The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline s-10 frame

Hey everyone! New to this so please bare with me. I was wondering if anyone could tell me the best make/model s-10 frame to use under a 52 half ton shortbed?

Not sure what you mean by make/model. The S-10/S-15, and Sonoma were all the same truck, with different badges. You'll want the regular cab long box, as this is a 117" wheelbase and is closest to your '52.

It's not a difficult swap if you have reasonable fabrication skills, but otherwise you might find yourself over your head. It's also good to lower the frame with spindles and blocks before mounting the body, and you'll have an easier time with it.

Something that you will want to keep in mind with this swap is that the track width of the 2wd S trucks is much narrower than the '47-'54 truck. This can lead to having to have odd offset wheels and/or spacers to position the wheels in the fenderwells. An option that will reduce this would be to use the 4x4 version, which has a wider track, and use standard 2wd style wheels. If you want to lower it with a spindle kit, 2wd spindles will swap right onto the 4x4 control arms.

Yes, that's true. I prefer the wide wheel look, so my '46 has 15x8 wheels on the front and 15x10 on the rear, with most of the wheel to the outside. Not everyone likes that look though.

You need a 2 wd long bed standard cab 1985- 92 s10. Closer to the 92 the better as the earlier ones have a lot of flex in the chassis. Standard cab is the key here . You will need wheel spacers on the front and swap out the rear diff with a s10 4 x 4 rear or camaro , nova etc. my truck is on an s10 and worked out great. Parts are super cheap.

I'm not sure where you got your information about more flex in the earlier chassis, and only going to 1992?

Any 1982-04 S-10 chassis is the same for the swap. There is no difference in flex between the years, and all the frames are the same except for a few crossmembers. I have an '82 S-10, an '85 frame under my '46 GMC, my dad has a 1995 frame under his 52 Chev, and my brother has a 2000 frame under his 39 Dodge. All are the regular cab long box S-10 frame and the frames are all the same. In fact, my 82 has a couple more crossmembers than the newer ones.

You only need wheel spacers and a different diff if you want to run skinny tires. As I said above, I'm running 15x8 and 15x10 on my 46 GMC to fill out the fenders because I like the look.

Wasnt out for an argument, the guy asked for help. I built my truck in 1995. I dont know if the later chassis worked.

what is the problem your trying to fix by swapping the frame?

if its just to get IFS, there are other solutions too.

https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthread...;Main=80741&Number=571697#Post571697

no problems to fix. just thinking of a new project. Brother also has an s-10 4x4 i get get cheap. sounds like the beginnings of a new toy.

I like all your input guys. This is a great site!

if your not trying to fix anything, they why not keep the stock frame and straight axle?

For one, it would handle like a 52 chev truck with a straight axle. Just kidding, but one of the nice things with the frame swap is that the suspension is perfectly matched to work together, and they handle like a sports car. They're an interesting challenge, and a great riding and driving truck when you're done.