In a message dated 2/10/00 8:22:07 PM Pacific Standard Time, chevy1@jps.net
writes:
>
> > A buddy of mine keeps telling me to quit wasting my time and money on
> > installing sub frames and Mustang II front suspensions and bolt these
> units
> > in.
> >
> > He say's you:
> >
> > 1. Measure and record the frame width of vehicle you took the suspension
> > from
> > 2. Mark the trucks straight axle centerline on the frame
> > 3. Level the truck and place it on jack stand
> > 4. Remove the straight axle and front clip
> > 5. Weld in spacer blocks in the area the donor suspension is to be
> > installed
> > 6. He recommends 3/16 plate to mount the suspension
> > 7. Mark the donor suspension axle centerline "just in front of the upper
> > shock mount "
> > 8. Line up the two centerlines and drill your mounting bolts
> > 9. You will have to make the mounting bracket for the shock
> >
> > I haven't did this installation as of yet but I'm going to install one
> this
> > spring so he'll leave me alone for awhile.
> >
> > I would recommend the following before undertaking this:
> >
> > a) Do some measuring on track width so your tires aren't going to stick
> > outside the fenders. His sit within the fenders and have plenty of tire
> > clearance but I would still see if their is a difference in track width
> > between different years.
> >
> > b) See if your going to be able to use the original engine mounts or have
> to
> > fabricate new ones. He and I install newer engines V-8's and use newer
> side
> > mounts.
> >
> > c) I would take a magnetic protractor and place it on the upper A-arm
> "close
> > to where the shims are and take a reading so when you bolt your unit on
> it's
> > in the same relationship "ANGLE" as the factory set their units to help
> with
> > alignment.
> >
> > He failed to tell me about the bracket needed to bolt on the steering
box?
> > That would require just a measurement from the donor vehicle.
> >
> > You will then also get the benefit of a tilt column if you desire.
> >
> > I have seen this modification at several shows also and have seen it in a
> > few magazines like trucking and I think Street Rodder.
> >
> > I have a day off and it's raining so I'll thumb through some magazines
and
> > see if I can find the article.
> >
You know i've been mulling this over for a few years and always figured
that since newer trucks have a wider frame, it wouldn't "look" right or align
correctly.
I always like the ride from the A-framed newer Chevy's, as compared to my
'57 and '59, and thought it might be a way to go IFS, disc brake and keep 6
lugs, all at the same time.
Heck, I gotta take a good look at my Dads '83 Chevy 4x4, it's got a much
better ride than either my '57 or '59 has and it's basically a straight axle
too.
Mik
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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