The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Use S10 chassis

Have researched the pros & cons of using the S10 chassis. I have an option of using an 01 S10 extended cab truck with 70K on it. 4.3 with 4L60E, 8.5.-10bolt rear, A/C...etc. I am thinking that the stuff swapped over would be much cheaper than starting from scratch like I have done with the 53 panel (5.7 LS1, auto and so on) What are your thoughts? cheers

My chassis is original. Transmission is SM420 4 speed, engine is stovebolt 6 (261). Rear end is torque tube with 3.55 gears. Just my opinion on what's best. But, by all means do what you want.

Get used to to using the THE SEARCH FEATURE at the Top right next to the HOO-YA-SHOP, OLD POST ON THE SUBECT Good luck with the swap!

I would stay with the original frame if its in good shape,theres a lot of fabrication involved in using an s-10 chassis,and if you dont know what you are doing, you could have a big mess on your hands, besides nowadays, they sell just about every conversion for the old frames and trucks from suspension to disc brakes to motor mounts, I myself kept the old 216 engine,and used a t-5 transmission and a rear from an 85 s-10 and my truck cruises at 65 with no problems at all, with the original frame http://s629.beta.photobucket.com/user/kurtdh519/library/

As an opinion only ...

To me the idea of a drive train/chassis that already has 70K on it and involves a
LOT of fabrication, electronics, etc etc

VS.

Tried and true aftermarket upgrades of the original frame and drive train is a no brainer.
You can upgrade the straight axle set up with power steering/brakes and all NEW parts for not a lot of money. A $400-$500 dollar kit from Chassis Engineering, CPP, Progressive, etc sets you up with an open rear of your choice, new springs, shocks, etc

Engine & trans is then up to your discretion.

Being a panel truck guy, I have seen a couple of S10 frames under AD panel trucks
and I have to say they "just don't look right". The track is just too narrow for my liking.
Kinda like a fat old lady trying to look hot on a set of size 5 stilettos!

Just my opinion of course

I would like to hear from someone who has swapped a S-10 chassis. What the good and bad things are in doing this? I just purchased a 34 chevy high cab pickup. Wanting to keep body all orig. but would like all the pleasures of a newer chassis? HELP. Thanks, Marengo

For the 34 your cab is much too narrow for an S-10 chassis swap, and you may or may not find another chassis that is narrow enough for that cab. I have an S-10 frame under my 46 and the frame was almost too wide (had to get creative to get it to fit at the back of the front fenders), but the frame fits perfectly under the AD trucks. Some guys cut the S-10 frame where it widens to make it fit better, but I don't agree with doing that.

The benefits of a frame swap are that the front and rear brakes are designed to work together, the front and rear suspension were designed together and were originally meant to work together, all the fuel and brake lines are already there, and replacement parts are very easy to get. If you break down you can get a part for an S-10 in any NAPA.

The handling and ride of an S-10 swap in these old trucks is fantastic. I can't say that for any of the trucks I've driven with Mustang II kits, and in those cases the front and rear suspension is typically very mismatched.

Just my opinion.

i seen guys use isuzu or nissan frames on older trucks which are narrower. go over to killbillet. com or hamb to see some of the builds.