48 3600 suspension help

[dnights]

hey everyone. i am currently looking at how to redo the rear suspension but the issue i am having is i have a 3600. i like the look of the longbed so going to a S10 is out of the question and the current frame is in good shape. i also know the rear portion of the frame is different than the 3100s. so i am wondering if there are leaf spring kits that will lower a 3600 or am i stuck rebuilding the current setup or a four link. i have looked at the tci leaf spring kits but not sure if that would work on my truck plus i don't have the easiest access to call them due to where i am. any suggestions and pictures would be great.

[49ZR2]

I think that 3600's and s10's go together well. Can't help with the stock question.

[BlueJeep]

Originally Posted by 49ZR2

I think that 3600's and s10's go together well. Can't help with the stock question.

I think they do too!

Here's my 3800 on an extended cab s10 frame. It's actually a 3600 bed minus 2.375".

[dnights]

thanks, i didnt realize the longbed still worked well with the swap. also bluejeep what year s10 did you use? also what part of des moines are you from. i grew up just outside of town in bondurant. also did you guys go with the s10 kits or do all the mounts yourself. thanks for the help.

[BlueJeep]

Yes, mine is a longbed with the front of the box shortened 2.375". The frame is a 1995 extended cab s10. If you click on my username, then click on "find more posts by BlueJeep", you should be able to find my build thread and read all about it. 49ZR2's is the same thing as mine, but with a 4wd ZR2 S10. I built my own mounts out of 3x5 rectangle tubing and poly Jeep body mounts (cheapest I could find).

I'm in Des Moines proper, and am familiar with Bondurant. My buddies and I go to Polito's pizza on occasion.

[dnights]

BlueJeep, thank you. I went and looked at your build after I posted. I see your truck is coming along very well. Also saw your other threads that detailed different portions of the build and it will be very useful. Both you and 49ZR2 have persuaded me to go the s10 route. I just found a 2000 S10 ZR2 so that will be around the same price of all the updates to the original frame. If I have any questions, do you mind if I pm if I don't find the information on here or in your threads. Again, thank you for the help.

[Chevy51]

BlueJeep, I noticed you said you shortened your 3600 longbed. Is that because you,shortened your bed for S10 ZR2 frame? I was thinking about shortening my 3600 bed,but I would probably have to shorten my frame also,am I correct? Just curious,I am no fab person,probably just accept if for what I have.Thanks

[BlueJeep]

Originally Posted by dnights

If I have any questions, do you mind if I pm if I don't find the information on here or in your threads. Again, thank you for the help.

Nope, I don't mind. But, if you ask them in the public forum others may also want the answers, so that's a good way to share.

Originally Posted by Chevy51

BlueJeep, I noticed you said you shortened your 3600 longbed. Is that because you,shortened your bed for S10 ZR2 frame? I was thinking about shortening my 3600 bed,but I would probably have to shorten my frame also,am I correct?

I shortened my bed to fit the wheelbase of the extended cab s10 frame. I wanted the longer bed to be different from the masses and also to allow me to haul a little more "stuff". I ended up putting a toolbox in the bed and I still have a decent amount of bed space left. What you do will depend on what you want. If you want a standard shortbed truck, you'll either need the standard cab longbed s10 or cut an extended cab s10 frame down 5". If you're OK with the longbed, it's a simple procedure to cut down a bed and fit an extended cab frame like I did.

I am very happy I went the s10 route. I now can find parts anywhere in the USA for it, nothing that will wear out is "custom", and parts are cheap. Plus, it drives like an s10.

[Chevy51]

Thanks, BlueJeep, for your reply appreciate it very much.

[TheDude]

I've got a 3600 and one of the s10 chassis kit guys told me that you can reverse the leaf springs on a s10 extended cab, and that will adjust for the 2 inch difference. Apparently the rear axle isn't centered on the leafs, so its a pretty elegant solution to achieve the proper wheelbase. Can any one verify this?