New direction for an old project. 57 Chevy

[OldJimmy57]

I have had this truck for quite a few years now and have been down 2 different paths so far. So hopefully third times the charm with this truck. My mom actually bought it for me when I graduated school. Anyway to get to the truck and the point and soon to what you guys like. Pictures.
The truck is a 57 Chevy SWB small back glass. had the chance to get a big back glass and decided not too since I think the smaller back glass looks more (hot rodish) imo. Ya i know just my opinion. Anyway I have been doing alot of reading and have been doing some measuring. Here is what I have came up with and will be doing. The 03-09 crown vic's have a bolt in front subframe that is all aluminum has 12 inch brakes, sway bar and rack and pinion all in one unit and is VERY VERY cheap. Picked mine up for 250. I know the crown vic is a bit wider and by a bit we are talking 62.8" front track width to the chevy trucks 60.52" track width so the difference is 2.27" I can offset that with wheel choices. The rearend I am planning on using is a 3.73 LSD unit with disc brakes and sway bar as well from a Ford Exploder so I can keep the same wheel pattern. By the way this model is the 8.8" rear end but it has 31 spline axles so it is stronger then the 28 spline 9" but weaker then the 31 spline of course. And I was planning on using a ls1 motor but the 5.3's have become so cheap and plentiful and have the same basic design that I cant see any reason to spend the extra money right now. So I found a 5.3 motor and transmission for 500 bucks. Has 41k miles on it and just need a ECU so I think my project is coming together nicely. Anyway for now here are some pictures.

[OldJimmy57]

few more pictures

[OldJimmy57]

and the last ones. I will try to get some pictures of the truck

[Kim57]

Sounds like a very unique project. Do keep the pics coming.
Kim

[56ClassicTruck]

Hey oldjimmy sounds like you got a good plan, like to see some pic on how you get the on interesting keep posting :-)
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[bobinbc]

I'm glag to see someone using this front suspension on a TF truck, can't wait to see how it turns out. I'd heard of this but after I'd already bought all new parts for my donor clip. There is a little bit of info on the web somewhere, can't remember where I saw it...subscribed!

[OldJimmy57]

Think you are referring to this thread. And yeah Carcrafter gave me the idea. And being that he is a local boy. Guessin' if I had any questions he could answer them.

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/71...o-67-f100.html

[speesh]

Cool, I also saw that thread, then spent a couple hours searching the net for more info. Didn't find any. So I will be watching this one!
By the way.....$500 for a 5.3...is that a common price? That isless than it would cost to rebuild my old 350!
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[OldJimmy57]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/03-04...item20b4933a55


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/03-04...item5d2b933b36


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/01-Si...item20b47b26d3


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/01-SI...item439c7f4b8c


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/02-SI...item2c583cc967



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2003-...item20ab517a47


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2001-...item2ea9ca599f


Tons of them for that price just depends on what you find. Also you can go the whole swap route and get a good deal on the entire setup. Or a NEW motor from GM.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Brand...item2eb09c3c34


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/07-08...item2a09bc784a