late model IFS swap on a TF truck

[burntove]

Anybody ever try a late model (73 to 84) IFS swap on to a TF truck? I found a web site where it was done on a '53 (http://50chevy.freeservers.com/Bolt_...pendent_2.html ) I have a 76 frame and was thinking about trying this on my '59.

[Silveradobs]

Try-thehollisterroadcompany.com
C10 IFS on a 1958 3100
C10 Rack info. Tom

[55dude]

measure your track width before you start! www.stovebolt.com site might help also. i have a 58' that has a 67-70' frame under it and well the swap is really kind of ....

[dwcsr]

My swap is good only for 58-9 not 47-57. If I had to do it again I would try to clip it with a 73-87 frame section instead of narrowing the stock frame. 59 -64 impala will slide into the rails of a 55-59 and setup just like the RBs front clip.

[55dude]

Originally Posted by dwcsr

My swap is good only for 58-9 not 47-57. If I had to do it again I would try to clip it with a 73-87 frame section instead of narrowing the stock frame. 59 -64 impala will slide into the rails of a 55-59 and setup just like the RBs front clip.

any pic's of the impala swap? isn't rb's out of business?

[burntove]

How about just shortening my '76 short bed two-wd frame 3 1/2" and transferring the '59 body on to it? I also saw this done on a website somewhere. I think if I use a lowering kit on the '76 frame it would not look like a four wheel drive. I'm trying to get modern suspension & brakes with out buying a mustang 2 IFS. I already have this '76 frame and would like to use it some how.

[Silveradobs]

You don't just shorten the frame, you need to shorten the wheelbase ie. move the rear spring hanger forward, shorten the driveshaft, New front and rear cab mounts, most important=new front radiator support etc. You will cut some off the front and rear frame rails. I run 2 1/2 dropped spindles as well as 1 1/2 dropped springs in front, Hanger and shackle kit in back. The distance from the cab to the bed has to be the same as stock (I have seen gaps as much as 3") Step must align with rocker etc. I sent you a PM, the most important factor is the backspace of the wheels, so they are tucked inside the wheelwell. Tom

[Silveradobs]

In reply to DWSCR- 47 to 55 first series frames are the same, (basically) 55-59 are 34" wide rails, front to back, 73-87 rails are 34" wide from the back to alittle ahead of the front cab support, then they taper to 28". I do agree with him, I would clip the 73-87 front end on.

[Silveradobs]

In reply to DWCSR- 47 to 55 first series frames are the same, (basically) 55-59 are 34" wide rails, front to back, 73-87 rails are 34" wide from the back to alittle ahead of the front cab support, then they taper to 28". I do agree with him, I would clip the 73-87 front end on.

[burntove]

Ok, so the best way for me to use the '76 frame would be to do a front clip on to the '59 frame. I've seen lots of nova-camaro clips done, and web sites that explain the way to do it, but I can't remember seeing any info on a truck clip being done. I wonder if anybody here has done one,or have any info on it?

[Longstep70]

isn't the track width too wide on the 73-87 IFS? How does it compare to the stock 55-59 track width?

[dwcsr]

Its wider than the 47-59 trucks and its to wide for 47-57, its ok on the 58-9. 58-9 fenders are wider in the front than 55-57. The c10 swap is almost a bolt in on the AD's but the wheels stick out about an inch on each side even with a lot of wheel offset. Same for 55-7. Clipping with a 73-87 would be easier and you can correct the wheels sticking out with off set rims on a 58-9.

Nova, comaro clips have been done for years with good success and alot of people like them. I don't have any pictures of an impala setup but it is the same as the RB's setup and they are out of business as far as I know. The nice thing about the RB's/impala clip is that you get impala spindles which are almost or as heavy duty as C10 spindles. They are taller than comaro spindles and offer better handling and you can get a complete used Impala suspension for next to nothing unlike anything with the comaro stamp on it.

[Longstep70]

Do you know where I could get numbers on those track widths for comparison?
I have looked into a Flatout C4 Corvette front conversion too and that gives a final track width of 61.5 but I don't know how that compares to either stock or the 73-87
* edit* Flat Out C4 front width is quoted as 60" on the Seattle Street Rods site

[orgalmeister]

dwscr, Does that mean the 59-64 Impala will accept later G body components like RB's used to state in their catalog?

Steve

[Silveradobs]

If I knew how to send you a picture I would, my 56 is mounted on a 74 frame, as I said in my PM, I run chrome corvette rallys, 15x6 in the front with 4 1/4 inch backspace with a 205 70 15 and they sit inside the fender, its close but it looks good. In the rear I am running the same type wheel, and with 235 70 15 they fit inside the fender. I also have a pair of 15 x 8 with 265 70 15 for the rear, but you need to mini tub with them. PM me your address and I'll send you a picture, believe me, I've had this truck for years and I built it, so I know how it went together. There are acouple more in town built on 73-87 frame. Tom

[dwcsr]

No, the arms are different in the way they connect to the frame and they had no disc brakes then. If you did a 64 clip you would have to use the older parts. I think the RBS is based on a newer model Impala suspension.

I don't have the track numbers handy, If I dig them up I'll post them.

[burntove]

Originally Posted by Silveradobs

If I knew how to send you a picture I would, my 56 is mounted on a 74 frame, as I said in my PM, I run chrome corvette rallys, 15x6 in the front with 4 1/4 inch backspace with a 205 70 15 and they sit inside the fender, its close but it looks good. In the rear I am running the same type wheel, and with 235 70 15 they fit inside the fender. I also have a pair of 15 x 8 with 265 70 15 for the rear, but you need to mini tub with them. PM me your address and I'll send you a picture, believe me, I've had this truck for years and I built it, so I know how it went together. There are acouple more in town built on 73-87 frame. Tom

Sent you a PM

[55dude]

Originally Posted by orgalmeister

dwscr, Does that mean the 59-64 Impala will accept later G body components like RB's used to state in their catalog?

Steve

they have same suspension as corvette up to 81' i believe.