S10 Swap how to

[Strodder]

I installed it the other way by mistake and it didn't fit. It doesn't hit anything and I set the toe also, turns lock to lock too. What else would you want? I'll give it another look. Thanks

[Strodder]

I see what you mean. The tie rod nuts should be facing front. Thanks again.

[Cautrell05]

By moving the inner tierod forward several inches it seriously changes the steering geometry and not for the better. As an alignment tech at the Local GM I see one come in every couple months. The 99-07 half ton pickups can be installed backwards also. They are easy to spot because they turn like are stuck in 4wd when they aren't.

[Strodder]

Originally Posted by Cautrell05

By moving the inner tierod forward several inches it seriously changes the steering geometry and not for the better. As an alignment tech at the Local GM I see one come in every couple months. The 99-07 half ton pickups can be installed backwards also. They are easy to spot because they turn like are stuck in 4wd when they aren't.

I was an alignment tech also, but on German Cars. This is a foreign car to me. I did have trouble installing it and thought this was the right way. This is a customers car and I don't like come backs. Thanks again.

[Cautrell05]

No problem

[skymangs]

I've seen those pics before, nice looking setup. I've posted how I do front bumper brackets I believe,. I remove the rear 3 inches off the bumper brackets, then I make a 3/16" plate vertical brackets, and weld them to the bottom side of the frame. Then drill them and attach with 1/2" bolts. Straight forward, and plenty strong.

[mikec4193]

Oh my gosh...

I have to commend all you guys for all the detail you are putting forth on this thread. I have attempted two of these swaps one with 1961 Willys cab and the other with a 1954 Chevy cab...I got them both about 2/3 to 1.2 done and I bailed on them...I just could NOT gather my head around all the little details that make them all one working piece in the end...

I am doing more of a stock (1952/53 farm truck) one now as there is way less head scratching and tape measure chasing with a stock one...it is basically take off the old part bolt on the new part...lots of check writing but way more simple overall than doing these chassis swaps...way less stressful for sure...

You guys are awesome by taking us through all the little details that make these things a reality...

Thank you again for all the pictures and commentary too...

MikeC

[skymangs]

Originally Posted by mikec4193

Oh my gosh...

I have to commend all you guys for all the detail you are putting forth on this thread. I have attempted two of these swaps one with 1961 Willys cab and the other with a 1954 Chevy cab...I got them both about 2/3 to 1.2 done and I bailed on them...I just could NOT gather my head around all the little details that make them all one working piece in the end...

I am doing more of a stock (1952/53 farm truck) one now as there is way less head scratching and tape measure chasing with a stock one...it is basically take off the old part bolt on the new part...lots of check writing but way more simple overall than doing these chassis swaps...way less stressful for sure...

You guys are awesome by taking us through all the little details that make these things a reality...

Thank you again for all the pictures and commentary too...

MikeC

Thanks Mike. Just trying to share techniques.

[Strodder]

That's what this Forum is all about.

[tre5]

So, I've read a lot of the s10 swap threads and I have a few questions that I'm guessing Skymangs or someone else can answer.
1. In this thread there are two different heights of body mounts. I also read in this thread that if you use the version 2 mounts, when you do the bed a piece of 1-1/2" square tubing can be set under the lip on the inside edge of the bed as a bed cross member. I saw in another thread that the cross member was placed on the top side of the lip... so is that where that would go using the version1 mounts?
2. What are the benefits to mounting the cab higher or lower? Looks like either way the trans tunnel needs modification, so why not go with the lowest center of gravity possible?
3. So everyone is reusing the S10 factory isolators? What about the radiator support? It looks like most are just trimming down the stock support and welding some brackets to it that bolt straight through the top of the s10 frame. No isolators up there? How's that work... with the cab floating on isolators, bolted to the front sheet metal, then no isolators attaching the front part of the sheet metal to the frame? Seems as though that would be an issue???

I'm hoping to start on mine soon. I've had the truck for almost two years and I'm starting to get going on it.
Thanks in advance!

[skymangs]

Originally Posted by tre5

So, I've read a lot of the s10 swap threads and I have a few questions that I'm guessing Skymangs or someone else can answer.
1. In this thread there are two different heights of body mounts. I also read in this thread that if you use the version 2 mounts, when you do the bed a piece of 1-1/2" square tubing can be set under the lip on the inside edge of the bed as a bed cross member. I saw in another thread that the cross member was placed on the top side of the lip... so is that where that would go using the version1 mounts?
2. What are the benefits to mounting the cab higher or lower? Looks like either way the trans tunnel needs modification, so why not go with the lowest center of gravity possible?
3. So everyone is reusing the S10 factory isolators? What about the radiator support? It looks like most are just trimming down the stock support and welding some brackets to it that bolt straight through the top of the s10 frame. No isolators up there? How's that work... with the cab floating on isolators, bolted to the front sheet metal, then no isolators attaching the front part of the sheet metal to the frame? Seems as though that would be an issue???

I'm hoping to start on mine soon. I've had the truck for almost two years and I'm starting to get going on it.
Thanks in advance!

The version 1 stands will require spacers between the cross sill and frame. There are schematics early in yhis thread on that. Version 2's have the cross sill directly on the frame. If the cross sill was welded above the rails, then that individual must have mounted his cab even lower.

The reason for mounting the cab closer to the frame is to lower the ride height without modifying the springs. Still rides nice even lowered.

The S10 isolator design doesn't allow the cab to move, just provides shock cushion. I've been driving several that way for more than 2 years with no issues. The reason that the core supports were isolated was to protect the hard mounted radiator. Since I float mount the radiators, there are no issues.

Hope that helps.

[tre5]

Thanks.
I thought version 2 sat the cab higher than version 1...
I believe you did the one with the cross members on top of the lips?
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=642010&page=4
post 92 shows what I am referring to.
I am going for a low ride height, so I'm confused on which ones to go with. The ones with the shorter measurement are version 1, right?
Another random question... With the s10 frame, I plan to swap to a 12 bolt that I will narrow to fit the tires inside the bedside fenders. Is there room between the fender and the frame rail for a 10". I'm ok with cutting into the bedside and tubbing that. I'll be doing a 4 link on coilovers so I'm not worried about the 12 bolt lining up with the leafs.

[T Hilde]

I happened to be in town today buying an antenna for my AD, the owner of this came in after I did. My buddy Mark did the chassis swap on it 10 years ago or more. An S10 4X4 with the 4.3 V6 purposely set up to look stock. Another buddy, Eddie, did body work and paint. The dude uses it, to pull the boat, take cans to recycle, work, etc.........

[burger]

T Hilde,

I like what your buddy did with that truck! It is very utilitarian and purposeful looking. Do you have any more pictures?


Ed

[T Hilde]

Originally Posted by burger

T Hilde,

I like what your buddy did with that truck! It is very utilitarian and purposeful looking. Do you have any more pictures?


Ed

That's the only one I have. If I see it around I'll get more.

[skymangs]

Tre5; yea, I may have mis-spoken. Version 1 are the shorter ones. Cross sills should go under the lip. If you want to go lower, I now have a version 3 that sets the cab 2.25" off the frame. I designed that one for Cecil. Those brackets have the cross sills above the lip. The widest I've tried to run is 9.5" wheels. While 10 may squeak by, you may have to notch the frame rail a bit.

[oossuuu754]

Most of you know that Chris was injured very badly in a shop fire a couple weeks ago. I have set up a GoFundMe campaign to help Chris (AKA SKYMANGS, Ole Sarge) and his family with medical expenses. Please share this with as many people as possible. Chris was the first to help with any questions, lets see if we can help him out here: Chris Klapp, AKA: SKYMANGS, Ole Sarge

[oossuuu754]

Chris' wife posted this on his Facebook page yesterday:

"Chris had surgery today and he did well. They did a trac and cleaned up some of his burn areas. He is doing well this evening other than a slight fever."

Chris loves working on these trucks, when he was building my truck it was hard to tell who was more excited, me or him. Chris was always the first to offer any advice to the forum members here. Pleasde help him and his family via the GoFundMe campaign that I set up to help Chris (AKA SKYMANGS, Ole Sarge) and his family with any medical expenses. Here is the link to the campaign

http://www.gofundme.com/c49h5mjx8

[oossuuu754]

Thank you to all who have donated! As you can see we cracked the $2000 mark and we are now almost halfway to the $5000 goal. Please keep spreading the word so we can help Chris out, donations can be made here or clinking the link in my signature. Additionally if you would please insert the Chris' link into your signature so it will show up on all the threads you reply on.

