Best IFS set-up for 56 Chevy Pickup front?

[cajundragger]

Originally Posted by fuel68

Does anyone know about this truck and the front suspension on it? I can't imagine a 56 frame wouldn't be stronger than today's 1/2 ton frames.

http://www.dieselpowermag.com/featur...ram/index.html

its not. a '56 frame will give and deflect much more than a frame from a newer truck.

if you really want a diesel look at something smaller or something like a duramax with aluminum heads.

[andrewmp6]

I hate to say it but i would take a 12 valve cummins or 7.3 powerstroke over the duramax.But no matter if your going to use a engine that weights what a diesel does make sure the frame can handle the weight.I would also look in to a 99 ford super duty frame or even a dodge something 1ton at least.If you want a 4x4 stay away from the ifs 4x4s gm made they break off road.

[cajundragger]

I only offer up the duramax because it is the lightest weight. I'd never want to get into a debate of why it is the most superior diesel on the market on this board as I'd be banned quickly when others' ignorance is posted.

[fuel68]

I just cant get into a Duramax or P-Stroke- don't want an electronic engine anyway... mechanical 12 valve is much easier and makes stupid power/torque.

A guy on another forum has a 12 valve with a powerglide in an s-10 with QA-1 coilovers and 500lb springs...after a few months of driving its good so far he says. Also, Indy Cylinder head just released a aluminum 12 valve head which would drop the weight some.

Would I be better off to buy a 68-74 nova clip or 70+ camaro for strength?

Keep the info coming guys, I'm basically new to these trucks!!!

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by fuel68

Would I be better off to buy a 68-74 nova clip or 70+ camaro for strength?

Keep the info coming guys, I'm basically new to these trucks!!!

That would be going backwards. Truck spec'd parts would be better/more HD.

[andrewmp6]

The weight of that cummins i would be looking in to a new frame for it.Either one custom made or something from a 1ton pickup and put your body over it.Your looking at adding 1200lbs to your truck i won't trust the frame under it now to hold that weight.If your heart is set on keeping the stock frame its gonna take boxing it and some bracing then weld in a ifs kit and probably 4 link the rear.

[fuel68]

Originally Posted by andrewmp6

The weight of that cummins i would be looking in to a new frame for it.Either one custom made or something from a 1ton pickup and put your body over it.Your looking at adding 1200lbs to your truck i won't trust the frame under it now to hold that weight.If your heart is set on keeping the stock frame its gonna take boxing it and some bracing then weld in a ifs kit and probably 4 link the rear.

I have a 56 3/4 ton I was thinking about using. Plans were to box it all in, weld in IFS, heavy springs up front and custom rear setup. I am going this weekend to talk with my chassis guy who's doing my race car and see what his thoughts are also.

[andrewmp6]

That should work also see how long the cummins is vs your stock inline 6 for clearance.

[Tony@AirRideTech]

I will post on this subject because it is something I.... well.... I can... I would strongly recommend not doing the A, F, or X body front clip swap and here is why.
A. Even if you found one that was worth installing you are going to have to completely rebuild the front clip to even make it road worthy which is going to put you back up there in price.
B. After all of the work in locating, rebuilding, cleaning and painting... you are now going to have more work in properly aligning and installing this piece because when GM engineered that front crossmember they had no plans of it being installed in a truck... and a properly engineered front crossmember will go in much easier AND come with new components.
C I spend more time diagnosing install issues with improperly installed front clips than I do any other issues.
D The front suspension geometry on the first gen F body and A body actually suck and the front clips have to be modified to even make them roadworthy for average handling. The ford twin I beam being the worst, I would probably classify the A,F body within the top five best boat anchors out there.

[fuel68]

Thanks for the info on the frames out there. I didn't want to clip it, and now I really don't like the idea. My chassis guy is gonna put some figures down this weekend so hopefully we will figure it all out. I will have pics up tomorrow of the beginning of the build hopefully! Keep anymore info coming!!!

[andrewmp6]

Just make sure you get front springs to hold the weight of that cummins and i would run 12 inch disc 4 piston calipers to help stop it or bigger depends what rims you want to run in the end.Have you looked in to the cummins 4bt its basicly a 5.9 they cut two cylinders off.Most the big box trucks like ups fedex etc uses and uses a gm trans i believe.The 4bt weights 745lbs 130hp but 355 foot pounds of torque,And it can be modded for more power if you want it.

[fuel68]

Ok so I didn't make it to the chassis shop last weekend, but going tomorrow. Here is another option that came to be this week. Dad secured a insanely clean 82 one ton cab and frame. He is just using the cab so I am thinking about putting 56 sheetmetal on it and switching the front out to 5 lug front with heavy springs for the Cummins.

Back will probably be 4-link/ladder bars with some bigger wheels/tires. I know they are wider than 55-59 but with custom a-arms and backspacing the front wheels shouldn't be too hard.

Thoughts?

[andrewmp6]

That could work but while its a frame i would box it good its easier to do now then later.To get that cummins in there http://www.destroked.com/parts.shtml or http://www.autoworldmt.com/Page_11.html both carry about everything you need.Do you want a auto or a stick?

[fuel68]

Originally Posted by andrewmp6

That could work but while its a frame i would box it good its easier to do now then later.To get that cummins in there http://www.destroked.com/parts.shtml or http://www.autoworldmt.com/Page_11.html both carry about everything you need.Do you want a auto or a stick?

I have been looking on those two sites and they do have a ton of stuff! I am going with an auto. I've shifted enough gears in my life! LOL

[fuel68]

How much wider is the front axle on a 73-87 than the 56? I haven't had a chance to measure yet.

[andrewmp6]

Auto trans i would be look at a beefed up 4l80e or a allison trans or a ford 4r100 beefed up.If the truck is already a 14 bolt rear end then you are set but changing it to a 5 lug might be fun.