The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop 49 cab to frame height

I need some help with my math. 49 cab on an S10 frame. How hight off of the frame should the cab be if I use 2 inch dropped spindles so the front sheet metal will not hit the ground with the motor in it? If I use the stock spindles, the same question applies. Please help.

Multiple posts won't get better answers.

Slide some 2X4's under the cab. Mount all your sheetmetal on the front. Chuck up the tires/wheels you plan on running, stick some big buddies up in the frame to simulate the engine weight. I'm talking some big ol' boys. seem like you can go lower? pull out a 2X4 and do it again. I recommend starting with a stack of 3. Are you fabing your own mounts?
Once you get that figured out then you need to look at the running board mounts and how they will line up with the cab and the bed.
Mock up is critical, plan on pulling the body on and off several times to get it dialed in. Also keep in mind that the S10 Frame where your cab is going to set dips down lower than where your front clip mounts so you need to take into account the fact you'll likely have to trim down your Radiator support, Inner fenders, part of the back of the grill, etc..

And yeah, don't cross-post in multiple sections this subject belongs here..

Mongo

I've seen some guys set them pretty much right on the frame but that requires some serious trimming up front. Also keep in mind that you've got a big steering box up there to contend with too.
A problem I see over and over again with this swap is: Stay away from the S-10 V8 conversion motor mounts that they sell unless your good with cutting them up and rebuilding them. They set the motor in the wrong place for swapping an old truck onto the frame, they work fine putting a V8 into an S-10 bodied truck.
Mongo

Sorry about the double post, was not clear of where this question went. Thanks Mongo, so starting with the stock spindles, mock up the cab and front end at different heights using blocks to determine ride heigth.Is that what you are suggesting Mongo? Oh! by the way , I guess Master Gabster was never a new guy or made a mistake.

Yup that's what I'd recommend. Also you can take a look at the couple builds I've got listed on my site. http://www.mongosgarage.com/tech/index.htm they are other guys builds and their writeups that I put there to keep them from disappearing into the inter-ether with time.

Don't poke at the Hornets, keep in mind that just because a comment is short and to the point doesn't mean it's meant to be rude. on the internet tone and inflection are non existent and without being able to see a guys smile it's hard to tell if a he is just ribbin' ya a little.

Hope the info Helps and welcome to the Stovebolt you might also want to hit the Welcome Center and post an intro, little info on who you are, what your building, etc.
https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=33&page=1

MONGO

Good advice Mongo, Thanks again.

Fubar49
Good advice from Mongo. If you set it up without engine I used 80 lb bags of premixed concrete sitting on the front crossmember to get to the correct engine weight. Better than a couple beer drinking buddies standing in the bay . I have a picture somewhere but can't locate it. Good luck