S10 Swap how to

[Coldshot]

Originally Posted by 47owner

I found these on line
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/2612770...lpid=82&chn=ps

Wow I feel a bit dimwitted lol. That's not what I pictured and I'm sure that took 2 seconds to find.
Thanks

[47owner]

Glad I could help, its the least I can do given all the great info I'm getting.

[chuckmc8]

Quote, "A good reference to remember is that the core support will basically sit directly above the cap on the power steering box."

This is a valuable piece of information and a great reference point. Thanks!

[skymangs]

Lol... yup, ebay is a great source for the little stuff! I also get my radiator cushions there. I'm very glad that you guys are finding this thread helpful... sharing what little info we have is win/win!

[mark be]

My grandson and I just put the cab on frame yesterday following your plan. I've had the s10 frame for a couple of years and the body off the '51 frame for 5 or more years just never got any further 'til he showed up and sez lets build that truck, having a great time and it's going so smoothly with your plan.
Thank you very much I've been reading and studying threads for years and yours is the chit.
Mark

[skymangs]

Mark be; very glad to hear you are building a truck with you grandson! That's just how it should be! Any questions along the way, don't hesitate to ask!

Marcott; the reason for the delron spacers is that the sub framing is too narrow for the s10 bushings to seat properly. Once you hold the bushing up to the bottom of the cab, you will see what I mean. The spacer can be made of steel, but given the thickness, a DeLeon spacer is a simpler and more cost effecttive option. Hope that helps.

[marcot20025]

Do you have the dimensions for the mounts?

[ghettoluxury]

All of the demensions are on the first page as attachments. You will have to click on them to open.

[skymangs]

Ayup... What ghetto luxury said...

I have a new tip I just figured out. Instead of using the DeLeon spacer and cutting the rear mounts 1\2" shorter on the 51-54 cabs, you can make them normal height, and use the s10 core support bushings instead. They are smaller diameter than the cab bushings, and will tuck right into the 51-54 rear cab brace.

[Clay54]

Originally Posted by skymangs

Ayup... What ghetto luxury said...

I have a new tip I just figured out. Instead of using the DeLeon spacer and cutting the rear mounts 1\2" shorter on the 51-54 cabs, you can make them normal height, and use the s10 core support bushings instead. They are smaller diameter than the cab bushings, and will tuck right into the 51-54 rear cab brace.

Thanks again Jeff. That's the one I have been looking for. When I first read this, I began to look for S10 core support bushings and could not really find anything and I questioned Chris by e-mail and that is when he responded with the link I posted above saying "this is what I use".

I have been searching through all the builds that Chris has posted trying to find the above comment. Thought I had lost my mind but I knew Chris made the comment somewhere on this website. I have read this S10 swap sticky time and again and I guess I just past it up. Appreciate the help. Got your PM and will get that e-mail to you soon. Thanks, Clay

[Coldshot]

I actually just found that out last week too. I bought the energy suspension body mount kit and used those ones but still had to use the spacers.

[Sim6]

Skymangs,
Are you a regular on the ultimate adventure? Or are you a reader?

[skymangs]

SIM6; Nawh, just a reader. Had an absolute blast though!

[Sim6]

Awesome! I bet that was cool to get to hang out with Pewe and the gang. I've been a reader of their mag for a decade or so. What did you drive/ride in?
Jeff

[skymangs]

I have pics of Pewe and I, and of Tim Hardy and I. Awesome bunch of guys! I was Co-dog for Matt Bokan in the Scout. I have an IH addiction as well.

[Sim6]

Skymangs,
If you have a two piece drive shaft do you switch to one piece shaft or just shorten the closest/shortest shaft. Also swapping in a carb small block and th350. Using your cab mounts you add a tranny tunnel?

[skymangs]

I stay with the 2 piece shaft, and have the short section cut to length and balanced. You will need a small transmission tunnel. Look at Rico F. '54 3600 thread or Cecil's thread for examples.

[Sim6]

Thank you sir.

[skymangs]

Sure thing!

[steve aleve]

Here is a quick question on locating the cab mounts. My assumption is that if the existing holes are 30-1/2" back from the center line of the axle... then on the s10 frame, I should be able to set them 30-1/2" back and it should be exact. Is there any reason this wouldn't be the case?

[Sim6]

I measured from the center of where SKYMANGS says to put the front cab mount and it is 30 1/2 on my s10 frame. I think you're right on the money Steve.

[skymangs]

I agree. I haven't measured an axle centerline for quite awhile, but that sounds right.

[av8tr33337]

I haven't been to the forum in quite a while. Its nice to see a section devoted to the s10 chassis swap.

[Flatty]

I just spent the last 3 days reading this thread and I am glad I did. I will be picking up a 49 in the next few weeks (Gotta clear out the garage first). I was thinking about doing a full tube chassis, but the s-10 seems to be the way to go. Thanks for all the directions.

Just like you, I have a rockcrawling addiction. I have been building FJ40's on tons and 40"+ tires for the last 20 years. I will be bringing some of that heavy fab work over into this realm.

My question is this: Why even go full frame? Do you see any damage in doing a tube rear chassis for the bed to sit on? I want to get this thing low, but not too low. It will be on bags so that when parked, I can drop it to the ground. I figure with the tube chassis, I can get that done.

Dima

[skymangs]

Thanks guys.

Flatty; no issue with the tube frame whatsoever. This thread was created to specifically cover S10 swaps since they are so popular. I got into these since this was an easily affordable option for my more budget minded customers. I also do stubs, M2 suspension, vette running gear 4 links, etc.