The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network - View Single Post - Camaro vs. Mustang II IFS overall cost after its all done

**mr48chev** · 12-23-2017, 11:38 PM

The big problem with a subframe swap is that you end up trimming a lot of front end sheet metal to make it fit if you want the truck to be low. Add to that, most of the time your stock radiator/core support no longer fits and you have to rework that or change to something else. Then we can discuss mounting the front bumper.

The only thing I know of that might fit with no inner fender trimming is Jag XJ but then again you run into the rebuild the part you just bought out of the wrecking yard or off Craigslist thing unless it is real low mile or just rebuilt.

If you aren't bent on having tube control arms take a look at the unit for TF trucks that Industrial chassis sells (no Steve doesn't give me a kick back I just really like what he builds and the fact that it uses real truck donor parts. My internet isn't working worth a hoot so I can't come up with a link right now.

I've subframed two rigs of my own, My 48 and my old 51 Merc coupe. I put around 100 K on each with the subframes in place and my wife drove the 51 as her daily driver for over a year. They drive great if the front end is set up right but there are just better ways to hang independent suspension under our trucks now. When I did mine the choice was stock MII cut out of a MII or Pinto donor ( I still have one out in the parts pile) or Nova/Camaro subframe. Now guys do it because they think they will come out cheap compared to other setups or because someone suggested it. It's still "that's what they did in the early 80" technology.

The advantage of an after market independent crossmember or Jag or even Crown Vic crossmember is that you don't have to fight getting sheet metal, core support and bumper to fit. Maybe some trimming on the inner fenders to clear the control arms and that's it.

As I mentioned Crown Vic, they do fit the TF trucks as far as attaching them. The big issue on them on any and almost all swaps is that wheel mount surface to wheel mount surface they are really wide and your choice of wheels is very limited and the wheels most of us like on early trucks end up sticking out of the fenders as far as the monster mudder tires on a redneck's 4x4.

12-23-2017, 11:38 PM	#5
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,819	Re: Camaro vs. Mustang II IFS overall cost after its all done The big problem with a subframe swap is that you end up trimming a lot of front end sheet metal to make it fit if you want the truck to be low. Add to that, most of the time your stock radiator/core support no longer fits and you have to rework that or change to something else. Then we can discuss mounting the front bumper. The only thing I know of that might fit with no inner fender trimming is Jag XJ but then again you run into the rebuild the part you just bought out of the wrecking yard or off Craigslist thing unless it is real low mile or just rebuilt. If you aren't bent on having tube control arms take a look at the unit for TF trucks that Industrial chassis sells (no Steve doesn't give me a kick back I just really like what he builds and the fact that it uses real truck donor parts. My internet isn't working worth a hoot so I can't come up with a link right now. I've subframed two rigs of my own, My 48 and my old 51 Merc coupe. I put around 100 K on each with the subframes in place and my wife drove the 51 as her daily driver for over a year. They drive great if the front end is set up right but there are just better ways to hang independent suspension under our trucks now. When I did mine the choice was stock MII cut out of a MII or Pinto donor ( I still have one out in the parts pile) or Nova/Camaro subframe. Now guys do it because they think they will come out cheap compared to other setups or because someone suggested it. It's still "that's what they did in the early 80" technology. The advantage of an after market independent crossmember or Jag or even Crown Vic crossmember is that you don't have to fight getting sheet metal, core support and bumper to fit. Maybe some trimming on the inner fenders to clear the control arms and that's it. As I mentioned Crown Vic, they do fit the TF trucks as far as attaching them. The big issue on them on any and almost all swaps is that wheel mount surface to wheel mount surface they are really wide and your choice of wheels is very limited and the wheels most of us like on early trucks end up sticking out of the fenders as far as the monster mudder tires on a redneck's 4x4. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.