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07-18-2024, 06:36 PM | #1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Toppenish, WA
Posts: 15,572
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Re: 52 Chevy step side frame swap
All the guys here full and well know that I don't like frame swaps but the Colorado chassis would work out a lot better if the wheel base is right. Not as much stuff floating around to do the swap and I don't know if our resident frame swap guru has done one. Maybe he will wake up from his nap and chime in.
My reasoning is this: If you have a good stock 3100 frame you can build a better and more valuable in the long run truck using the stock frame, independent front cross member of choice and swapping rear axles. If you don't have a good frame to start with for what ever reason, you just started with a cab and a pile of body parts, or are putting one together one piece at a time on a tight budget head on with the swap. The big differences between S-10 and colorado chassis besides tread with (S 10 two wheel drive being too narrow) is that the colorado is six lug and there are three rear axle wms to wms widths. You have to know which Colorado chassis to get. S-10 you just get someone's worn out 300K plus standard cab long bed work truck and haul the body for scrap. Then you figure out if you are going to run wheel spacers or deep reverse wheels on the front and if you are going to run tubs or swap to a 4x4 4 axle on the rear to clear the bed.
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Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around. |
07-21-2024, 11:31 AM | #2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: edgeley sask
Posts: 93
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Re: 52 Chevy step side frame swap
The option I chose is a first generation dodge dakota 2 wheel drive chassis. That gave me an ideal track width, rack and pinion steering, no alterations to front splash apron. I know almost all chevy guys are repulsed at the thought of dodge components on a chevy but it's a chassis only. The biggest draw back is there is no support or much in the way of builds to follow. It took me a lot of time to figure out all the mounts etc. and I am not experienced at this but I am very happy with my truck, I put several thousand miles a year on and the only thing I should, and could still do is soften the suspension. I post this only because it seems you're exploring options, im certainly not saying do it my way in any way shape or form, just giving the example. One also has to be very honest about their own skills and capabilities before starting.
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