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Mod | | | Forums66 Topics126,777 Posts1,039,270 Members48,100 | | Most Online2,175
Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Jan 2012 Posts: 2 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Jan 2012 Posts: 2 | wanting a truck to work with. Was thinking about doing a frame swap with a newer possible full size chevy.... that way could use brakes motor transmission not have to change anything other than body and stuff. I know alot uses s10 but was wondering if a full size chevy would work easier and which one to use..... I have someone offering me a 51 chevy free thanks and appreciate all ideas | | | | | Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 99 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 99 | Do as much research as you can. Keep trying, there are guys here that have done it. If you don't get any answers, bump your post with more questions..
Find out what you'll need for wheelbase width and length, and try to get your donor frame as close to it .
You should be able to Fabricate if your going that way, be ready to do a lot of it..
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2003 Posts: 452 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2003 Posts: 452 | Options:
Use the original frame and fix it up
Use the original frame and add front and rear modern suspensions
Swap for an S10 frame
Swap for a full-size frame and do major mods to make the wheels fit.
Buy a pre-built frame designed for the AD truck
...
Any others?
Current fleet (subject to change w/o notice) \'49 GMC 3/4-Ton , 60 Austin Healey Frog-eye Sprite (some assembly required), 2011 Dodge Avenger, 2015 Jeep Cherokee. No, they don't all run. My other ride is a (B737)no, (B767)no, A320.... Update... was Embraer E190, now Boeing B787. Knowledge is a wonderful thing, but ignorance means you don't know you can't do something.
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,859 Grumpy old guy playing with trucks, cars, and boats | | Grumpy old guy playing with trucks, cars, and boats Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,859 | Dakota frames are a better fit than the S-10, however I like a stock frame myself.
The problems we face today can not be addressed at the same level of intelligence we were at when we created them - Albert Einstein Or with the same level of $ - Me
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2012 Posts: 2 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Jan 2012 Posts: 2 | | | | | | Joined: May 2011 Posts: 266 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: May 2011 Posts: 266 | i started with the s-10 swap idea, purchased the ad kit then i changed my mind and went with original frame. if you are interested i will make you an awesome deal on the swap kit i purchased never used just bolted up for fabrication | | | | | Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 158 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 158 | I like the idea of using a more modern truck frame. . .what if you took a '80's or '90's frame and cut a section out of all the crossmembers, then welded them back together? You could achieve the proper track width on the front suspension, then get a rear axle to fit. The steering linkage would need some attention too. Anything I'm missing?
Craig
It is neither wealth nor splendor, but tranquility in occupation which brings happiness. - Thomas Jefferson
CK
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 28,674 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 28,674 | Get ready to do a HUGE amount of re-engineering. I've done the frame-narrowing thing on a few round track race cars, and it's never as simple as a bull session around a case of beer makes it sound. You'll encounter major changes in steering geometry caused by changing roll centers and Ackerman angle changes affecting the toe-out in turns. You'll end up with a pretty good straight-line machine that will have totally unpredictable handling in turns. You'll also have to completely redesign the motor mount system.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
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