1957 Chevy truck 4x4?

[akponcho]

Hello, new to posting but have been searching the forum for awhile now. I just recently picked up a 57 long bed and a 59 shortbed parts truck. Would like to convert the 57 to a 4x4 and was thinking about going with a 73-87 4x4 shortbed chassis. Has anyone used the ez chassis swap kit for the 73-87 frame? Thanks for the help.
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[special-K]

Hello and welcome. I've never heard of the EZ swap kit. Do you have any details?

[akponcho]

The company is called ez chassis Swaps. There the ones that make the chassis kit that you can use a caprice chassis under a 55-59. They also have a s-10 kit for the AD too i beleive. Noticed when I was searching there website that they had a 73-87 kit and was wandering if anyone has one or has seen one done in real life.
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[gmjim4x4]

The 73-87 wheelbase is longer for a shortbox (6') than the 55-59 frame. I am guessing that the longbox is the same. I am building a 4x4 from a 2wd 57 and I decided to use the frame and add drive train from a 79 shortbox 4x4. I used th original frame and I think it saves alot of work if you want a stock looking 4x4. just saying my 2 cents

[special-K]

Originally Posted by gmjim4x4

The 73-87 wheelbase is longer for a shortbox (6') than the 55-59 frame. I am guessing that the longbox is the same. I am building a 4x4 from a 2wd 57 and I decided to use the frame and add drive train from a 79 shortbox 4x4. I used th original frame and I think it saves alot of work if you want a stock looking 4x4. just saying my 2 cents

I'd think that would be the way to go. These trucks already had leaf springs in all four corners. Why not adapt axles mount to work rather than alter a frame? If Napco could do it,why not us? '73+ frames are longer than even a '72.

[akponcho]

Originally Posted by gmjim4x4

The 73-87 wheelbase is longer for a shortbox (6') than the 55-59 frame. I am guessing that the longbox is the same. I am building a 4x4 from a 2wd 57 and I decided to use the frame and add drive train from a 79 shortbox 4x4. I used th original frame and I think it saves alot of work if you want a stock looking 4x4. just saying my 2 cents

That's what I might end up doing, I have a limited build season cause of the weather and my garage always seems to be full lol. The kit seamed to be complete and it would be nice to have power steering, power brakes and a newer chassis in one shot. Possibly be able to get it a full roller in one days of work with the kit. The kit also includes wheelbase correctors so I wouldnt need to shorten the frame to make up the difference. I do plan on cutting the frame down to shortbed length if I decide to stay with the original. Thanks for the comments.
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[OrrieG]

Originally Posted by special-K

I'd think that would be the way to go. These trucks already had leaf springs in all four corners. Why not adapt axles mount to work rather than alter a frame? If Napco could do it,why not us? '73+ frames are longer than even a '72.

No adaption needed for the axles except for 4" lift blocks in the rear, straight bolt onto the stock springs. Steering and shock mounts need some consideration, there are a bunch of ways to do it. Most recent is using late model Toyota or GM boxes that mount in the stock location to eliminate tire/pitman arm conflict. If you run stock steel 7" wheels you can keep the tires within the fenders.

[del]

Do you have any more info on the gm or Toyota boxes
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