Frame?

[big bad booty daddy]

i have a 1952 GMC 1/2 ton 5 window. Im going to install an LS1 and tranny from a 2002 Trans Am WS6 6 speed. My question is.... Is there any way i can use the trans am chassis, i bought the entire trans am as salvage (minor damage) chassis is fine. im also planning on using the rear end and what ever other part i need and can be installed into the 52. ive had the truck for 10 years now with a 235 and tranny but am just now starting to get back into fixing it. any information is greatly appreciated.

[kgwest]

I believe the Trans Am is a unibody (no frame).

[Rick.Coleman]

I am doing something similar using a 96 Trans Am for my 52 Chevy; used the LT1 and transmission. Thought about trying to use the suspension but the engine cradle and front suspension are too wide. Also, if you are thinking of using the rear end it is also wide too. I cut all the bracing off the rear end and had it shortened 5 inches. Nice set up and gives you posi and rear disc.

[TheLlama]

You wont really be able to use the front subfrane of the Trans-Am without severe modification. I would just run a Mustang II IFS front end and bolt the engine and tranny in.

[big bad booty daddy]

kgwest you are correct sir i just found that out today

Rick.Coleman im assuming that you used your original chassis right. how did you have your rear end shortened. Im also thinking about using an S10 chassis, if i went with that do you think it might be wider? let me know how it goes with your project it sound like we are after something very similar. do you have any pics if so my e mail is
bigbadbootydaddy96@yahoo.com

TheLlama if i go with the original chassis my friend did mention the mustang IFS like you and also a 77 camaro front clip would work. there are so many options and i have not reserched it that well. its going to be a long process. but hopefully worth it.


thanks you guys for taking the time to respond hope i get some progress and ill start posting pics !

[qksilver]

you would probably be happier with either the s10 swap or using a Mustang II front end on your boxed stock frame.
It takes a good frabber and welder to get the sub frame swap right, and to be honest, even thought there might be, I have never seen a clean one done. Always a lot of boxing plates and weird shapes.
It is a cost effective swap if you have an experience person doing it, if not they can ruin the frame.

[Rick.Coleman]

Yes, used the original frame and a mustang II from TCI. I took the rear end to a local shop, he cut/welded the tubes to make them the length I wanted and had the axles re-splined. I cut 5"" (2.5" per side) to get it down to 60" wide from rotor to rotor. I am using a TCI rear leaf spring set up. This site (www.ad-engineering.com) that has some good information on using the S10. My truck is a work in progress and moving slow; I have more ideas/things to do than I have time and money. Been wanting to take some pictures but not got around to it yet. I noticed you are in TX; I’m in the San Antonio area so if you are close drop a line and maybe we can meet up and swap ideas.

[PBFAB.COM]

I would recommend sticking with the stock frame and going with an aftermarket front suspension. The camaro is a bit wide (I put one in a 51 GMC we built, and wouldn't do it again). You can see the build pics at www.porterbuiltstreetrods.com.
Go with a MII or similar front end and box the frame-rails. Have the rearend narrowed or get one out of a late-model S-10 4WD blazer (2000 and up). The 4WD came with discs are an 8.8 and posi. It's just the right width.