47-59 52 Chevy step side frame swap

[harrisdaniel1022]

Hey, I am trying to figure out which frames my truck will fit on best. I found a 2006 Chevy Colorado, and am trying to figure out if the frame will fit. If the frame is too long I can cut it down, but If it is too wide I'd rather not deal with that

[leegreen]

'52
Front tread 57 Inches
Rear tread 58-3/4 Inches
Wheelbase 115 Inches

Colorado looks like
Front track 59.6 in.
Rear track 57.5 in.

S10
front 2wd 55
rear 4wd 60

You will find tons of S10 swap information on the web, not so much the colorado. But I'd like to see a colorado frame swap project or two.

[harrisdaniel1022]

Yeah that's the issue I am running into, I like the Colorado option because of the upgraded suspension and brakes and all that stuff. I may just try it and if it doesn't work sell the parts and start over

[leegreen]

tape measures are cheap...some things I'd start with:

AD noses are short relative to newer stuff. On Colorado frame what is distance from front wheel center to furthest forward thing on the frame you can't cut off?
What is height & width of the strut towers vs AD fenders / hood?

is there room for motor and a radiator between where the AD sheet metal goes or do you have to move the entire engine package back?

Can you fit the motor you want to run into a colorado frame?

Can you reposition the steering to have the wheel closer to centerline of truck without major work?

[harrisdaniel1022]

Well one thing I was thinking about doing is cutting the firewall out and leaving the Colorado firewall so I don't have to change AC and brake booster and all that stuff can just stay where it is. Might have to trim the height or width

[harrisdaniel1022]

Also the Colorado I found for sale is a good distance away so I can't just run over and measure it

[leegreen]

Originally Posted by harrisdaniel1022

Well one thing I was thinking about doing is cutting the firewall out and leaving the Colorado firewall so I don't have to change AC and brake booster and all that stuff can just stay where it is. Might have to trim the height or width

Some of that may not be realistic, the AD cab is going to be quite a bit narrower than the Colorado, so the steering wheel and pedals will need to be closer to center. That is bound to have an impact on other stuff mounted on both sides of the dash

Maybe look for a Colorado at the local wreckers to measure

[harrisdaniel1022]

Okay that makes sense, this is my first major project, so I am just making it up as I go. Thanks, I'll find one to measure

[leegreen]

For a first project consider one of these options:
Keep the stock frame and get it running and driving, or
stock frame with newer rear end, engine and trans, maybe disk swap on front axle

Do an S10 swap - well proven method where all the problems have already been solved. All the details are online or you could buy a mount kit.

Stock frame with newer rear end and
-front clip from midsize 70s-80s nova malibu type car. Old school but many have been done and are on the road
-mustang II crossmember kit.


There will be a lot of problem solving for Colorado - AD frame swap.

[mr48chev]

All the guys here full and well know that I don't like frame swaps but the Colorado chassis would work out a lot better if the wheel base is right. Not as much stuff floating around to do the swap and I don't know if our resident frame swap guru has done one. Maybe he will wake up from his nap and chime in.

My reasoning is this: If you have a good stock 3100 frame you can build a better and more valuable in the long run truck using the stock frame, independent front cross member of choice and swapping rear axles.

If you don't have a good frame to start with for what ever reason, you just started with a cab and a pile of body parts, or are putting one together one piece at a time on a tight budget head on with the swap.


The big differences between S-10 and colorado chassis besides tread with (S 10 two wheel drive being too narrow) is that the colorado is six lug and there are three rear axle wms to wms widths. You have to know which Colorado chassis to get. S-10 you just get someone's worn out 300K plus standard cab long bed work truck and haul the body for scrap. Then you figure out if you are going to run wheel spacers or deep reverse wheels on the front and if you are going to run tubs or swap to a 4x4 4 axle on the rear to clear the bed.

[edgeleycanuck]

The option I chose is a first generation dodge dakota 2 wheel drive chassis. That gave me an ideal track width, rack and pinion steering, no alterations to front splash apron. I know almost all chevy guys are repulsed at the thought of dodge components on a chevy but it's a chassis only. The biggest draw back is there is no support or much in the way of builds to follow. It took me a lot of time to figure out all the mounts etc. and I am not experienced at this but I am very happy with my truck, I put several thousand miles a year on and the only thing I should, and could still do is soften the suspension. I post this only because it seems you're exploring options, im certainly not saying do it my way in any way shape or form, just giving the example. One also has to be very honest about their own skills and capabilities before starting.

[mr48chev]

The Dakota suspension is pretty stout Truck stuff rather than car parts bin pieces that the S-10 has. . I bought a square Short box Dakota in anticipation of getting an Industrial Chassis Dakota swap crossmember before he changed business plans and Things didn't fall into place as the plan was supposed to be. Steve is supposed to be producing them later this year though.

If I was doing a chssis swap with one I'd look for a 90 or earler Dakota chassis with 5 lug hubs. The 92 front end pieces that I have have the odd ball 6 lug pattern shared with the Viper. I have Dodge D 150 rotors for it to put 12 inch brakes on it though.

[edgeleycanuck]

Yes the early dakotas have 5 lug pattern, I just bought new 5 lug rotors in order to replace
the 6 lug, used a ford explorer rear and that provided the same bolt pattern on all 4 corners. There are many other details that are involved in such a project which I would be happy to try to answer if any one is interested but I sure don't want to try to influence anyone's plan, just mentioning an option. Best of luck on your project, enjoy!

[leegreen]

Edgeley, You have a nice looking truck!
Do you have more pictures of your finished frame & mounts?
Add them to your build thread https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=774349

What rims and tires / spacers did you run?

The dakota swap is worth seeing more of.
Yeah it is a do**e, but at least it does not have reverse thread wheel nuts on one sire