S10 Frame Swap

[rwrogers11]

I'm new to the forum and love the info, as there is tons of it here.

I'm looking to find and build a late 50's truck and put it on a S10 frame.

I have come across a 98 S10 long bed, that already has a 4.8L small block V8 in it. It runs, but I'd rather put a 350 in there. But it seems that the frame already has the engine mounts, etc for the V8.

I'm supposed to go look at it this weekend, the guy wants $800 for it. Is that a good deal to get the full truck or should I wait and find a rolling chassis later?

Thanks,
Richard

[fourspeedwagon]

If you can get that for 800 I'd jump at it. If the 4.8 is a running setup you'll be way ahead of if you were running a regular small block (if you are planning on using it as a driver).
That "little" 4.8 liter LS is still a great engine and capable of more than you'd think.
Also, the long bed standard cab is the chassis of choice for swapping.
BUY IT!

[Sim6]

I bought one with a bad engine and rusty cag for $500. Parting it out still with some parts left and have made a little over $600. Basically got the frame and brake components free for my labor of tearing down. Felt like a deal to me.

[rwrogers11]

Sweet, thanks for the input. If it runs, then I'll use it as a driver for now running parts to get sand blasted, etc.

So now to start looking for a body, and possibly a better rear end, but thats just because I need to lose weight.

It seems like a rear end out of a 4x4 will work, but will it handle a 350?

Thanks,
Richard

[fourspeedwagon]

If you are going to change rearends then upgrade to something stronger. 8.8, 9 inch or something.
Also, do a search for the 4.8 that car craft magazine built a few years back.

[rwrogers11]

I know there are a lot of 8.8's out there, but I've heard that the 9's are starting to get scarce.

[fourspeedwagon]

8.8 is much more available since they've been used in Ford Exploders, etc more recently than the 9s were in use. Much tougher than the s10 rear that won't last assuming traction. I used an 8" out of a '66 mustang on mine. Still has the dropout center so gears are easier to change and is pretty darn tough. Plus it doesn't have the C clip problem that the 8.8 has. My 8 cost $125--

[rwrogers11]

Originally Posted by fourspeedwagon

8.8 is much more available since they've been used in Ford Exploders, etc more recently than the 9s were in use. Much tougher than the s10 rear that won't last assuming traction. I used an 8" out of a '66 mustang on mine. Still has the dropout center so gears are easier to change and is pretty darn tough. Plus it doesn't have the C clip problem that the 8.8 has. My 8 cost $125--

What C clip problem does the 8.8 have? Did you change the gears in your 8?

Thanks,
Richard

[fourspeedwagon]

In extreme cases (mostly drag racing or offroading) a C clip has been known to fail, allowing the axle to come out of the axle tube. Pretty exciting at 100+mph.
If you're just sporting around town and whatnot you'd likely be fine.

[rwrogers11]

Well I bought the S10 today, got it for $500. Although he said it had a v8, it only has the V6 in it. The frame looks good, no obvious signs of damage to the frame, the power steering and brakes all work very good. However it won't be a driver while I'm working on the other body. It would need about $400 or more to get it legal and pass inspection. So for now I'm going to park it while I continue my search for a 50 - 54 chevy truck.

Thanks for all the input.
Richard

[joedoh]

glad you found one! the 4.3 v6 is a pretty good motor, you can always swap out for a v8 later and use the v6 for now. the 47-55 body is pretty light, although the early boxy s10s were light in their own right. I am doing mine with a nice 4.3 v6 auto trans and it will be enough for me. heck my other fullsize is a four cylinder!