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 | Might consider putting some beefier springs in the front, perhaps a set for a Malibu station wagon. Out back, you'll want to put a stronger diff in. the S10 used the small 10 bolt, not really all that strong. Especially with a big block and larger tires. To keep it easy, try for a 10 bolt from a later ZR-2 truck. They use a narrowed full size 1/2 ton diff that's much stronger, plus the later ones have factory disk brakes.
For tire size, a 31x10.50 is about a big as you can go with the stock ride hight and fenders, anything bigger will rub. Being that it's already on an S truck chassis, probably would be around a 28" tire max diameter.
Bill Burmeister
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 Master Gabster | | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 | I would box the frame reinforce with crossmembers where possible and upgrade to IFS. Better safe than sorry. My 2 cents given what little information you have given here.
~Jim
| | | | | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 | Uhh, hey Big Chevy 3600, it's on an S 10 chassis, already IFS  , but yes, boxing would be a good idea, too.
Bill Burmeister
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 49 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 49 | Thanks guys. What about a 4 link rear? Any experience with installing one of those in the S10? | | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 Master Gabster | | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 | Bill: The only thing I know about S 10s are that their bench seat will fit my 51. 
~Jim
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 874 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 874 | The only thing I know about S 10s are that their bench seat will fit my 51. I think they are more narrow. 49" to 50" versus about 54" for the AD seat if I remember correctly. | | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,832 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,832 | Unlike cars pickups were designed to haul a 1000 or 1500 pound load so the 200 pound increase in engine weight isn't anything they can't handle. Frame and chassis are also able to handle the increase but the stronger rear with big horses and tires is good advice. If your not going to use the big block AND run them fully loaded then your within their design specs.
Evan
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