47-59 52 Chevy step side frame swap

[harrisdaniel1022]

Hey, I am trying to figure out which frames my truck will fit on best. I found a 2006 Chevy Colorado, and am trying to figure out if the frame will fit. If the frame is too long I can cut it down, but If it is too wide I'd rather not deal with that

[leegreen]

'52
Front tread 57 Inches
Rear tread 58-3/4 Inches
Wheelbase 115 Inches

Colorado looks like
Front track 59.6 in.
Rear track 57.5 in.

S10
front 2wd 55
rear 4wd 60

You will find tons of S10 swap information on the web, not so much the colorado. But I'd like to see a colorado frame swap project or two.

[harrisdaniel1022]

Yeah that's the issue I am running into, I like the Colorado option because of the upgraded suspension and brakes and all that stuff. I may just try it and if it doesn't work sell the parts and start over

[leegreen]

tape measures are cheap...some things I'd start with:

AD noses are short relative to newer stuff. On Colorado frame what is distance from front wheel center to furthest forward thing on the frame you can't cut off?
What is height & width of the strut towers vs AD fenders / hood?

is there room for motor and a radiator between where the AD sheet metal goes or do you have to move the entire engine package back?

Can you fit the motor you want to run into a colorado frame?

Can you reposition the steering to have the wheel closer to centerline of truck without major work?

[harrisdaniel1022]

Well one thing I was thinking about doing is cutting the firewall out and leaving the Colorado firewall so I don't have to change AC and brake booster and all that stuff can just stay where it is. Might have to trim the height or width

[harrisdaniel1022]

Also the Colorado I found for sale is a good distance away so I can't just run over and measure it

[leegreen]

Originally Posted by harrisdaniel1022

Well one thing I was thinking about doing is cutting the firewall out and leaving the Colorado firewall so I don't have to change AC and brake booster and all that stuff can just stay where it is. Might have to trim the height or width

Some of that may not be realistic, the AD cab is going to be quite a bit narrower than the Colorado, so the steering wheel and pedals will need to be closer to center. That is bound to have an impact on other stuff mounted on both sides of the dash

Maybe look for a Colorado at the local wreckers to measure

[harrisdaniel1022]

Okay that makes sense, this is my first major project, so I am just making it up as I go. Thanks, I'll find one to measure

[leegreen]

For a first project consider one of these options:
Keep the stock frame and get it running and driving, or
stock frame with newer rear end, engine and trans, maybe disk swap on front axle

Do an S10 swap - well proven method where all the problems have already been solved. All the details are online or you could buy a mount kit.

Stock frame with newer rear end and
-front clip from midsize 70s-80s nova malibu type car. Old school but many have been done and are on the road
-mustang II crossmember kit.


There will be a lot of problem solving for Colorado - AD frame swap.