Chris has been in ICU almost a month now, here is the latest update from his wife.

By Jennifer Klapp — Aug 3, 2015 3:34pm

Chris is doing well, not much has really changed. He is off the ventilator during the day, night they put him on because of his sleep apnea. He is aware of the comings and goings in his room and will slightly respond to questions, by shrugs or shaking of head, or blinking. He is moving a little bit, I am sure his legs and arms feel as though they weigh a ton. He is still on dialysis, but is putting out urine, so they are slowly kicking back on. They are worried that he may have pneumonia again, but they watching. He is slowly getting to the point to were he will be able to have visitors, just need to get him out of ICU portion of the burn center.

[tre5]

Dang! This sucks to hear. I wish him a quick recovery. I'll try and make a donation to help him out soon.

[eagleuh1]

Hoping for a speedy recovery.

[oossuuu754]

I talked to Chris' wife today, and received more info or more of their beat guess until Chris can tell us. He was finishing up the 54 for Bob R (pics on his page). Working on the filler neck or the fuel door and there was a flash fire that totally consumed the inside of the shop. I will post pics later but it is bad. Chris was trapped inside the shop for a while, but at some point got out and was able to call 911 before he passed out outside.

His burns are all above the waist, mostly on his arms and around his left ear. But the good news is that several of the burns are starting to heal on their own. If he can just fight the infection they are hopeful.

By Jennifer Klapp — 9 hours ago


This week started on a good note, with Chris really responding to questions and moving his head and limbs. But things took a turn for the worst on Tuesday morning. Chris spiked a 106 temperature and it took all day to get it down to 101. So Michael and I stayed the night with Chris that night and it stayed down all night, so home we went at 5:30am on Wednesday. Wednesday was a quiet day with a temperature still hanging around but not going over 102. Thursday was a quiet day with nothing real big happening, which is okay because Tuesday was quit exciting. Through the week Chris's urine output has gotten better. So this morning when I was visiting the kidney doctor was around and told me that if he continues on this up slope that they will stop dialysis and take out the stint for the dialysis. Tomorrow he is going to have a feeding tube put into his gut to make it easier on him. Right now the feeding tube is going through the nose, so I am sure it is a bit bothersome.

Chris is slowly climbing the hill of recovery and the prayers and good vibes are greatly appreciated.

[oossuuu754]

So for those of you who have asked for some photos of Chris' shop here they are. As you can see it is basically a complete loss. Two trucks destroyed, Chris son's TF truck and a customer Bob R. Currently we are sitting at about $2500 in donations, so please lets get the word and help if we can! Donate Here!

[oossuuu754]

Here is an update on Chris from his wife:


By Jennifer Klapp — Aug 15, 2015 9:10pm


Chris is doing well this week. His dialysis catheter was removed on Wednesday. He has still had a slight fever, but keeping down the upper 90's to 101. He tracks you with his eyes and tries to talk to you, but gets very frustrated when you can't figure out what he is trying to tell you. But the doctors are happy with his progress. The burns are healing well and the two places that they will have to do some reconstruction on they have vacuum packed right now. This procedure will cause the body to send extra blood to those areas to help stimulate growth on it is own. Next week he should be getting a feeding tube placed in the gut and removed from his nose.

[oossuuu754]

Jennifer posted another update

Busy week

By Jennifer Klapp — 49 minutes ago

this week has started off busy, in the aspect of Chris being rolled off to here and there and everywhere. Yesterday he went for a CT scan and today he is going to three different places, one being MRI. Right now they are putting in a filter to stop blood clots from going to the lungs. Later he is going to go down to have a drain tube or re put in to get some fluid off the lungs. Tomorrow or Thursday he is going to surgery for skin grafts on elbow and maybe hand. We meet Dr. Grossmen on VTC yesterday , a meeting about what they are going to do tomorrow or Thursday.