On Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:34:05 -0600 (MDT), you wrote:
>Date: Sun, 19 Oct 2008 07:24:59 -0700
>From: "james hays" <thomasind@nventure.com>
>Subject: Re: [oletrucks] Front End Options
>
>I installed ( bolted with 5/8" plate shims each side ) a 75 chev pu complete
>frontend to my 55 1st pu that really turned out well - only concern is will
>have to get 1~2" positive offset rims for the front to assure fender wheel
>clearance ( could have narrowed 75 frontend but a lot of fab welding for
>5/8" on a side)
>
>75 frontend gave me truck construction with power steering & disc brakes.
>Sorry to say due to slow build progress I have not driven the truck yet but
>sure looks good - plenty strong to use as a truck.
>
>Jim
=========================================
Jim,
I'm really enjoying the same swap in my '52 3/4 ton, using a late '70s
3/4 ton front end. As you and Mark say, if you want a truck when
you're done you have to use truck parts. Mine is built as a tow rig,
including a 25' fifth wheel.
I agree with you that the 5/8" to 3/4" per side is not nearly worth
the work in cutting and welding. I used 2000-2001 3/4 ton Dodge steel
wheels on mine, and they bring the tires nicely inside the sheet
metal. See
http://www.brakecylinder.com/images/52chevy/chev032.jpg
These allow use of stock (modified) hubcaps with a little work on the
caps and wheels. Talk to your alignment guy about caster, though. The
scrub radius is way inside and extra caster helps compensate.
I haven't researched the wheel situation for half-tons, but I do
remember noticing one time that steel wheels for late-model Chevy and
GM 1/2 ton trucks seem to have a lot of backset.
Joe
--
Heather & Joe Way
Sierra Specialty Automotive
Brake cylinders sleeved with brass
Gus Wilson Stories
http://www.brakecylinder.com
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