need some advice

[Kelbster]

I just finished rebuilding a 350 for my 59 GMC but need to figure out the front suspension before i can drop it in. I am debating on what to do with the suspension. i want independent front but not sure what route to go with. I have an 83 2wd frame just sitting behind my shop and debated on using the front end off it, but its an 8lug bolt pattern which i dont want. is there a way to swap it to 5 or 6lug fairly cheap or would i be better off just shelling out the cash for an aftermarket IFS like the mustang II or something?? thanks for the help

Kelbster

[parkwood]

If you can afford it put in the Mll, easy, keep your stock frame.. all sheet metal line's back up where it should be..

[Kelbster]

Ok i think thats what im going to do. Where is a good place to get that setup? ive been looking at the welder series for the cross member and stuff but where is a good place to get the a-arms and spindles and everything else to go with it? Or would it be better just to order one of them complete hub to hub kits?

[Maximus]

depends on your funds... if you can afford MII setup, go for it. If you don't have the $1200+ to spend on a kit, find a Camaro subframe. these are the two must common IFS setups, I have the camaro setup and am very happy with it, but if I had extra cash, it would be nice to keep my frame intact.
if it were my project, the '82 front end would create alot of extra work. It can probably be done, but choosing a method that more people have tried and tested takes ALOT of the guesswork out. Saving $100 or $200 by using an odd-ball front end may cost you in time and labor.

My 2 cents...

[G&R's57GMC]

I went with No Limit's Wide Ride Front suspension Package and their Fat Bar Rear suspension Package.

Note how robust the system is compared to the Mustang II set up.

The last pic shows the frame upside down note how the lower control arm is mounted in double shire same for the upper shock mount.

When pricing the No Limit Package you'll find it a great value with all thats included.

[G&R's57GMC]

Be sure to make your axle center line on the frame.

Also look at how the tire is centered in the wheel opening. On the 55-59 the front axle should be moved forward 1" to center the tire in the opening. This also gives you more room for the engine behind the cross member and as a bonus the effect of having the engine set back without getting into the firewall for better weight transfer towards the rear.

On the 47-53 the rear axle needs to be moved back to center the tire.

[Kelbster]

Thanks for the advice guys. I didnt know that about moving the front axle forward 1 inch so i will for sure be doing that.
The no limit setup is sweet and that would definitely be my choice front end but it looks like they are about $2700 for the setup i need which is a little out of my budget. Im pretty sure im gonna go with the MII setup because of the price, but not really sure if i should go coil overs or just regular coils springs? is there really that much of a difference in handling. I want a smooth ride but i dont really need anything extreme. thanks

Kelbster

[OKGMC4]

If you havn't thought about it, look into a C4 vette setup. I did mine under a grand. I have seen these complete on ebay for $500.

[G&R's57GMC]

Check out what is included at No Limit in their complete package.

Chassis Package 1955-59 Chevy Pickup

Item Number :*CHPACK-55

Unit Price: $3,750.00

Order A Complete Chassis Package and Save over $250.00*
Complete Chassis Package with BILLET COILOVERS* Include:
Complete WIDE RIDE IFS
Includes:*
Crossmember
Our New 12" ZG Spindles
12" Rotors .. Available in 5 on 4.5, 5 on 4.75, 5 on 5, or 5 on 5.5 bolt pattern.
Upper and Lower A-arms
POWER RACK & PINION (standard) - Manual Available upon request
Loaded Dual Piston Calipers
BOXING PLATES
AND A SWAY BAR!
Complete Fatbar 4-Link Rear Suspension
Includes:
4-Link Bars
Panhard Rod
Stainless Adjusters
Poly Urethane Bushings
Front Mounts
Axle Mounts
Upper and Lower Shock Mounts
Spacers and all Hardware
Detailed Instructions

[G&R's57GMC]

Originally Posted by Kelbster

.... not really sure if i should go coil overs or just regular coils springs? is there really that much of a difference in handling. I want a smooth ride but i dont really need anything extreme. thanks

Kelbster

The difference is how easy it is to tune the spring and ride height.

The coil over may have adjustability on the shock body to raise or lower the spring. It also would be easier to change the spring to get the ride hight and spring rate you desire.

[Kelbster]

Dang that No limit package is pricey. Ive been checking out the TCI Mustang II units and I found one on ebay for about 1800 with everything that i need. What rear end should i be on the look out for? Im gonna be running a 383 sbc with a 700r4

[Kelbster]

Originally Posted by OKGMC4

If you havn't thought about it, look into a C4 vette setup. I did mine under a grand. I have seen these complete on ebay for $500.

Do those set ups have a wide enough track width or do have to run a wheel with a large offset? And what year would i be looking for? Ive been looking on ebay like u said and they are hella cheap

[OKGMC4]

Originally Posted by Kelbster

Do those set ups have a wide enough track width or do have to run a wheel with a large offset? And what year would i be looking for? Ive been looking on ebay like u said and they are hella cheap

Mine is a 96 and measures about 60" hub to hub. I think the 88-96 have the better brakes with aluminum dual piston calipers. Older versions have the iron calipers but will fit a 15" rim, while the 88-96 have to run 16" or bigger wheels. Depends on what wheel you want. I had to use 2 1/4" bolt on wheel spacers on the front and 2.5" on the rear with my 99 C5 wheels (which have a huge positive offset), but I got such a stupid good deal on them I couldn't pass them up. You could run a big lip wheel if you wanted. I also ran the vette IRS on the rear because it was cheap, and because it is lighter than ANY setup that can be bought aftermarket.

[_Ogre]

fatmanfab.com has the sturdiest mustII in my opinion.
the x-member is a 3x4 tube with 1/4'' wall.