Before & After - My 1993 K1500

93 Krawler · 08-08-2013, 07:26 PM

I'm thinking about loosing the full size rig, and going to something not as wide or heavy. It weighs in at 5300 lbs.

Either I do a whole new build, or use the doghouse from a S-10 extended cab, and switch cabs. That means I would have to completely redo my cage. I would use 1 3/4 .120 this time. I would link it front and rear. Relocate the radiator to the rear, then I could chop off the front and rear as much as possible for a good approach angle, and weight loss. Was even thinking about using the all aluminum 5.3, using an aluminum radiator, and ditching the steel cable in the winch to save more weight. I will still run the current axles/tires. The thing I'm not sure of is how much lighter will it be. Is the extended cab s-10 lighter than a full size regular cab, or heavier? Would using the frame from the s-10 instead of the full size frame be benificial? Does anyone have the cab measurements on a extended cab s-10? Any help would be appreciated.

WrenchMonkey · 08-08-2013, 08:12 PM

I love this plan.

Sorry, no help. Just moral support!

underpowered · 08-08-2013, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 93 Krawler

I'm thinking about loosing the full size rig, and going to something not as wide or heavy. It weighs in at 5300 lbs.

Either I do a whole new build, or use the doghouse from a S-10 extended cab, and switch cabs. That means I would have to completely redo my cage. I would use 1 3/4 .120 this time. I would link it front and rear. Relocate the radiator to the rear, then I could chop off the front and rear as much as possible for a good approach angle, and weight loss. Was even thinking about using the all aluminum 5.3, using an aluminum radiator, and ditching the steel cable in the winch to save more weight. I will still run the current axles/tires. The thing I'm not sure of is how much lighter will it be. Is the extended cab s-10 lighter than a full size regular cab, or heavier? Would using the frame from the s-10 instead of the full size frame be benificial? Does anyone have the cab measurements on a extended cab s-10? Any help would be appreciated.

Just throwing it out there, by the time in invest that much effort into redoing a rig, or building a whole new one basically i would think you would be time and money ahead to just go full tube chassis. You have the hard parts already by re-using you current drivetrain, just sub out the truck body and frame for a tube chassis.

I have given this some thought recently at well about my big behemoth of a K5. Looked into build it. links, more tube, hacking it up for better approach/departure angles and so forth and came to the above conclusion. The Only upside to the truck, is i have a title to the blazer and could keep it streetable.

93 Krawler · 08-08-2013, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by underpowered

Just throwing it out there, by the time in invest that much effort into redoing a rig, or building a whole new one basically i would think you would be time and money ahead to just go full tube chassis. You have the hard parts already by re-using you current drivetrain, just sub out the truck body and frame for a tube chassis.

I have given this some thought recently at well about my big behemoth of a K5. Looked into build it. links, more tube, hacking it up for better approach/departure angles and so forth and came to the above conclusion. The Only upside to the truck, is i have a title to the blazer and could keep it streetable.

I see your point, but I really want to have a cab and doors though. It sure makes wheeling in the winter or rain a lot nicer.

blazerbrad · 08-09-2013, 07:27 AM

I'm really interested to see what you come up with as I'm in the same boat. I like the K5 but simply having a smaller body seems like it would make most trails a little more enjoyable as you don't have to worry about snaking in and out of trees as much....the tires would still be the same width but at least you wouldn't have to worry about the body as much.

Not sure on the weights but wouldn't think you lose much between the fullsize regular cab and S-10 extended cab considering most of the heavy stuff (frame, drivetrain, etc...) all stays the same.

Jonesy · 08-09-2013, 10:41 AM

This is the reason I like my truggy so much. It is a full tube chassis but still has a toyota cab and dog house. Seriously thinking of starting a new chassis with the same concept but with a few changes to suit my style better.

humpy · 08-09-2013, 11:00 AM

I'm not sure your gonna save weight by going to an ex cab s10 cab... I have a cab if u wanna come measure on it... It's a heavy pig... If u wanna save weight get rid of the full frame and do a tube frame it makes a world of difference... The green ex s10 I built that I posted pix of a while back had some of the original frame and time I plated it up to be strong enough for the links it got real fn heavy... My current rig/build is a full tube chassis reg cab s10 with tons and its gonna be MUCH lighter than the ex cab I built for my buddy

08-08-2013, 08:12 PM	#2
WrenchMonkey Mechanical Animal - CORE Member - - Moderator - Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Beechmont Posts: 1,883	I love this plan. Sorry, no help. Just moral support! __________________ DIRTY DEEDS, DONE DIRT CHEAP Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stranger

08-09-2013, 10:41 AM	#6
Jonesy Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Piner, KY Posts: 141	This is the reason I like my truggy so much. It is a full tube chassis but still has a toyota cab and dog house. Seriously thinking of starting a new chassis with the same concept but with a few changes to suit my style better. __________________ JT Jones 83 Toyota - beater 87 Toyota Truggy

08-09-2013, 11:00 AM	#7
humpy Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 573	I'm not sure your gonna save weight by going to an ex cab s10 cab... I have a cab if u wanna come measure on it... It's a heavy pig... If u wanna save weight get rid of the full frame and do a tube frame it makes a world of difference... The green ex s10 I built that I posted pix of a while back had some of the original frame and time I plated it up to be strong enough for the links it got real fn heavy... My current rig/build is a full tube chassis reg cab s10 with tons and its gonna be MUCH lighter than the ex cab I built for my buddy __________________ S10 with a few air shocks..

08-08-2013, 07:26 PM	#1
93 Krawler >>>PMC<<< - CORE Member - - Administrator - Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Ross, OH Posts: 2,069 Images: 1268	I'm thinking about loosing the full size rig, and going to something not as wide or heavy. It weighs in at 5300 lbs. Either I do a whole new build, or use the doghouse from a S-10 extended cab, and switch cabs. That means I would have to completely redo my cage. I would use 1 3/4 .120 this time. I would link it front and rear. Relocate the radiator to the rear, then I could chop off the front and rear as much as possible for a good approach angle, and weight loss. Was even thinking about using the all aluminum 5.3, using an aluminum radiator, and ditching the steel cable in the winch to save more weight. I will still run the current axles/tires. The thing I'm not sure of is how much lighter will it be. Is the extended cab s-10 lighter than a full size regular cab, or heavier? Would using the frame from the s-10 instead of the full size frame be benificial? Does anyone have the cab measurements on a extended cab s-10? Any help would be appreciated.

08-09-2013, 07:27 AM	#5
blazerbrad - CORE Member - Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 831 Images: 6	I'm really interested to see what you come up with as I'm in the same boat. I like the K5 but simply having a smaller body seems like it would make most trails a little more enjoyable as you don't have to worry about snaking in and out of trees as much....the tires would still be the same width but at least you wouldn't have to worry about the body as much. Not sure on the weights but wouldn't think you lose much between the fullsize regular cab and S-10 extended cab considering most of the heavy stuff (frame, drivetrain, etc...) all stays the same.