On Fri, 15 May 2009 17:28:16 -0600 (MDT), you wrote:
>From: Kirk Pierce <kpierce883@bellsouth.net>
>Subject: [oletrucks] 60's suspension in earlier truck
>
>I recall seeing an article on installing the front end cross
>member/suspension into earlier trucks.
>
>I remember that the process was to grind off the heads of the rivets in
>order to remove the front end from the donor truck frame. Then the
>middle had to be cut out to make it narrower, then weld back together.
>I don't remember how they attached to the frame though.
>
>Does anyone know if that information is available online, or if not,
>maybe someone has the article?
=============================
Here are a couple of articles. I had a link to another, but the link
is no good.
http://www.chevytrucks.org/tech/50ifsswap.htm
http://www.50chevy.freeservers.com/Bolt_on_Independent_2.html
I did this on my '52 3/4 ton, in conjunction with a later differential
and an LT1/700R4. If you use a front end from a '73-'88 truck, you
will get disc brakes. I think the Suburbans used the same front ends
for another couple of years. They are bolted, not riveted, but you do
have to cut a bunch of rivets out of your AD.
I see absolutely NO reason to cut the newer front end. You gain only
about 1-1/2" total by doing so. That's less than 3/4" per side. I used
tapered spacers on each side.
The key for me was selecting the right wheels. For my 3/4 ton, I
bought steel Dodge wheels from around 2001 with 6" of backset to bring
the tires under the fenders. See
http://www.brakecylinder.com/images/52chevy/chev032.jpg
It's possible to modify original hubcaps and install them onto these
wheels. I've done the spare but haven't gotten around to the rest of
the wheels.
I don't know about wheels for a half ton, but I see that early 2000's
Chevy trucks have wheels with a lot of backset.
Have the alignment shop add a little extra caster to compensate for
the slightly negative scrub radius, to help the steering come back to
center after turning. This truck drives out very nicely. First time I
merged onto a freeway I found myself doing 80 before I knew it.
Joe
--
Heather & Joe Way
Sierra Specialty Automotive
Brake cylinders sleeved with brass
Gus Wilson Stories
http://www.brakecylinder.com
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