Question on lengthening a short bed s10 frame.

[cleanshaven84]

I've done search after search after search and I've seen where a lot of people are shortening the ext cab s10 frames but I have yet to see where someone has lengthened a short bed frame. I've read where people have done it but havent seen any pics as to how they did it. I just bought a running '93 short bed with a 4.3l and was thinking of lengthing the frame under the cab where the frame is straighter. Any thoughts on this? Or maybe some pics on where someone has done something like this? Thanks for any advice and help.
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[S10Fan]

I lengthened mine, the frame was already setup for bags and the price was right, almost free. I'll find some pictures and post them Saturday, remind me if I forget.

Basically I setup a jig contraption in the garage, measured 487 times then cut the frame in the straight area past the factory slide joint. For the extension I used sections of the original 50 frame, boxed the area and called it done.

[chinquipin]

On my dads we lengthened the wheelbase rather than cutting the frame. We relocated the spring hangers and moved the rearend back about 8in I think. I have the detailed info on how to do this and pics saved on computer from another forum if you would like me to email them to you.
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[mknittle]

measure like this to get it square. it doesn't matter if the frame is different the method is the same and works well.

[S10Fan]

Originally Posted by chinquipin

On my dads we lengthened the wheelbase rather than cutting the frame. We relocated the spring hangers and moved the rearend back about 8in I think.

That's the most desirable method, the rear section of mine had been altered to a point I couldn't relocate the hangers.

[cleanshaven84]

Thanks guys. I just picked up my s10 tonight. Hopefully soon I can start tearing it down. S10fan, shoot me some pics if you can. Also, can you post some of the jig you made.

Chin, any pics would be helpful. I also thought of lengthening it this way.
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[S10Fan]

This thread has some valuable information.....

http://www.killbillet.com/showthread...ght=chevy+step

[entourageguy]

Originally Posted by S10Fan

This thread has some valuable information.....

http://www.killbillet.com/showthread...ght=chevy+step

this guy has some great ideas!

[mr48chev]

I've modified (actually repaired) a couple of frames in the past by getting the back half of another frame and splicing the new section to the existing frame. That is the simplest way to do it but maybe not the least expensive but the back half of a stock S-10 frame shouldn't cost much bare.

[62ChevyII]

I was gonna link you to my 48 build but S10 fan beat me to it.

Originally Posted by entourageguy

this guy has some great ideas!

Gosh you make a fella blush, lol!

[cleanshaven84]

That's a great step by step. Talk about keeping it simple, lol. Looks like I found a good way to lengthen my wheelbase. Hopefully soon I can start tearing down my S10. Thanks for all the help guys. This has been a great site for help and info.
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[chinquipin]

This thread has some valuable information.....

http://www.killbillet.com/showthread...ght=chevy+step

This is what we went by when we did it. I had it saved on my computer as pdf and was gonna post the link but S10Fan beat me to it.

With 62chevyII's detalied build it made lenghthening the wheel base a piece of cake! I've never lengthened a frame but I don't see how it could be any easier or go any smoother.