IFS for a 56' 235

[db56]

Has anyone out there done or heard of a IFS conversion for a 56' 235 six cylinder truck?

[curmudgeon]

The aftermarkets IFS are generally set up for a V8. I'm not sure about '55-'57, but I had clearance issues (oil pan) with the inline block with my '54 TCI front IFS. The power steering rack also needs to clear, I ended up using fabbed side engine mounts with the inline slightly higher and more forward than stock. The '56 has a larger engine bay but I still think you may not be able to set the engine in the stock position after installing IFS.

[Nev68]

Could you use a first gen Camaro ifs? They had 6 cylinder option so there must be engine mounts to suit.

[mphudak]

It's very doable with the chevy inlines. I'm trying to find some pics I have seen of similar swaps. Keep in mind that not ever mfg's crossmember rides at the same position. Some are lower off the bottom of the frame and others are higher. For example, Fatman's crossmember sits right under the frame where TCI/Heidt's (and their clones like speedway's) has a drop to it.

There is a slight chance you have to raise the motor, but I would probably call a few of the different mfg's and chat. (Spacing the crossmember away from the frame little more is an option too. Just make sure to notch the top caps appropriately) I know when i was chatting w/Speedway about their's (clone of Heidts) for the 47-55.1 the claimed it would clear a chevy inline (235/261) but would not clear a GMC motor (oil pan is deeper and the engine 1.5" or so longer).

I know for the GMC's the engine sits approx 1" higher on the Task Force Trucks vs the Advance Design and am pretty sure that chevy was the same.

Pics of Fatman vs Heidts style.