S-10 IFS to straight front axle

[Rotorless7]

Thinking about changing the current front suspension setup on our 51 Ford from the S-10 suspension to a straight axle. DMW56 suggested that I may be able to use the S10 frame if you can weld on a new front sub out of 2 X 4 tubing and go with a straight front axle (round tube or I beam). My question is does anybody know someone that has done this or does anyone have any pictures of this being done. If not any advice would help

 

[Flipper_1938]

You'd have to cut it all the way to the back of the cab to get rid of the ugly. S-10 frames have that goofy kick-out that doesn't match side to side.

I'd start over with a new frame and re-use all of the other parts.

 

[Rotorless7]

I was hoping that wouldn't be the case but it looks like that is going to be the best bet

 

[IAM-LDS-2]

Thinking about changing the current front suspension setup on our 51 Ford from the S-10 suspension to a straight axle. DMW56 suggested that I may be able to use the S10 frame if you can weld on a new front sub out of 2 X 4 tubing and go with a straight front axle (round tube or I beam). My question is does anybody know someone that has done this or does anyone have any pictures of this being done. If not any advice would help

Are you running with or with out fenders ?

 

[Rotorless7]

Without.... that is the problem

 

[IAM-LDS-2]

So you have a 51 Ford pickup on an S-10 frame . Did it start out as a fenderless ride ? Have you been riding around with the S-10 IFS exposed and have now decided you don't like the way it looks ? Cant say I blame you thsy do look rather XXXXX . Making changes along the way is done all the time . You think something is gonna look good and when it doesn't you change it . People graft various front clips ( Camaro , Mustang , Volare , etc.) on to different frames with out any problems . Cut off the S-10 frame and graft on something more to your taste . I have a 47 Chevy pickup that has a Camaro front clip , the portion of the frame under the cab is a 48 chevy pickup frame and the rear portion is a mid 80"s pickup frame . All welded nicely together to make a complete unit . Find the axle and spring set up you like and build a frame to hook the axle to the S-10 frame at the firewall area. Not exactly a weekend job , but when your talking about building a rod , it's not rocket science either . Go for it .

 

[Rotorless7]

So you have a 51 Ford pickup on an S-10 frame . Did it start out as a fenderless ride ? Have you been riding around with the S-10 IFS exposed and have now decided you don't like the way it looks ? Cant say I blame you thsy do look rather XXXXX . Making changes along the way is done all the time . You think something is gonna look good and when it doesn't you change it . People graft various front clips ( Camaro , Mustang , Volare , etc.) on to different frames with out any problems . Cut off the S-10 frame and graft on something more to your taste . I have a 47 Chevy pickup that has a Camaro front clip , the portion of the frame under the cab is a 48 chevy pickup frame and the rear portion is a mid 80"s pickup frame . All welded nicely together to make a complete unit . Find the axle and spring set up you like and build a frame to hook the axle to the S-10 frame at the firewall area. Not exactly a weekend job , but when your talking about building a rod , it's not rocket science either . Go for it .

Yes I got the truck as a fenderless ride and it was already on the S-10 frame. I knew I didn't look quite right when I got the truck but the truck was to good of a deal not to pass up and I knew it could be changed. Good idea about the grafting idea I figured that could be done so now its just going to take some research and planning to get it done. Thanks for the input

 

[Flipper_1938]

I think it will be easier / better in the long run to build a new frame. Take your time and design a decent frame/suspension (looks good and is functional).

Plan it out right and you can keep driving your truck as is up until the minute you transfer parts to the new frame. Swapping all of the parts over could be done in a weekend.

....and remember, each project is a learning experience.

 

[Grumpyoldman]

What if he changed it over to a GASSER style front end??