Gen 1 or Gen 2???

[fwdjunky]

Ok, so I just picked up an unfinished s-10/K5 hybrid from a friend. What I wanted out of it was engine, tranny and t-cases. That leaves me with a frame, springs, what I believe to be d44 front (flat top knuckles) and rear axles, and an s10 cab. All this will be for sale soon, but what I don't know is the year of the frame. The Guy I bought it from wasn't sure. Is there a definitive way to tell the difference? Oh, and if it is Gen 1, can I still use the rear springs as doners for the front of my truck (52" spring swap) ? Thanks a million guys!

 

[4X4HIGH]

The only thing that comes to mind is the engine crossmembers are different between 1st and 2nd Gens. That would be the most noticable i think. Don't ask me to explain what each looks like because its been a while since i've seen a 1st Gen crossmember, but that also doesn't mean that someone hasn't changed it to a 2nd Gen which is common place.

 

[jac6695]

You can look for the VIN stamped into the passenger frame rail under about the seat area, maybe a bit forward. Also, are the frame rails straight? If not, then it would be a 78-up second gen frame.

 

[55Willy]

front spring set up is a dead giveaway.
the front hanger is right under the body mount not off set like the 73+. also the spring rear shackle of the front springs have a stop on the drivers side to limit travel. Also spring length. 67-72 the fronts are 47" the 73+ are 49" long. Also the rear shock mounts would be a key hint. pre 73 shocks both faced forward. 73 and later are one pointed forward and one pointed back.

 

[BurbLover]

Also, aren't he springs perches narrower on the Gen 1?

 

[55Willy]

I can't remember if they were wider or narrower. The 1st gens were the same spacing as the later 1 tons.

 

[BurbLover]

I'm thinking narrower, by like 1.5" or something like that.

 

[4X4HIGH]

Spring spacing is the same for all blazers, subs, and trucks on the front.