Advance Design on Task Force frame

[whateverpratt]

I'm looking for links to build threads where someone has put a AD 47-54 on a TF 55-59 frame. Just about every build thread I go through is someone dropping the body on an S-10 frame. I'm getting ready to build a frame for my '52, and I was thinking of putting together something very similar to a TF frame (straight rails, 34" outside to outside). I know I have seen one done somewhere, but I can't find it again. Any assistance to my poor search skills will be greatly appreciated.

[HUSSEY]

With an S10 you're getting upgrades with independent front suspension, front disk brakes, power steering, the ability to drop by your local parts store for just about anything you need for it, etc.

I guess one question would be why would you want to put an AD on a TF frame? Do have access to one for free and no AD frame? I don't know much about the TF trucks so I don't know what gains you would be getting. Swapping a frame is a bit of work therefore I wouldn't do it unless the benefits payed for the effort.

I'm currently doing an S10 swap and it's been quite time consuming. If I ever do one again, it will probably be on another S10 chassis simply because I've now got everything figured out and think I could knock one out much quicker but I bet I would be driving my truck by now if I had gone with a Mustang II.

[whateverpratt]

S10 frame is out of the question. This will be 4wd with solid axles using relatively common suspension components. Using a straight frame makes suspension mounting extremely simple as well as construction of said frame. The task force frames are nearly identical to what I plan on building, and I'd like to see if there are any build threads where someone has swapped an AD body onto the TF frame just so I know what to expect. It will be a lot more simple than an s10 frame. I'm just curious if I can find a thread where someone has already attempted it.

[dsraven]

the task force frame would be quite easy to duplicate with some rectcangular tubing of that size and a welder. it is really quite flat except for the bump over the rear wheels and the taper out front. if you are doing a mod anyway you maybe just as far ahead to download the blueprint from the net and build your own. put the cab mounts, cross members, rad support mounts, suspension points etc where you need them and carry on.
just a thought. by the time you do all the mods to the other old frame this may be quicker and stronger

[mr48chev]

Why not just use the stock AD frame and convert it to 4X4 and be done with it instead of trying to reinvent the wheel and creating a ton of headaches?

This truck belonged to one of the guys who took one of Gene Winfield's custom metal working classes with me a couple of years ago in Idaho. Stock frame, what looked like stock or modified stock springs front and rear and it sounded great.
[URL=http://s173.photobucket.com/user/mr48chev/media/Gene%20Winfield%20Custom%20metal%20work%20class%20%20Post%20Falls/IMG_3386.jpg.html][/


I have no idea of what he was running for axles trans or transfer.

I keep looking at the 1-1/2 ton I have out here and keep thinking it would make a great 4x4 flatbed if I shortened the frame a few feet with it's wider fenders and big wheel openings it's already closer to being set up for big tires and the heavy frame rails will handle

[whateverpratt]

Originally Posted by dsraven

the task force frame would be quite easy to duplicate with some rectcangular tubing of that size and a welder. it is really quite flat except for the bump over the rear wheels and the taper out front. if you are doing a mod anyway you maybe just as far ahead to download the blueprint from the net and build your own. put the cab mounts, cross members, rad support mounts, suspension points etc where you need them and carry on.
just a thought. by the time you do all the mods to the other old frame this may be quicker and stronger

This is actually what I was planning to do. Build my own frame that's pretty close to a task force frame dimensions.

[whateverpratt]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

Why not just use the stock AD frame and convert it to 4X4 and be done with it instead of trying to reinvent the wheel and creating a ton of headaches?

This truck belonged to one of the guys who took one of Gene Winfield's custom metal working classes with me a couple of years ago in Idaho. Stock frame, what looked like stock or modified stock springs front and rear and it sounded great.
[URL=http://s173.photobucket.com/user/mr48chev/media/Gene%20Winfield%20Custom%20metal%20work%20class%20%20Post%20Falls/IMG_3386.jpg.html][/


I have no idea of what he was running for axles trans or transfer.

I keep looking at the 1-1/2 ton I have out here and keep thinking it would make a great 4x4 flatbed if I shortened the frame a few feet with it's wider fenders and big wheel openings it's already closer to being set up for big tires and the heavy frame rails will handle

That guy had very early napco running gear under his truck, and I do love the old napcos, but the set of napco axles that are currently in my store room are from a '58. The AD I have is a '52 6400, so I will have the larger wheel openings and wider fenders. That's one of the reasons I bought it. I'm not using the AD frame primarily because of the tapered front rails and the rear frame width (36" instead of 34" I believe) besides the fact that I would need to cut it down quite a bit for the 9' bed I plan to use.

The only headaches I see at this point are in mounting the front clip on the wider non tapered frame (possibly having to trim some inner fenders and such) and the steering since the AD steering was mounted on top of the frame vs TF which I'm not really sure where they mounted that (I haven't been able to get a good look at a stock setup since everyone is converting to power steering and don't usually post pics of the stock setup).