Please help. 4x4 S10 58 Apache frame swap

[Mabrysdad]

Hey guys,
New to this site. I've seen several different swaps several different ways. I've had my 58 Apache for almost 20 years. I've always wanted to make it more drivable and reliable. I really want to put my body on an 4x4 zr2 chassis. I really want a taller stance but a factory ifs ride. This has been a dream project of mine for several years. Will this swap work???

[dubds10]

S10 is a bit too narrow for a Task Force, best to use a 1/2T truck chassis. Pretty much every kind of swap has been done these days, but like everything it depends on skill level of welding and fab work.

[lynx5653]

You would be better off with a 73-87 c10 chassis and a body mount kit from ezchassis swap.

[Mabrysdad]

Thanks for responding this is a very Important truck to me and I'm really trying to make sure I do a simple reliable swap. I guess the end result in my head is a reliable daily driver and I was really looking forward to jumping in it and firing up a fuel injection 4.3 and to be able just to run down to Napa and pic up an easy to find oem part that's why I was wondering about doing the zr2 instead of a regular 4x4 S10 and lifting it I want as many factory parts as possible having said all that would it be better to use a later 90s early 00 Z71 for a better match

[lynx5653]

the s10 chassis is to narrow for a good fit and look c10 parts are still readily available and very easy to lift if you want it higher up. http://www.e-zchassisswaps.com

here is a pic of one done on a c10 chassis from ez chassis swap site.

[Mabrysdad]

Really want ifs just because I want a comfy daily. Has anyone used a late 90s Z71?

[lynx5653]

I am sure it could be done just need to fab up body mounts and core support. also need to get the right wheel base on newer chassis by cutting frame to proper dimensions. I forgot you wanted ifs. It would take some work but it can be done with time, money and planning. Good luck with your build and don't forget to start a build thread if and when you start your project I am sure others would like to know how to do it also.

[mr48chev]

There is a guy with shop outside of Daytona beach that puts AD and TF trucks on the later model (Post 88) chassis on a regular basis. He does mostly 2 wheel drive but I don't see the issue with a 4 wheel drive.

He is trying to back off customer work preferring to build trucks to sell but if you were just wanting a running and driving chassis swap without body and paint work and or interior he might go for it. That would be a couple of four hour one way drive trips for you to take it and go get it but depending on your skills that may be an option.

[Mabrysdad]

Do you have any contact information or a business name?

[_Ogre]

Originally Posted by Mabrysdad

this is a very Important truck to me and I'm really trying to make sure I do a simple reliable swap.

any frame swap is not simple, you need to have the ability to fabricate, weld and think
typically if you have to ask you don't have the skill set to do it
you haven't even done the most basic task of measuring either frame

while there are many good examples of frame swaps on this forum
most frame swaps languish in the garage for years before being sold for scrap prices
without more knowledge of you skill set as a fabricator/welder/thinker it's hard to tell which way your project will go

if this is an ''important truck'' think twice about doing this

[Hblee]

Why not just put power brakes and power steering on what you have? As far as reliability, my daily driver for many years was a 56 with a transplanted 283. It never failed me, never left me stranded and except for riding like a lumber wagon and being a little hard to steer, it was one of the most reliable vehicles I have ever owned.

[dsraven]

check out

SGTUSMC

build thread on here for what he did to a 2wd 88 frame under a '59. he has it low but you get the idea. lots of work like ogre says. you gotta have a large area to work, friends or engine lift to help lift heavy stuff like cabs etc, tools to do the job like cut off saw, disc grinder with zip discs, measuring tools, an assortment of basic hand tools, camera for capturing how stuff came apart and fits back together, personal and shop safety items, jacks, time, ambition and stamina for when it gets technical, a fabricators mindset to figure out how the pedals etc is gonna work in your cab and, most of all, an understanding wife because it is gonna get ugly with parts everywhere and time away from the job jar and those chic flicks. a drawing of the original frame dimensions is nice as well so you at least know how the factory elevation of the mounts should look like and dimensions between mounts etc, relevant to each other. unless you jack the cab up a considerable distance from the frame you will also have some floor work in the box in order to clear the bump up in the frame over the rear axle. the same idea as a c notch for lowered trucks.

just a quick note, if you have buddies over to help, BRING OUT THE BEER AFTER THE JOB IS DONE. nothin gets done once the beer and bench racing stories start, haha.

good luck, keep us posted

[mongocanfly]

There's a guy on here that put a tf truck on late model 4x4 frame..its a beautiful blue truck..I can't find a pic of it but its on here...he did a excellent job on it..

[Fitz57]

Mine is on a 05 Silverado 4x4 frame. There is another one being built by Dave Garon.

[joedoh]

a zr2 track width is 61 inches with positive offset wheels, a TF I think is 61 stock with negative offset wheels. I did a 65 C10 on s10 and widened the front track 8 inches (4" per side) and it was perfect. I dont see track width being your problem with a ZR2.

I think the problem you will run into though is the drivetrain location, a 4x4 s10 uses torsion bars and if you move the engine back (and transmission, and transfer case) to have the engine sit right under the hood (not poke out the grille), the transfer case will hit the torsion bar crossmember.

sounds like for a 4x4 a late model 4x4 fullsize might be simpler.

[mongocanfly]

Fitz57 wins the prize...that's the sortablue truck I was looking for..

[mongocanfly]

The Dave Garon project..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=736984

[Mabrysdad]

Please send me information on your build this is exactly what I was wanting

[Rm58]

I just finished my 59 driver. 98 S10 blazer 4x4 chassis, 350 tbi 4L60e manual transfer case , torsion bar suspension. Ride and drive is awesome. Lots of fabricating not for the faint of heart but turned out great.

[59chev]

Nice truck RM58. where did you get the tonneau cover?

[Rm58]

I bought it from bak industries for a current model truck. Tore it apart and cut it down and reassembled it to fit my truck. Big project but worth the effort, now I have a usable bed that is lockable.

[Rm58]

If you slide the trany and transfer case back and leave an inch between transfer case and torsion bar mounting a 350 will be in the proper position from the radiator. Of course you will have to rework the cross member and build motor mounts.

[dsraven]

looks pretty good. did you use S10 pedals, column etc or did you fab up something to work?
what kind of offset did you use for the wheels? looks nice like that.
a couple more pics would be nice, show it off from a few more angles, great job.

[Rm58]

I did use the blazer brake booster and pedal had to fab the inner dash brackets and change the angle on the pedal. Did 3 3/4 back space wheels with 1inch spacers on the rear. I like the way the wheels fit now. I'll get some pics loaded and post them thanks for the kind words.

[Rm58]

More pictures I hope having trouble downloading them, by the way the steering column is 78 Pontiac seats and console are 2000 Grand Prix