The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop s 10 frame on a long bed

I have seen alot of talk about useing a s 10 frame. Which frame is best suited for a 54 long bed gmc. Or I do have a sub frame laying around out of a 68 firebird, which is the better option? Thanks

I think the 1954 GMC frame is the best frame for a '54 GMC. What will you use your truck for that you need a car or mini truck frame? Are you just wanting to do it because "that's what everybody does?"

Depends on what you are trying to build. The simplest thing to do would be to use a MII.

I want it to look stock but lowered.

I want it to look stock but lowered. The truck came to me with a nice Arizona body but the truck was neglected else ware, broke frt spring, bad king pins, all the brakes are in need of replacement, motor runs now [228] but not real well. Need to deal with relocating the rear in the center of the wheel well....thanks for your input

I opted to use a narrowed IFS from a '79 and a Chevy II rear end. With all the mechanical issues you have you would be better off upgrading your entire subspension and get the look you want & a much improved ride. There are lot's of choices, Mustang II, GM clip, Corvette, Pacer.... Choose the best one for you & go for it.

I went with the Heidts Mustang II because the goober that owed it before me had hacked my old frame up pretty bad and had really done a job to the old front end, And besides it was what I was wanting to do for a long time, not because "that's what everyone else was doing" It was exactly what I was looking for, It lowered it about 5" to a real nice stance and I really like the way it turned out but the narrowed 73-87 C10 IFS is also a real sweet way to go too, or even the sub frame is cool,
its like mobileortho said..."Choose the best one for you & go for it"
Just do it safe

Good luck and have fun !!
Todd

Any info on the 79 ifs narrowing procedure? Thanks Tom

I took mine to a shop to have it done. He cut out about 1.5" from the center crossmember & center linkage. He did a great job & only charged me $60. Check out the links below for more info.
Link 1
Link 2
Link 3

I have a few pics of mine on my Webshots page. Hope this helps.

well I took the plunge today and dove in to it ,but I started on the rear since I had stuff in 'stock'. I got a 69 camaro rear and a set of modified leaf springs ,I put the unit under it and set the weight of the truck on the springs, looks good, dropped it almost 4 inches, now I will have to fab shackles and a frt mount!

Forget swapping frames. Heck, your frame is ok, just replace the parts that aren't ok or put on a Mustang II IFS or you can buy a solid axle with whatever drop you want. But keep that frame, it was built for the truck and you'll have less fit problems with it.

thanks for the encouragement I will post some picts soon!!I got the rear figured out ,I went to a buddys that has a 51 and his frame measured 17inchs from the ground at the point where the rear spring hangars are,after lowering it with my camaro parts it was the exact same height. He has a Heidts frt clip under it,which is very nice but too expensive for this project. I was thinking about one of the dropped frt axles but since I have a broken spring and will need springs I was considering a set of dropped mono springs. I think I can live with the stock frt end but I need an economical way to get 5 lug frt hubs and good brakes

Tom, The problem that I found is that these trucks didn't corner when they were new and they sure don't know that they have a lot of miles on them.Same thing with the brakes-they were flat out at 50 mph. If you can live with the way that they ride,stop and steer-stay stock. I personally want't to upgrade the front end on every one that I own unless it is a stock resoration.Take the extrat time and money and do it right and safe, the first time no matter which way you decide.