47-55.1 Using a Ford Explorer Subframe

[Thadious]

So, I've gone the S10 route before with my old 49 chev shortbox. I ended up using an extended cab shortbox and shortening it, so welding frames isn't really much of an issue for me.

The biggest issue that I had going that route was the fact of having to use spacers on the front end and my extreme reluctance to do so. Knowing that an explorer 8.8 rear is about 6" wider and a good candidate for a rear end swap, the thought of using a full explorer rolling chassis is definitely appealing. Using a 4x2 front end makes it simple and with the rack and pinion steering, an additional bonus.

Of course the wheelbase is two short and so the chassis will need to be stretched although the width is pretty close to the S10 and I think the cab will still straddle it. What I'm pondering is the use of two Explorer frames and grafting the two together to get the additional length and reinforcing the joint with a plate "C" channel doubler.

Has anyone else tried this? Any experience that they would like to share or thoughts on this?

If I do go this path, it's something I do intend to document for the swap and what I find/fab.

Cheers!
Ted.