Pics An Info On 47-55 GMC Dropped LongBed Trucks

[lowroder]

Hi Guys...
Ive Been looking For Trucks Chevy Or GMC For A Lil While.
Most Ive Seen Was To Far Of A Project For Me For My Budget.
I Came Across A Guy Who Has Started A Truck Long Ago An Isnt Gonna Finish.
Its However A 1951 GMC LWB AKA LongBed .
Not Sure On S10 Swap Or Just Sub It An 4 Link The Rear Frame.
Looking To see Pics An Your Ideas On These LWB Trucks..
Thanks Lowroder

[mr48chev]

I've got photos of a friend's lowrider longbed that is a full on lowrider but I'll have to wait until I get 120 photos from the car show yesterday uploaded before I can post them.

[ghettoluxury]

The long beds look good lowered. I know a few guys with S10 swaps and they love to drive there trucks. The one gentleman currently has 3 AD trucks, 1 is all original and 2 are frame swapped. He has done front clips as well and says if you like to drive your truck, to either stay with the solid axle or do a complete frame swap.

I saw the truck you are talking about on Craigslist. It looks to better than what I am starting with, just not sure I would give that for a non running project. If you go decide to do a frame swap you will need an extended cab and then flip the rear leaf springs around.

Here are some pics of my favorite long bed GMC.

[lowroder]

ghettoluxury,
thanks for the info. on the extended frame swap isn't the springs already over the leafs.
don't you just need 4 link or blocks? an ive heard that youll have to do some frame shortening or something to them ....

[ghettoluxury]

If you plan on keeping it a long bed then you will not have to shorten the frame, only cut off the front horns as with all S10 swaps. If you plan on keeping the leaf springs then you will need to unbolt them from the shackle and frame mount and flip them around. This will move the centering bolt back 2 inches so the wheel base is the same as before, the S10 is 123" and the GMC is 125". The axle will still sit on top of the leaf springs as it did before.

As far as lowering goes,you can place lowering blocks between the leaf spring and axle for a cheep easy drop. You could also do a 4 link with coil springs or air bags and ditch the leafs all together. This is going to cost more but you will be able to set the running boards on the ground if you use air bags.

The thing to remember is that this is your truck and you have to pick the setup that works best for you. I have gathered all the body pieces to build a truck and am currently looking for a frame, what my deciding factor will be is cost. If I find an rolling S10 frame for less than an original rolling frame than I will use it. For me I want a nice daily driver with a static drop and I will be able to do so with either setup. I have owned straight axle trucks before and the drive very nice, the S10 swap will drive just like an S10.

[mr48chev]

I thought I had some more recent ones as he has painted the fenders black and put skirts on the back now.

[lowroder]

Nice Mr 48 .....!

[lowroder]

GhettoLuxury,
I Want To Drop It Of Course. An Like You Cost Is A Factor For Starters... S10 Swap Is A Option With Static Drop Or Bags Even Hydraulics .
I Seen Many Static Drop Kits Available For Straight Axle set Ups.. Either Way Im Lowering Which Ever Truck I Start To Build.
The Idea Of Switching The Springs Is Cool.. So You keep The Shackles An Mounts Same Location... Just Reverse The Springs. From Front To Back Basically. Right??
I Know About The Horn Cuts..
So Bout What Years On The S10 Ext Cab Models ? An Will I Still Need A 2 Piece Drive Shaft Assy?
Thanks Lowroder

[ghettoluxury]

Any extended cab frame will work from 82-2002. When they changed to the round body style they changed styles on the steering column so you will not be able to it if that is a factor for you. As for the springs, yes all you do is turn it around so the front eyelet is now at the rear.

For the drive shaft, most shops will not make a one piece over a certain length. I have a guy that will but he doesn't like to, the last one he made me was 68" and he had a fit about it. If you are going to have adjustable suspension I recommend using a 2 piece due to driveline angle changes.

[lowroder]

ok thanks ghettoluxury...

[mr48chev]

Originally Posted by lowroder

Nice Mr 48 .....!

That truck was one of the deciding factors in my using a long bed frame under my truck with long bed running boards and the short box when I stretch the cab. He may be the guy who ends up painting my truck too as he is in the same town as me and is a painter.

[lowroder]

Still Not Sure What Way I Should Go...Any Opinions On EZ Chassis Kit Vs. Advanced Design Engineering Kit?
I Wanna Go Low An MII Seems More Expensive. For My 51 Build

[1948GMC]

I wasn't sure wich way to go either but the MII is so simple compaired to the s10 to install. I was in the same position and even had a s10 chassis at my disposal but ended up selling it for a MII because it will make the truck handle better.

[lowroder]

1948 GMC :......
Im looking into MII from Chassis Engineering Its Bolt In ... An I Can Get It With Hub To Hub Kit An Do It Myself To Save $. The Guy Said It Could Come With Drop Spindles If I Wanna Go Lower Stance.