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Marty ,I have found out almost anything is possible,if you work at it hard enough. I have never put a 40 on a s-10,but I have put a 40 ford p.u. on a Ford ranger. It was a light roll over ,that I bought it with less then 20 thousand on it. And I used everything.encluding the computer. But it was not just a drop on. lets see,all new body mounts ,new radiator ranger or s-10 wont work,I fibercated a new firewall that sat back 3 inches. Because I had to move the eng. and transmission back about 3 inches,so new motor mounts,shorten the drive shaft. moved the rear axle over the springs and install shorter coils in the front. Rewire the truck for the computer system. And a few other mods. if you thinking was it worth it,or would i do it again, YES I WOULD. But im in to building old trucks.
Good Luck !!
You may want to check out the diagram and measurements of the original frame in my gallery. Should let you know if the frame you want to use will work or not without much altering.
More than likely you would have to change the wheel base by shortening or legthening the frame or bed. That would probribly be the hardest metal working project that you'll come across. If you went with the frame it would need to be exact and and if Chevy uses the same stregnth of steel on the frames as Ford does (on newer ones) you may need to have a shop to do all the welding to the frame. Shortening the bed isn't too bad of a job but if you legnthened it you would need to find a spare bed or something for the added legnth.
If the frame at the cowl isn't too wide it can be done pretty easily. It would take alot of time and patience but it can be done. If you have any questions just ask us and we'll see if we can help you out.
It can be done.
In my case I lowered the cab down over the chassis. This required notching the doors and running boards, but my doors were already rotted in that area and I had to rebuild them anyway.
There is another 40 pickup in my area that is also on a S10 chassis, but he mounted his cab on top of the chassis so he didn't have to cut the doors.
The wheel base will either have to be lengthened or shortened depending on whether you use a long or short wheelbase S10.
I used a long wheelbase and moved the spring hangers forward then chopped off the excess frame rails to fit the bed on.
There are a few pictures in my gallery.
If I had the extra money I think I would have used a Ranger chassis and installed a mustang II front suspension. This may be in the future if I decide to go all Ford with it.
I havn't started the mounting yet, still trying to get the body in shape. probably 80% done.
I plan on lowering the body onto the Ranger frame next month, then start building mounting tabs on frame ect.
I'll email you with progress, questions,
Doug
Sorry to drag up an old post. I just bought a 1940 pickup on an S10 chassis.
I don't see any evidence where the frame was shortened or lengthened
It is a pretty amateur build though. I guess the previous owner wanted the rat rod look but after I started disassembling it, it was clear most things need to be re-done.
I'm not a rat rod guy. I like things done properly and with nice paint. My vision is to paint it dove gray (1940 Ford colour) and some 17" or 18" wheels. It's a long term project. Luckily my next door neighbour restores muscle cars to concour condition for a living (mainly Mustangs, Shelbys etc) and he can help me get things straigtened out.
The wide whites, tires and rims will be for sale
Here is a pic
That is a very nice truck. By most enthusiast's measure, it is a long, long way from "rat rod".
Since most S-10 searches will turn up this thread, could you detail your restoration in a new thread with link from here & possibly detail the mods done to use the frame.
Also, quick question. Prior to your deconstruction, did it steer, brake and generally operate in a safe manner or did you fear for your life when driving?
Good suggestion. I will start a new thread when I began the disassembly and reconstruction. I have the box off now and will take some picture tonight.
Yes, it was ok to drive. It steered and stopped well although there seemed to be a little play in the wheel and the steering wheel was installed on center.
I plan on going over all of the suspension again to replace anything that looks even slightly worn. Plus, I am installing new front springs to get the front up a bit. The grille would drag going over a small curb.
Thanks
ac
06-27-2003, 04:25 PM
S-10 Frame Under A 40 Ford
40 cab on 89 Ranger frame
