I don't know if this question has been asked before, but when I did a search I found very little on this subject. There is a very intense thread on IFS conversion that offers a great deal of information, given the cost on some of these IFS conversions, isn't it better or more cost effective to find a vehicle and complete a frame swap?

If a person could find a $500.00 to $1,000.00 (ranger, s-10, dakota, etc..) wouldn't that solve some of the questions and concerns that are associated with handling, suspension, braking, etc....

Just a thought. Would like to hear what y'all think.

I have a 52 f1 and if I can find a good (inexpensive) replacement donor frame I think I might want to do this instead of a IFS to 50+ year old frame.

Thanks for the help.

Andrew

 

There are some who have to one extent or another, successfully put a later model small truck frame (S-10) under a classic truck. My question would be: will a cheap '80s/'90s frame and suspension hold up for over 50 years (or more) like the original did? Are you going to be driving a classic or cruising in an 80's model cheapster that 'looks' classic? I won't argue that '80s technology isn't superior to the late '40s/'50s stuff, engineeringwise. Nor will I argue that materials are or are not superior. I reject the idea that my truck needs to drive like a midpriced Mopar sedan of the '70s or an economy Pinto of the same era. I do like the idea of disc brakes, however. A truck that drives like a truck is not a bad thing in my book. Driving an S-10 that looks like an F1 seems odd to me. I am not against modifying trucks... mine is modified, but it is still a truck. I am all for folks doing whatever they wish to their respective rides, so after you research the question further go and have as much fun as you can possibly have with your truck. Best. himmelberg

 

Andrew,

The fabrication involved in doing a frame swap is beyond the average guy's skills. That's not to say you can't do it if you are a well skilled fabricator and welder. Old trucks have been put on S-10 and Ranger frames so it is a possibility. I've been into the rodding hobby for about 40 years and I am a competent welder and fabricator, but not a professional. I have not attempted such a frame swap because I find that subframe and rear end swaps seem to provide just as much in the way of handling, braking, and ride improvement as a full frame swap would do but with less work. Depending on what subframe you go with the cost can be even less than the $500-$1000 you are prepared to spend on a later frame. I spent a total of $150 for an 87 Chrysler 5th Avenue from which I will be using the front suspension, steering column, power brake and master cylinder assembly, brake pedal assembly, and rear end. Granted, I have spent some additional money to rebuild the suspension, but that also might be necessary with a frame swap. That 50 year old frame is actually made of better metal than the later model frames ...and it's not the frame itself that governs the handling and ride characteristics, it's the "legs" of the suspension which can be changed with subframe and rear end swaps...

Vern