Hi Jon,
This is in response to your e-mail to George about what front end to use to
convert his '55 TF to a modern front suspension and brakes.
I recently bought a bone-stock '49 3/4 ton Chevy long-bed that I'm just
starting to convert into a "truck rod". I may haul a motorcycle occasionally,
but I am much more interested in car-like handling and ride rather than
hauling capability.
>From a prior project I have a 467 big block and turbo 700R4 I'm planning on
installing, and also the complete front and IRS rear suspension from a 1988
Corvette. The problem is the Corvette front crossmember is designed with the
frame mounting flange on the OUTER side of the crossmember, such that the
Corvette frame rails bolt OUTSIDE the crossmember mounting flange, with the
upper and lower a-frame mounting points located on the crossmember above and
below the Corvette frame rail. The Corvette transverse leaf spring goes
through the cross member, and rests on the top of the lower a-frame. A neat
setup.
Unfortunately, the frame rails on my '49 are at least six inches too close
together to mount to the outer side flanges of the Corvette crossmember. I
was considering cutting the frame rails and welding a horizontal "zee"
section on each side to be widen them sufficiently to bolt onto the outside
of the Corvette crossmember. Of course that will require changing the
radiator and front bumper mounts, and everything else that bolts to the frame
rails in the front.
Your posting says the the 1973-1987 C10 crossmember will bolt up to my 49's
frame rails as is, if I use spacers. I'm guessing that means the 1973-1987
C10 crossmember has the frame rail mounting surface on the INSIDE of the
cross member, such that the frame rails mount inside the crossmember. Is that
correct?
I'm starting to wonder if I should forget about using the Corvette front
suspension and just make some spacers and bolt on a crossmember and complete
front suspension off a 1973-1987 C10? Yet I hate to give up using the
neat-looking Corvette suspension with the forged aluminum a-arms and
transverse leaf spring, particularly since I already have it, complete with
disc brakes, Corvette 17" wheels, and tires.
I would appreciate any thoughts or recommendations you might have on this,
plus any comments from anyone out there who has tried to put Corvette
suspension under an AD truck.
Thanks very much in advance.
John Doak in Baltimore, Md.
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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