front end swap '62

[Dustin07]

Seriously torn between buying the porterbuilt kit and doing a complete front end rebuilt myself...

VS

dropping the truck off at a local shop and having them put in a x-member from a 71' I have laying around.



I dont' want to do the x-member swap myself. I just don't feel confident in the project and I dont' have the time, but for some reason the porter built looks like fun and like something I WOULD want to do myself lol.

anyone have any thoughts? I dont' think I've heard anything negative about it.


when bagging a '62 with a porterbuilt, will it lay frame? or is a Z required?

[Dustin07]

here's another question.. if going the porterbuilt way... What is the complete cost to build the entire front end that way..?

talking dropmember, control arms, spindles, brakes, etc I suppose?

[tonythezeek]

I can tell you that a Z will not be necessary going the porterbuilt route. Its not done yet, but I love airing up the front and then deflating it to play my new favorite game: how low will she go!!!

As for the total price (member, arms, ect), I'm not too sure. I think it depends on what you're wanting to do. If I recall, Nate makes the x-members to use either stock 70-ish arms (someone correct me if I'm wrong on the years), after market arms (like StrongArms) or arms the ones Nate makes himself! Spindles would be the same thing as in they would have to match the arms. Seeing how you have a 62, you're going to need to get new arms anyway... which translates to new spindles and new brakes.

I think your best bet is to give Nate a call, he's a really cool guy and will help you out where he can.

[Dustin07]

thanks dude I really appreciate it, so you are running a porterbuilt?

[biohazardbill]

I recently installed my Porterbuilt setup... was preatty easy and Nate's customer service is top notch.

[62 Bowtie]

ive got a 62 and did the swap never done it before not too difficult but im not happy with it so going PB this winter project

[Dustin07]

I was talking to a local shop last week and the owner suggested a Mustang II swap... any thoughts?

[tonythezeek]

I thought about it briefly; only because at the time I was under the impression that going the Mustang II route was my only option. But when I started doing a bit of research, I found that there were better alternative to achieve what I was looking to do. One of the major turn offs going the Mustang II route is that everything has to be changed out to fit a Mustang II. Granted, you're probably going to have to do that anyway (seeing how you have a 62) but keep in mind two things: 1) those parts are made for cars not trucks. 2) If you go with later cross member or Porterbuilt dropmember, they are damn near bolt on with no or little fabrication (respectively).

I also have a 62 and do have a dropmember. I had to drill 2 (I think) holes and weld in a notch for the power steering and that was it! Before that, I had a later model crossmember (78 i think) and that was pretty much bolt for bolt (there may have been some drilling here too but again very nominal). I've looked at some Mustang kits that require a looooot more welding and measuring in order to get it installed and to get the stance I wanted also required a Z.

Keep in mind that if you decide to keep it Chevy up front (either later crossmember or Porterbuilt), a lot of the other parts (arms, brakes and the lot) can be picked up at a salvage yard for the cheap. I think i was able to score arms (upper and lower), spindles, springs, brakes and various other goodies for around $200.

[Dustin07]

OK so here is my next question...

if I kept the '62 as a donor. (has $1500-2k in bag parts already + 350sbc, etc)

and picked up a better condition '63-66... What does it take to lay frame with the '63-66 shorties? Will I need to Z the frame?

Front and back info would be good. thanks!

Dustin

[1Bad62Pro/Street]

I have a Mustang II IFS Clip on my '62. (Manual Rack Steering)
Heidts Superide Front Coil-Over Shocks for Mustang II Suspension and 2” drop Spindles.
You have a choice of coil-overs or air bags.

Wheelbase has been extended to 117".
I'm gonna upgrade her later with shiney goodies.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=321173







http://www.fatmanfab.com/index.php
http://www.heidts.com/
http://www.helixsuspension.com/products/ifs-kits/
http://www.streetrodengineering.com/...gllifskits.htm
http://www.progressiveautomotive.com/street.htm
http://www.streetrodparts.tv/tci_MustangII-improved.htm
http://www.scottshotrods.com/Parts.asp
http://www.fulltiltstreetrods.com/frontsusp.htm

Helix Mustang II IFS install - YouTube

[jimmydean]

Porterbuilt all the way. Nate designed that setup to be buff and easy.

I will be using the dropmember with stock '75 arms and spindles.