What to do, thinking about the much discussed frame swap.

[rawkinbones13]

This is my first post, I've been looking around the website for about a year now. I own a 58 Apache and it's my daily driver. I love the truck, it's a short wheel base fleetside. I've done some engine work on it and installed an A/C. I still have all of the original suspension underneath the truck.



I'm really getting the itch to upgrade the suspension, I have some ideas of what I want it to look like. Mainly something more like this.

http://pinterest.com/pin/7248049370899663/

I guess the main reason why I'm posting this is because I don't have a lot of knowledge as far as trucks go, this is my first old truck and the first vehicle I've ever wanted to lift. I've lowered several and parts are numerous.

This is what I'm wanting to do, I'd like to replace the original suspension with an independent front suspension. And try to get as many creaks and groans out of the chassis as possible. Does someone make parts to lift these older trucks that I haven't come across? Is an IFS difficult to lift? Has anyone seen this truck before and have any additional information on it? I'd love to know more about the tire wheel combo. For what I am trying to accomplish is it best to stay with my original frame or just make the jump to a newer frame and just swap out the body? The frame swap doesn't scare me, I know people who have done it with other vehicles and said they would be willing to help me with mine. I have a lot of the tools and know how to handle that project but honestly if I can reach my goal with my original frame I'd rather do that.

Anxious to hear what you guys have to say. I hope the pictures work too. First time on a web forum.

[_Ogre]

i'm not a fan of frame swaps on these trucks.
it used to be the only way to get ifs on them back in the 70s but now everyone is making an ifs kit for them.
using the stock frame and modifying it is easier and cheaper in my opinion.

i have a fatman mustII under my 58 truk, my research told me it was one of the better units on the market.
the installation is straight forward and it works well



i'm also not a front clip swap proponent.
most frame/clip swaps end up as parts trucks on ebay or craigslist
the owners get frustrated with the time/money involved and just give up.
not to say there aren't some good frame/clip swaps in progress on this site.
i'm just of the opinion that you can do it better with the stock frame.

[Maximus]

lol Ogre is a show-off!! j/k -
but in all seriousness he double posted and we have been posting here...

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=535228

[oldcouple]

Uh, that link is to a four wheel drive, is that the look you want? When I had my 56 clipped years ago it was the only way to get the IFS, about two years later they started selling weld on kits, the bolt on kits. If I had to do it all over, a bolt on kit with air bags would be what I would do, not to get the "my pants are sagging and you can see my underwear look", but for the ride. It still drives and handles just like a car so it will stay that way.

[mr48chev]

This was in another thread that just popped up. Porterbuilt puts together some stout stuff and he could probably set one up that would put you at stock or above ride height.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=535339

You have to remember that the majority of custom trucks are lowered rather than raised and not everyone is going to come up with a setup that will raise the truck the way you want.