Hey Carl: I 'm right in the middle of installing RB's Front Clip on my
55 TF. So far it has been great. I have it in position now and bolted
in. It's now ready for my friend (professional Welder) to weld in. The
hardest part of the job so far was removing the rivets holding the Trans
cross member in. I guess it was not that hard just time consuming. The
Clip slid in with no problems bolted up with a little massaging. The
directions tell you to install the front nose clip to check for
alignment so I had to reassembly mine to make sure it all fit right. I
went a little further and hung the arms & hubs ET. To make sure they
were center in the fender well. I'm Very happy, everything line up
perfectly. Hope to weld it up this weekend.
As far as the rear end goes I'm not sure what will be a good fit
either. I think the 60 inches is the magic number. I have heard that
some where before. I will be running a stock 350 with a 700r trans. I to
will be using the Truck as a fair weather driver and would like to take
it on some long cross country trips. The stock rear end I think is 3.90
geared & I'm not sure if this would be a good match. I would like to
change it for the best fit and ride ET.
Maybe some of you guys out there can give Carl & me some advice on a
good choice.
George
55 1/2 ton TF
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-oletrucks@autox.team.net
[mailto:owner-oletrucks@autox.team.net] On Behalf Of Carl & Becky Ham
Sent: Thursday, January 02, 2003 3:36 PM
To: oletrucks@autox.team.net
Subject: [oletrucks] Any more advice on IFS or Rear End swaps for TF
trucks out there?
About a month ago I posted a message asking for advice or past good/bad
experiences with independant front suspension swaps and newer rear end
swaps
for a TF (55-59) Chevy truck. For the record, my truck is a fair
weather
driver (summertime) and I don't plan on trying to win awards or drag
race
the truck. It has a 283 V8 and 4 speed auto with original front and
rear
suspensions. I simply want to finish upgrading the drive train to
newer/better riding and handling and more reliable components
I only received one reply for the IFS and 2 for the rear end swaps. For
the
IFS, Heidts or Total Cost Involved (TCI) mustang II's with tubular upper
and
lower arms were suggested and I've found the TCI unit is about $800
cheaper
than Heidts. I would appreciate any further comments or advice as I
will be
buying an IFS in the March timeframe.
For the rear end, it has been suggested I either use an S10 or Ford 9
inch.
I'm told the S10 may be a direct swap (width-wise), and the Ford 9 inch
would require some custom work. Any suggestions from other list
members?
Appreciate any and all comments. Thanks,
Carl Ham
'56 Chevy TF Stepside
Pontiac, IL
_________________________________________________________________
MSN 8 with e-mail virus protection service: 2 months FREE*
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
|