[CheyenneMustang]

My buddy and I decided we're going to build a budget rat rod when the weather warms up and the snow melts. In the meantime, I've been doing a lot of planning but haven't settled on a frame and drivetrain. I either want a 5.0 Explorer, S-10 (would have to do a 350 swap), or Dakota with Magnum V8. There's both pros and cons with both. For example the 350 swap on the s10, potential cpu issues with the Explorer, and finding a v8 Dakota. What do you guys think?

[bullitt1680]

What kind of rat rod are you doing as far as the body goes?

[bullitt1680]

I would go with the s10 frame and slap a 350 in it. I would think that would be the cheapest route to go. Most of the guys around here end up going with the s10.

[BA Mustang]

When I hear the word rat rod I think of the old 30s-40s frames, not a new frame.

But of those 3 I would do the S10.

[CheyenneMustang]

Bullitt, We're going try and find a Ford F-1, I'd like to find a52 Ford, kinda inspired by a Murder By Death song.

BA, If I had more technical know how as far as steering and suspension fabrication I would definitely do a classic frame. Finding an older truck like I listed would cut a huge part of that out and, hopefully, keep the budget down as well.

[WickedSnake00]

I would say this depends on what engine you want to use. Use the corresponding manufacturer's chassis. That would make your life dramatically easier.

[BA Mustang]

Why not just use the F1 frame? There are plenty of suspension stuff for those old trucks, especially performance suspension.

[CheyenneMustang]

Originally Posted by WickedSnake00 I would say this depends on what engine you want to use. Use the corresponding manufacturer's chassis. That would make your life dramatically easier.

I'd really like the to do a 5.0 to keep it in the Ford family, but that's if I find a Ford body.

Originally Posted by BA Mustang Why not just use the F1 frame? There are plenty of suspension stuff for those old trucks, especially performance suspension.

Like I said before that would be great if I had all the know how and cash, but this will be done in the old rat rod spirit where the guys that built them didn't have a ton of cash and used whatever they could find on the cheap and make it work.

[WickedSnake00]

Actually just throwing a crazy ass idea I had out there-

My idea for a low-budget new take on a rat rod required a PT Cruiser and Dakota. Take the Dakota frame, strip off the cab, leaving the frame, motor, and bed. Take the PT, chop off the rear seat section to basically make it into a cab. Cut up the nose for an open engine, and go for the Plymouth Prowler look on the front. I think it'd make a pretty crazy rat rod, all with newer components. Might not be too tough finding one of the 5.9L V8's.

[CheyenneMustang]

That would actually be pretty awesome. Not sure about putting a unibody on a body over frame frame though

[HighDensity]

I'd go Ford

Originally Posted by bullitt1680 I would go with the s10 frame and slap a 350 in it. I would think that would be the cheapest route to go. Most of the guys around here end up going with the s10.

Years ago you could find 350 parts so easily, seems like now it's become harder and harder. But I'm not in the game as much as I used to be.

Still right about cheapest probably.

[sickfox]

I was just looking into getting an s10 frame for a ratrod project I wanna get my hands in. Gonna do a Old jeep

Like this but not nearly as nice LOL

[B's04gt]

I have never heard of rat rods being made from newer frames.. Make sure to make a project thread.. Im interested in how it will turn out.

Edit: that jeep is sick..

[WickedSnake00]

Originally Posted by B's04gt I have never heard of rat rods being made from newer frames.. Make sure to make a project thread.. Im interested in how it will turn out. Edit: that jeep is sick..

I think that's more because the rat-rodders are snobs about era-correct parts. You can do the same thing with newer frames as you can with older ones. After all it's just two rails with some crossmembers.

The real difference is in the front suspension. Most newer cars have an independent front suspension with a k-frame, whereas the older cars used a solid axle. I don't think it would be dfficult to retrofit a solid axle on a newer frame, or you could just re-use the k-member.

[sickfox]

People are always swapping from ifs to solid front axles in s10's. (and many other trucks/suvs)

[WickedSnake00]

Originally Posted by sickfox People are always swapping from ifs to solid front axles in s10's. (and many other trucks/suvs)

Not quite the same way though. They usually go from IFS to a driven solid axle (ie Dana 60) whereas the rat rods typically use a I-beam type axle with dropped spindles.

The process would be about the same though, just a matter of welding tabs on for control arms and hardware.

Sidenote: I read entirely too much "Ol' Skool Rodz" magazine. I love me some rat rods. I can only hope to get to build one someday. After the Mustang. And the Cutlass.

[sickfox]

I understand that, My point is an axle swap isnt a big deal specially if he is gonna build something entirely custom.

[WickedSnake00]

Though I admit it would be pretty badass to see a rat rod with a real clean SLA front suspension.

[sickfox]

Sort of built like a buggy front. Just have the coils sticking up.

[WickedSnake00]

Maybe something like this:


That they used on this: