Introduction...

[Tatt2d51]

Got a few questions so I figured I better break the ice with an introduction.

This will be my first real project. Years ago I had a '76 F@rd Bronco that I got road/trail worthy and then enjoyed riding more than restoring.

Now I just purchased a '51 chevy 3100 early this month (Christmas present to myself). With the exception of the cab floor and rotted bed, everthing else appears to be in good shape. There is some surface rust that dont look bad, yet. I haven't tore into it too much yet.
This appears to still be stock everything so if your needing any measurements or pics before i destroy, ask away.

My hope is to make this a weekend driver that I dont worry about the gas guzzling. That said, a v8 is on the books and a 5 speed. Also wanting to drop it a little to give it a low stance. While also chopping the top about 2-3". Theres more ideas rolling around in the noggin' that I'm hesitant on posting just yet.

Let me try to post some pics. I'll get the questions rolling in a bit...

[Tatt2d51]

[Tatt2d51]

[grape48]

Welcome, you came to the right place, lots of build projects going on and lots of ideas. Lots of been there and done that, feel free to ask questions, someone will answer. And we love pictures....looks like a great start, keep us posted.

[troy54gmc]

Welcome. Nice truck to start with. Keep the pictures coming....

[pgf545]

Welcome, that looks better than the one I started with and it was in pretty decent shape. This forum has really helped me and if you have any questions feel free to ask and someone will help you out.
Bernie

[Thadious]

Welcome to the boards!

You've got a decent start there... first thing you might want to look at is the drivetrain / suspension and see if you want to stay stock, or swap out with something more 'modern'. Once you decide on that... the questions will start flying and we'll be here to help answer as best we can.

Good luck!
Ted.

[dicer]

Those old trucks always seem to have a smile on their face. I'm new here too.

[63 & 64 Bowties]

You've come to the right place.
Looks like a solid truck to start with.

[Tatt2d51]

Originally Posted by Thadious

Welcome to the boards!

You've got a decent start there... first thing you might want to look at is the drivetrain / suspension and see if you want to stay stock, or swap out with something more 'modern'. Ted.

Thats exactly the type of questions I've got to start off with.

Like i said my first 2 major priority projects are a
#1 New drivetrain (motor to rear end) , and
#2 A lower ride hieght.

I got the truck with the straight 6 already half way out of the truck. Like i already posted, I'm wanting a v8 with 5 speed manual. I figured I'd find a 350 SBC,because of popularity and tend to be cheaper, but just not sure about the xmission or rear. From what i've read, I guess the 4x4 blazer rear end is the popular choice among members.


Next dilema is how to drop the ride while keeping $ in mind. I've read SEVERAL S10 swap threads and figured that was the way to go. Was talking to friend about it and he asked, "...you just bought that truck just for the body then?" Wow. Thats the way it was starting to sound.
I just read about the budget build on a 49 with i think a Nova front end. I think. Maybe it was a malibu. I'll have to find it again. Anyways, I liked that ride height. Right now my running boards are at 13". Hoping to cut that in half. Dont think i can do it with new leafs, drop blocks, and drop spindles.




Summary of first round of questions. Keeping $$ in mind-
#1 What xmission / rear end
#2 how to achieve a lower stance.

I'm assumming I'll need to start on the frame prior to getting the motor/xmission. That didnt sound like a stupid question until i typed it out...


Thanks for replies and sorry for the long post.

[Chevy51]

Regarding the rearend of the Blazer 4WD, it is too narrow,I experienced that. It is only 59" wide,you need to go with the S10 truck,4WD,it is wider than the Blazer S10. The Blazer 4WD,will work but I had use 1.5"spacers to get the clearance I needed,because of the back spacing,on the wheels I had available,which was 41/2 back space. I could have used wheels with 31/2 back space and eliminated the spacers that way,maybe. Nice solid looking truck to start with.

[Thadious]

you need to go with the S10 truck,4WD,it is wider than the Blazer S10

See... now that I didn't know! And now it makes sense... guess I have a new rear end to build... posi this time!

Now... if we can only find a nice easy way to get the front end out further without breaking the bank....

Cheers,
Ted.

[Tatt2d51]

I have no idea what i was thinking when i said the blazer 4x4 rear end???? I knew i read in numerous places about the size being wrong.

I'm guessing first thing first is try to find a way to get the lower stance. Starting at the front end, I'm thinking that drop down spindles wont be enough.
So, that means scrapping the front leafs and finding a MII kit or a front clip from a donor. Right?

Next would be a rear drop to match the front which I'm thinking that i could pull a leaf or 2, shorter brackets, and lowering blocks? But before that I'd need a new rear end to match the springs and measurements to...right?

Man my heads startin to hurt.
I tend to ramble cuz' the best way i think is out loud...

[52 Rat]

Welcome, good looking project.

[54 jimmy]

s10 2wd and 4wd rears are different width. the fact that it is a blazer or a pickup rear doesn't matter. 2wd and 4wd are the big difference.

[Tatt2d51]

I was doing some drinking and MII internet searching late last nite and came across...


3" and 4" drop axles for up front.
read decent reviews on other sites.

Cheap and easy, just my type. Any experiences, good or bad?

[Chevy51]

Tatt2D51, thats the first time I have seen,a straight axle drop version. I have a 3/4ton truck,and when I put,79 Camaro spindles,I had to go with the 1/2ton,straight axle,because where the spindles attach to the straight axle,the pins were to small for the 3/4ton axle. I kept the 3/4ton leaf springs,I still have the 1/2ton springs. I thought I would wait and how the ride will be with the 3/4ton leaf springs. I am going to see if the 1/2ton straight axle has more drop,than the 3/4ton does,you got me curious. Thanks,and good luck with your build.