56 frame off build

[Desmo-customs]

Hi Guys, I am brand new to this forum, but a long time user..... The info and expertise on here has been invaluable to me over the years. Here are a couple builds I did with the info I have found on here. This one has the following.
-LS3, nv4500, 4 wheel disk, AC, PS with crossover, cruise control.........

[Desmo-customs]

This one is a frame off with stock running gear with 4wheel disk, AC........

[Desmo-customs]

Now to the reason I put this in The 47-present. After using this forum to build two successful trucks. I wanted to give back and document the truck I have been waiting 16 years to start working on. My folks bought this truck for me for a high school graduation present and after college, marriage, three little girls, building a shop and a new house last year. I towed it home over 500 miles and put it to bed to start its transformation. This is a truck I will never sell,(unlike the previous two) one that I want to go all out on, And only drive when the pavement is dry.

My Plans:
LS engine
4 speed
independent front suspension
4 link rear
disk brakes
AC

Would appreciate any help and advice and I plan to make regular posts and updates on this project.

THANKS!!!!

[Speedbumpauto]

6 speed manual or 6L 65 or 80 instead of 4 sp.

[Desmo-customs]

I have manual 4 speed, not sure if I should get a five or six speed to put behind the LS. I would like to find a 6L. Gonna find a donor rig that was wrecked. I go to the insurance auction often.

[iowaboynca]

nice!!! of course i'm more of a Yamaha fan than Duc...but can appreciate! Nice solid platform!

[Kim57]

Looks like a nice build.
As far as Air Ride verses coil overs it all depends on what you want to accomplish.
If you want to go to shows and lay it on the ground then Air Ride. If your looking for a nice ride and wont change the height once you get it where you want it then coil overs is a little easier install. Both set up properly will ride just fine.
Kim

[2tractors]

I've just started a 57 shortbed big window and am going with 84 c4 front and rear. What type cross member will you be using?

[Coach529]

Nice trucks. I am pondering the same question......so I am sticking around to hear what everybody has to say!!

[Desmo-customs]

I was gonna use a Helix because there is a dealer in town that has them and he likes them and it looks like a nice unit. However After some reading on here there are some negative feedback on helix. So I was looking at one from Scotts hot rods, it looks nice and affordable. Heidts has a nice unit also. Would really appreciate any one who has experience with any of these. I am an accomplished mechanic and plan on welding in a crossmember. I also believe in paying for quality!!! Hate spending allot on garbage that I have to make fit, would much rather spend a few more dollars for a better product.

Thanks for any suggestions and experience you have had!!!!

[2tractors]

I contacted one company making both ifs and irs components with 2 shops here in Ga. that install them and asked if they had any specials for forum members and explained I was ready to spend some 3200 for there product and got no response!! So I emailed again threathening to contact the owner and got a response asking what my problem was so I explained being ignored and got a message back saying and I quote "sorry, we can't help you and good luck with your project" so I wrote back to find out if the shop that they listed as an installer were in good standing and again got no response. Wasn't any of the ones you listed so now I'm looking at installing the vette front cross member. I won't be using that company.