Re: S10 Swap how to
 

Great info. I have 1947 long bed, had it 15 years, getting tired of fixing up old parts. The S10 swap sound like the way to go for me. Could I use the 4.3 V6, if so, do I need to move it? What about all that smog stuff on it, can it get discarded?

Re: S10 Swap how to
 

There are a lot of people that just use the original S10 motor-you MAY need to slide it back a bit, since the AD cabs sit rear of where the S10 cabs sit, which may cause a conflict with the fan and the radiator.

If you are going to use the registration of your '47 (i.e. DMV won't know that you have swapped power train and frame) then you do not need to worry about keeping the vehicle smog compliant. Depending upon the year of the S10, it may still need the front Oxygen Sensors to run the engine, but the rear ones (which provide the ECM information to regulate the emissions) will not be necessary.

Re: S10 Swap how to
 

Hello;

47owner;

If you use a S-10 frame, it would be best to set the cab n fender on the frame n center the front wheels over the front fenders.
That will let you see just where to set you radiator at on the S-10 frame.
Ck out my build(Frankenstine) to see what you may run into if you dont do some thinking ahead of time.
Just try to give you a heads up on your project.
Also if you want to keep the running boards then make sure to read several project on the cab mounts.
Just want you to have a good time doing your project.

T-P Auto
Tim

Re: S10 Swap how to
 

I've made your mounts, nice and easy from your plans.
Front(painted) rear
http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/...pswxs70r2c.jpg

Re: S10 Swap how to
 

Thanks for the advice. I will set the location of the wheels, hopefully I won't have to move the engine back.

Re: S10 Swap how to
 

Sorry all. For some reason I quit getting notifications for this thread. Always feel free to PM me if you dont get an answer to your questions in a timely manner!

Coldshot; mounts look great! I'm glad the instructions are easy to follow. I'm hoping to encourage more folks to build thier own, vs. Buying one size fits all (they just don't) kits. ROCK ON!

47owner; sure yo can use the S10 4.3L. You can even use the stock ECM and harness (as long as it doesn't have VATs (must be 93 and older). Look at Todd F's build for details. You will definately need to move the motor back between 5 and 6 inches. A good reference to remember is that the core support will basically sit directly above the cap on the power steering box. I always build cab mounts, tack them on, set the cab on, drop the front cab mount bolts in the holes, then nestle the driveline in leaving about 1.5 - 2 inches between the distributor and the firewall. I hope that helps.

Re: S10 Swap how to
 

Oh, and on the smog... I always toss it, but being from CA, I would say it would be wise to check local laws before you do. You will need to keep the O2, coolant temp, and knock sensor if you are re-using an ECM throttle body or MPFI setup.

If you follow the instructions on this thread, you wheels will be centered in the wheel wells.

Re: S10 Swap how to
 

Thanks for the information.

Re: S10 Swap how to
 

Sure thing.

Re: S10 Swap how to
 

First, a big thanks for all this info. I have been following your plan through, cab forward is all in place, steering, brakes, throttle all per your directions. My 350 runs like a top. Just installing a complete new wiring harness, where do you prefer to mount the battery? I would like to get it out of the engine compartment and not under the front passenger seat. I have not started on the bed yet so I'm totally flexible to a location out back. Any suggestions?

Re: S10 Swap how to
 

I usually mount the battery behind the seat (far pass side on 47-50, and centered on 51-54. You will need 8ft of battery cable (I use red 4 gauge). Problem with under bed mounting it is access.

Re: S10 Swap how to
 

I just finished bolting my cab up for the first time with your instruction. I'm using energy suspension poly mounts and its lined up perfect. But there's one part I know I read but need a little help in. The shims or spacers for the back cab mounts (I have a 51 cab) you say 1/2" delron spacers? Just not sure what or where to get those. Or can I just make 1/2" shims and put them between the mount and cab?
Thanks

Re: S10 Swap how to
 

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

Re: S10 Swap how to
 

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!

Re: S10 Swap how to
 

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

Re: S10 Swap how to
 

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

Re: S10 Swap how to
 

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!

Re: S10 Swap how to
 

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

Re: S10 Swap how to
 

Hello, I'm at the point of making the cabs mounts, mine is a 53 chevy cab, would I be able to just add shims or is there a specific height that I need sorry for the question just any help would be appreciated marco

Re: S10 Swap how to
 

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.

Re: S10 Swap how to
 

Do you have the dimensions for the mounts?

Re: S10 Swap how to
 

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

Re: S10 Swap how to
 

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.

Re: S10 Swap how to
 

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.

Re: S10 Swap how to
 

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

Re: S10 Swap how to
 

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

Re: S10 Swap how to
 

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

Re: S10 Swap how to
 

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.

Re: S10 Swap how to
 

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?

Re: S10 Swap how to
 

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.

Re: S10 Swap how to
 

Thank you sir.

Re: S10 Swap how to
 

Sure thing!

Re: S10 Swap how to
 

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?


http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/s...e/IMG_2488.jpg

http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/s...e/IMG_2487.jpg

Re: S10 Swap how to
 

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.

Re: S10 Swap how to
 

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

Re: S10 Swap how to
 

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

Re: S10 Swap how to
 

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

Re: S10 Swap how to
 

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.

Re: S10 Swap how to
 

Sky, have you had any compatibility issues with using the S10 brakes booster, master and porportioning valve when adding the 4x4 rear end with disks? My S10 is an 84, I think the rear end is from a 96 blazer. I have a very firm pedal and a lot of pressure is needed to stop the truck, pedal stays high and firm. Nothing like a low and soft peddle from air in the lines. . I switched the booster for another out of a K5, no change.
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Re: S10 Swap how to
 

I've been following this thread, and not sure if someone addressed the issue of mounting the front bumper. Here's what I did. I made a bracket from 1X2 tubing and slipped it into the frame and clamped it. I forgot to take a picture of what it looked like. Sorry. Then welded a nut in the inside part of the bumper brackets so a bolt can be bolted through the bracket and frame. Then I had to modify the bumper brackets so the bumper would be centered. After I had everything centered I did the final welding and boxed in the front frame around the brackets I made that lets the bumper brackets slide in. I can undo 4 bolts and the whole bumper and brackets come right out. Here's the pictures I took. Hope you like the idea.

http://belair.smugmug.com/Cars/Kusto...6-1639x922.jpg

http://belair.smugmug.com/Cars/Kusto...6-1639x922.jpg

http://belair.smugmug.com/Cars/Kusto...3-1639x922.jpg

http://belair.smugmug.com/Cars/Kusto...4-1639x922.jpg

http://belair.smugmug.com/Cars/Kusto...2-1639x922.jpg

http://belair.smugmug.com/Cars/Kusto...5-1639x922.jpg