Chassis Help

[68CRUZR]

Hello, I just purchased a (1957 Cab / 1959 Fleetside Bed) Truck. Truck runs great and looks Awesome it is however on a 72 Chassis. I like the fact that rear are coils vs leafs, frontend is all rebuilt, already has pwr steering/brakes. Biggest drawback is that fnt wheels are not centered in wheel well. They sit about 3" towards the rear when looked at from the side. Also they stick out about 1/4". Obviously this 72frame/bed,cab is not the best set up. So here is my question around the frntend, "Can I fix this problem?" I want wheels in and forward, maybe with a Mustang II or some other IFS system up front? Only thing I really want to achieve is to drop truck (bags). I've been searching for the specs on a 1972 chevy truck chassis but haven't had much luck. Any info will be much appreciated, Thxs.

[dwcsr]

I think the only way to get the wheels to fit and centered is an MII. the track width on the donor truck is to wide. To fix the wheel center problem you need to either move the cross member forward or the cab and fenders backward. neither one is an easy task. I have that same problem on my 58. I have a 75 cross member in it on a 58 frame. But I'm at the stage where its not hard to move the cab backward. You can get a bolt in or weld in MII from fatman fab.

And welcome to the forum.

[68CRUZR]

Thanks for the info, much appreciated.... This forum is great!

Louie

[dwcsr]

Another place to look for that MII install is www.webrodder.com I believe that have a tech write up on it.

[ron_n_ca]

68CRUSR, I have been looking into putting my 57 body on a 67-72 chassis also. The wheelbase of a 57 SB is 114" and the wheelbase of the 67-72 SB chassis is 115" so the wheels should almost line up. If your talking about a longbed, that is another story. The 57 LB is 123 1/4 " and the 67-72 LB is 127" so this would account for the wheels moving to the rear.

[Jebb1978]

Welcome 68CRUZR!

[68CRUZR]

Thanks ron n ca, I'm assuming that is the reason why my front wheels sit towards the rear of the wheel well. I found a 59 chassis that I am picking up on Wed, now my question is in regards to the rear end. Most aricles regarding these trucks have a Ford 9" rear. I can't keep the stock rear simply because of the 6 lug. The gentlman at the yard told me that I cannot convert this rear end to 5 lug. What other options do I have other than the Ford 9"? I have some really brand new Boyd Coddington wheels that I plan to use for my 59. They are Magnetos 18 X 8 and 20 X 10. Thanks again.

[68CRUZR]

New to the Ford 9" rear end. I'm trying to find out what if any modifications I would have to make to this rearend to install on my 59 truck (stock frame) I already have 20 X 10 wheels (5 lug). I had these wheels made for my 68 Chevy SB truck but now want them on my 59 instead. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[68CRUZR]

Oh yeah I looked at the 59 frame that I'm getting today and not sure if they all came like this but it has leafs up front. Obviously I need to swap this out, I am wondering what would be my best choice, Mustang II? maybe?

[CAL 58 GMC]

I used an S-10 Blazer 7.5 10 bolt and changed carrier to a Z-28 posi. The reason I went with the S-10 Blazer rear is one, the S-10 rears are narrow so I could fit my 20x10’s inside the fenders and two, the newer S-10 blazers had rear disc brakes. If you’re planning on going over 400 hp. then you might want to go with a 12 bolt or the Ford 9 inch, although something about putting anything Ford on a Chevy just don't set well with me!

[68CRUZR]

Cal 58 GMC, thanks for the info this really helps me out tremendously....What kind of set up do you have on your frnt? Your project is coming along just fine. Your a great source (postings/pictures) when is comes to ideas and info. thxs

[68CRUZR]

Cal 58, I just remembered reading your discription on your trucks frnt end couple of days ago. So if I may ask a different question? What other frnt end do you recommend? My wheels that I need to work around with are 18X8's. If I were to do a Camero frnt end which years do I look for? I'm new to that custom upgrade. thxs

[CAL 58 GMC]

Originally Posted by 68CRUZR

Cal 58, I just remembered reading your discription on your trucks frnt end couple of days ago. So if I may ask a different question? What other frnt end do you recommend? My wheels that I need to work around with are 18X8's. If I were to do a Camero frnt end which years do I look for? I'm new to that custom upgrade. thxs

Up front I have a 1980 Camaro sub frame and my wheels are 18x8's with a 4 inch back space. 1970 to 1980 Camaro's are the years most use. You could also go with the Mustang II, it's a good set up since it has rack and pinion steering, but they can be costly. The Camaro sub frames when install properly work really well and are less expensive with most part easily found and any parts store.

