Has anyone used a s10 blazer frame for a ad truck frame swap?

[73kay]

I know its been covered, but I can't find a reason why except that it is more involved to swap a s10 blazer frame over to a 47-54 truck.

I can get a running 89 blazer 4x4 for $300. But its 4x4 eww. I would have to maybe just buy for the powertrain and go to a junkyard for a longbed single cab frame and combine everything for less than $500. I just want some thoughts on this from you guys. I'm usually in the 73-87 section but I think Im gonna pull the trigger and get a 48 truck from a neighbor. The whole S10 frame swap is a no brainer for me, except there are better deals on craigslist in my area for blazers.

Thanks for your feedback.

[1-ton of fun]

the wheelbase is shorter and there "might" be an issue with the way the frame kicks up in the rear

[Clay54]

Check "1947 S10 Blazer 4x4 swap" on this forum.

[Purcell69]

^^^Clay just brought up the thread I was thinking of. As I recall, there was something different about the 4wd front axles/suspension. I believe he ended up making stubs out of the original half shafts and it wasn't possible to use 2wd spindles as the control arms were different. Still he got the job done and save himself some $ in the process.

-Joe

[joedoh]

Originally Posted by Purcell69

^^^Clay just brought up the thread I was thinking of. As I recall, there was something different about the 4wd front axles/suspension. I believe he ended up making stubs out of the original half shafts and it wasn't possible to use 2wd spindles as the control arms were different. Still he got the job done and save himself some $ in the process.

-Joe

yeah that was a great swap. if you are converting to 2wd by taking out the transfer case and front diff, you will need to keep the axle stubs in the stock sealed bearings to keep them from falling apart.

[73kay]

Ya it was a super deal but I got
"Craiglisted" and it was sold. I guess I'll hold out for a longbed and make my life easier. The best combo would be a 4.3 v6 with a 5 speed that I would keep in there for awhile. Thanks for the links!

[msaintg]

Pros of using a Blazer frame is that it is boxed all the way back to the rear spring hanger so it is stronger than the pickup frame. Waaaay easier to find a Blazer than pickup for build (I searched for 4 months for a pickup before settling on the Blazer). The anti-sway bars on the Blazer are more heavy duty than the pickup.
Pros of using a 4x4 are that the suspension has a wider stance than 2x4 and the torsion bar front is adjustable for ride height where the coil springs are not.
Cons.... where do I start.
frame is 9" too short, rear shock mounts have to be lowered, Auto transmission has to be converted to 2x4 output shaft/tail stock, spindle problems (if you go older than '98.... I think), gas tank is not located in a good place to connect up the fuel inlet tube. etc. etc.

[greg_h]

the business is closed but he left the site up for info. Might be some good reference info...http://ad-engineering.com/

[dsraven]

check out the gmupfitter site for frame dimension drawings of all the s10 versions. lots of good info there.

[55dude]

why not combine frames, 4x4 front with 2wd rear? lets see a picture of those stub axles.

[joedoh]

Originally Posted by 55dude

why not combine frames, 4x4 front with 2wd rear? lets see a picture of those stub axles.

here you go

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...8&postcount=10

[55dude]

Originally Posted by joedoh

here you go

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...8&postcount=10

how much wider is the 4x4 track width?

[joedoh]

Originally Posted by 55dude

how much wider is the 4x4 track width?

about 4 inches

[Cautrell05]

Another option with the blazer or a 4wd chassis is to convert it to AWD. Several threads on the S10 forums showing what to switch. If I build a second truck I'm going to go that route.