3800 differences
 

There is a 49 3800 near me that I am considering taking a look at.

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hn...116792067.html

I am planning on building a 3100, S10 swap, LS drivetrain, blah blah- would I have any issues using this as a starting point?
Anything different with the 3800 that I should know about? From what I have read in digging through the site, it looks like everything is about the same, other than the 1 ton drivetrain and loooooong bed?
Can the 3800 bed be cut down to a 3100 easily like the 3600?
I really appreciate all the insight you guys have on here- so much knowledge in one place! Thank for helping steer a newbie straight...

Re: 3800 differences
 

if you are doing an s10 swap, nothing that matters will be very different. 3100 3600 3800 bodies are identical. bed is just longer and can be cut down same as a 3600. my advice is SELL those hard to find running boards, instead of chopping them, someone will need them. same with the bed, someone will want that original bed, but running boards for sure.

Re: 3800 differences
 

At the asking price I'd want a clear and up to date title. Up to date meaning that the title is in his name.

Looking at the photos it looks like the main AD truck part you have to add in is a short bed box.

There are guys around who would swap you a nice short bed box for that 9 ft box and as the frame looks uncut they may want that as there is a growing group of guys who like the bigger longer.

I'm down as not being a fan of S-10 swaps unless you don't have a nice 3100 short bed frame so doing a swap with this cab and sheetmetal passes muster for me. I would highly getting a fully documented S-10 chassis though. Either buy a complete truck with a clear title as many on here do or get proper paperwork with a chassis if you just buy the chassis. Buying one from Bubba and Leroy out of their backyard with no paperwork off Craiigslist might be a bit shaky if the truck the frame came from shows up as stolen or has a lien against it from a finance company or bank.

Re: 3800 differences
 

Great advice guys- the thing that bums me out is he started all the bodywork, then parked it outside and didn't cover it with primer, so I basically have to start all over. Not a deal breaker, but still...

Re: 3800 differences
 

Take a look at my build thread in my signature. I used a 3800 on an s10 frame with a 5.3. Sounds like it may cover many of your questions.

Re: 3800 differences
 

Mine is a 3800 on a dakota chassis. I gave my long boards away to a friend. Tried selling them at a reasonable price and everyone always insults you and says they are crap. I shortened a 3600 box, about 9 1/2 inches off the front. The 3800 box needs trimming off both ends. I do know of a spare 54 short box south of you.

Re: 3800 differences
 

The only reall difference in the body is the front radiator support. It has a center mount instead of 2 side mounts.

Not a real big issue, since you're wanting to do a chassis swap.

Whatever you do DO NOT chop up those bedsides!!! They're about as rare as a 3 dollar bill anymore.

You may also be able to sell the brake drums off that truck too, for some extra $$, they're pretty rare too.