My Project 56Chevy1300

[56chevy1300]

Finally work starts on the 4 link.

[56chevy1300]

Ride height.

[Kim57]

I've reading this thread for a while now and your truck is looking really good. The ride height looks nice.
Kim

[rockdogg]

very awesome step by step write-up with pics. I'm currently working on a like project. we have only owned our 56 since may of this year. already picked up a camaro subframe and looking into motors and rear axle upgrades. will definately keep an eye on this posting and post up some of my own upgrades as well. our truck is in the avatar.

[56chevy1300]

Thanks for the comments Kim and Rock...I enjoy sharing my project with you guys...good luck with your own projects. This is a great site to get advice from when needed. Rock, there is a truck in my town here that is almost identical to yours...I'll see if I have a pic when I get home.

[CAL 58 GMC]

Originally Posted by 56chevy1300

Hey Dave, hope these help. There's about 3/4 to 1" clearance. I added a 1/8" spacer between the crossmember mounting bracket and the frame. I also welded the driver's side bracket to the crossmember as I cut a little notch out of it. I'm not sure if I can weld the other side...don't know if I could take it off if it was welded since its on the inside of the frame.

Thanks 56Chevy! This winter I'm going to re-work my cross member like yours. Right now mine hangs down way to low and bottoms out unless I have the bag aired up most of the way, then it rides like a 3 ton truck.

[56chevy1300]

Originally Posted by CAL 58 GMC

Thanks 56Chevy! This winter I'm going to re-work my cross member like yours. Right now mine hangs down way to low and bottoms out unless I have the bag aired up most of the way, then it rides like a 3 ton truck.

Hey Dave I'm just about to order some headers...I know you said you have camaro shorties...any other advice for me in choosing a set? What collector size should I go...2.5" or 3.0"? Did you have any clearance issues? Thanks!

[56chevy1300]

I couldn't wait for Dave's response...I bought a set of Hooker 2466's but as you can see I have some clearance issues...there's only 1/4" between the ps pump bracket and 1/4" between the steering shaft and the collector is making contact with the tranny housing...any thoughts?

[OrrieG]

It looks like the PS pump bracket hole lines up with the header hole like it should, longer bolt and shim between the header and bracket is required. Once bolted down the PS pump and bracket will move relative to the engine and header.

At the steering shaft the engine, if it moves very much, will move away from the steering, perhaps a mount on the other side to limit return rotation so it does not hit the shaft. It seems I have seen other applications where they dimpled the header (not recommending that).

At the trans ear, does the flange rotate so a skinner section misses the trans ear? It looks in the photo like it need to move down the exhaust flange?? Once installed the header, exhaust pipe and trans should move at the same rate too.

Just my thoughts..

[watahyahknow]

cant you just cut off or remodel that lip on the tranny , doesnt seem to attach to anything

[rockdogg]

looks to me, that is where the trans-cover goes to cover the bell-housing and torque converter at the trans to engine mount-up.

[56chevy1300]

OrrieG, yes the flange rotates, thanks! Wata, that is the mount for the inspection cover.

I am most concerned with the steering shaft. I only have about 4" between the shaft and the block at the exhaust port.

I think I'm going to return these and order the huggers, 2100HKR.

Thanks again for the help.

[rockdogg]

Hi 56chevy1300, love your write up going to be looking for those tapes on the sub-frame install.

here's a full size photo of our truck.



the worst part is that it still has the original suspension with a 500 ci eldorado motor. makes for some interesting driving.

[56chevy1300]

Nice ride Rockdogg! Here is a pic of a similar ride in my home town, pretty close, eh?

[55dude]

if you go with the blockhuggers you will need a late model starter as the early hi-torque ones are about 1/4" too long. ask me how i know.

[rockdogg]

Originally Posted by 56chevy1300

Nice ride Rockdogg! Here is a pic of a similar ride in my home town, pretty close, eh?

yeah, pretty close. at first I was alittle confused with the bumper, then I realized it's a GMC.

it actually has a Dodge box on it, looks OK, might look into changing it back to original style.

[56chevy1300]

Upgraded to 7" Slam Specialties bags up front...had to rework the cups because these bags are much bigger than the 6" Firestones I previously had.

[56chevy1300]

I decided to hire out some help with the brake lines, wiring harness, air ride system, fuel lines, steering etc. from a licensed mechanic I met through the local hot rod association. This guy does some awesome work.

[56chevy1300]

Pic 1 - check out these slick hose clamps
Pic 2 - powdercoated headers
Pic 3 - front shocks

[56chevy1300]

Pic 1 - modified air bag crossmember
Pic 2 - brake lines, fuel lines, air lines, emergency cables installed
Pic 3 - (right of booster) cruise control controller

[56chevy1300]

wiring harness install started

[56chevy1300]

Changed to tilt steering; you can also see the air ride controls.

[JML55]

Cool work, looks great.

[nuke1]

looking good, you just may hear her soon

[56chevy1300]

done