4x4 or swap to 4x2 s10

[Ednarg]

Long time reader, first time poster. Site has been an awesome resource. The truck I have is a 1954 gmc 5 window on a s10 4x4 chassis but the front differential is not hooked up. Instead if an IFS or front end swap as not that confident of my total skill, I have a guy parting out a 1993 s10 4x2 willing to sell the frame and front end for $300. The front end of my truck sits 2.3" higher than the back but the engine, 305 SBC, sits high bc of the front solid axle. Would you level the truck with torsion bar keys from someone like bell tech or a swap? Advice? Your help is much appreciated

 

[ccharr]

Welcome aboard and enjoy your ride while here.
Got any photos?

 

[Ednarg]

here you go...diamond in the rough...real rough...

 

[ol' chebby]

Since you already have it, I'd gut the 4x4 differential up front and remove everything I could, then turn down the torsion bars before I started another swap. Assuming, of course, you aren't looking to go really low. I see you shortened the bed a bit..to fit the s10 chassis? That being said, the frames should be the same from 4x4 to 2x4 so a whole frame swap SHOULD be fairly easy.

 

[ccharr]

Thanks for the photos, it really is a good looking truck.

 

[Ednarg]

Thanks. I bought With the 4x4 frame. I have been driving it and holding off any major repair but noticed the previous owner didn't seal the whole under carriage, especially new floor pan, where it meets the frame and noticed rust. I was thinking if I needed (aka should) take it off and seal everything. Then if I was going to do that might want to convert to a 4x2 which everyone is telling me is the correct way...appreciate the help and advice

 

[vwnate1]

Where You At ??

If you don't plan to use the 4X4 , I'd say swap the frames , the price is right and you can seal the underside whilst you have it apart , then prolly recoup some $ by selling the extra S10 frame and axles .

 

[Ednarg]

Found a 2x4 frame complete. With a 3" drop in the and 2" drop springs in the front. It's really clean. Everything is in really good condition. Just have to wire brush and paint where the cab was and start the swap

 

[ol' chebby]

perfect! You may still want to use the 4x4 rear end, it is a little wider.

 

[Ednarg]

Thanks definitely swapping the rears. Here's another shot of the front

 

[SinclairChevy]

Great find! Looking forward to following your progress as you make the swap. Keep us updated... and we love photos!

Damon

 

[Ednarg]

Long time. The last year has had some personal challenges. Now that it seems in the past I started workin on the truck. I wire brushed and sanded the 2x4 frame. Hit it with rust encapsulater. I know pictures. I forgot to snap a few. I also got the cab loose. The previous owner intended to put a flip forward hood. I didn't notice until now that he patched over the hood hinge holes. Does anyone have any idea the best way to go about locating them or hanging the hood? On the inside I can see a set of cage bolts assume for the hood but the bolts are still in it. Should I bolt the hinges on and lay the hood on and mark??? Advice is much appreciated!