[68CRUZR]

Once again, many thanks. Love your truck.

[Jebb1978]

Hey Louie,
I live in North Phoenix and have a 1959 GMC with a 1975 Camaro subframe and rearend. I will be moving the whole project out to Chandler the beginning of next month. You are free to come take a look at my set up some time. I can take some pics if you like? Here is link to a million pics of the truck. PM me if you want to hook up some time and take a peek or talk trucks.
http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2118173837

[68CRUZR]

Jebb1978, I was actually looking at some of the pictures that you have of all your progress and it looks great. I love the stance, especially when you pulled it out to the street. I'm assuming you installed the Camero frnt clip in your self, correct? I will definitly be getting with you to check out your work and talk ideas with you. So that's beginning of Nov correct?

[68CRUZR]

Cal 58 GMC, could not find in your post in regards to your leaf's, are these stock? Also, did you need to modify any brackets of anything else to make the S-10 diff work with your leafs?
thxs

[CAL 58 GMC]

Originally Posted by 68CRUZR

Cal 58 GMC, could not find in your post in regards to your leaf's, are these stock? Also, did you need to modify any brackets of anything else to make the S-10 diff work with your leafs?
thxs

Yes, the leaf's are stock. I had to cut off the stock spring perch and weld on new ones. The springs on my truck are about 1 inch wider then the S-10. If you go with rear disc then you will need then lowering blocks for sure to clear the calipers from the leaf springs. The S-10 Blazer has 2 sizes of rear ends. The 4X4 uses a wider one then the 2 wheel drive. I used the two wheel drive. I also used 3.25 wheel adapters to get the 20X10 with a 4 inch back spacing wheels to fit inside the fenders. I would recommend buying the kit CCP sells to relocate the spring perch, shock mounts and U-bolts.http://www.classicperform.com/Store/...ks/4754RCK.htm

[68CRUZR]

Cool, thanks for all the info. Hey what do you think of a 4 link rear?

[Jebb1978]

Originally Posted by 68CRUZR

Jebb1978, I was actually looking at some of the pictures that you have of all your progress and it looks great. I love the stance, especially when you pulled it out to the street. I'm assuming you installed the Camero frnt clip in your self, correct? I will definitly be getting with you to check out your work and talk ideas with you. So that's beginning of Nov correct?

Actually my Dad married the frames about 10 years ago. It was the second one he did. I am sure he would be happy to answer any questions you have. The day that the house is in my possesion is October first but I am sure it will take me a few weeks to get the truck over there. It will be one of the last things to go. I will keep you up to date with the move if you like.

[CAL 58 GMC]

Originally Posted by 68CRUZR

Cool, thanks for all the info. Hey what do you think of a 4 link rear?

Four links is bar far the best set up for the rear. They are fully adjustable and you get a great ride and easly bagged. Now the bad news, it also the most costly.

[68CRUZR]

Thanks Jebb, looking forward to meeting you and checking out your truck.

Louie

[68CRUZR]

Cal 58 GMC,

As usual thanks for your input your opinion is greatly valued and appreciated.

[CAL 58 GMC]

Your welcome Louie, anytime.

[68CRUZR]

Hey guys I had another question in regards to the 59 frame that I picked up. The 59 that came off this frame had leafs up front as well as the rear. Do you all know if the 57 frame is the same? When I look at the front-drive side to part it gets a little narrow, maybe for clearence? Not sure, I've decided to go with a Heidts or a TCI up front so that's why that question comes up. Thxs