I've got an 89 S-10 I want to back half. I already have the 350 mounts headers and 350 turbo. I just got the Ford 9 inch for the rear just yesterday. I will cut the rearend down to stuff some big slicks in the back and tub the bed. I want to use a simple ladder bar setup. A four link would be better but a ladder setup would be easier to build. I friend of mine told me that all that is required is to remove the bed, cut the frame rails behind the cab, move both of them inward, then build from there. Obviously this is a budget move. I've seen pre-formed frame rails and just about everything that's needed. On the other hand, using my original frame rails, and building my own ladders would save some cash. Anybody got any picks of some backhalf construction? Am I supposed to put the tires and rims on the ground first under the truck (stock rearend would be out at this time) to find the dimension of how much I need to narrow the rearend? I need a starting point and I don't know where to start. Thanks for any ideas or pic's  

You cut the housing down to fit the wheel/tire combo you're going with.

Before you start cutting, you should start reading up on chassis building.  A book a highly recommend is "Doorslammers" by Dave Morgan.  http://www.amazon.com/Door-Slammers-Chassis-Dave-Morgan/dp/0963121707/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1200604989&sr=8-1
I'm sure there are other great resources out there too.  Also, it might not hurt to find a local chassis guy near you for help.  I know you said you're on a budget, but a proper chassis build is nothing to take lightly.  My advice is to find a local shop and volunteer your free time on the evenings and weekends to help around the shop.  This is how I did it.  Nothing beats experience and a mentor that builds race cars for a living.

That's my .02

I want my cars to be safe, launch straight, and pass NHRA inspection.  

Thanks, I'm definately going to check out the book. I was thinking you start with the tires and wheels first. I will get with all those clowns that keep telling me how easy it is and make them show me. Thanks for the reply. I now have some direction.  

Hey Holleynut,
  Tubbing a car is not out of the reach of the backyard mechanic...but first you need to have a few things,first and foremost you need to have a capable welder(machine) and next you need a capable welder(you or someone you know),you will need a flat surface to work on(hopefully covered)and basic hand tools like a grinder,tape measure, etc then you are ready to cut.
  As far as how to start ,get a dropped crossmember (2x3)to use to re-attach your factory rails to,be very careful with your math and go to it!
  You don't have to have your wheels and tires first you can do the math and get it right but remember when you decide on your tire size that you need to leave enough room between them for suspension.
  I can provide pictures for you or you can look at chassis on the internet to get an idea of what it will take to do it...also I would not make my own ladder bars the $200 spent can be saved somewhere else.