Lengthing the wheelbase, is it necessary??

[Bonechip67]

Stubbing a new/diff Nova subframe on my 53 shortbed 3100. The old sub was grafted level with the frame and measured out at 115.5 for a wheel base. I know its supose to be 116 but, if I lay the new sub under the stock frame do I have to lengthen the wheelbase? I have seen on here where guys have done so to make the wheels centered in the wheel openings, but I guess I dont understand while you would have to if you built it to the stock measurment of 116. Any insite would be greatly appreciated as im ready to weld mine up soon! Thanks in advance!

[Kid]

I suggest mocking up your sheet metal prior to commiting.

[mr48chev]

Originally Posted by Kid

I suggest mocking up your sheet metal prior to commiting.

+1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

one thing you have to remember that is the wheel position on and A frame front suspension can change a bit with a change in caster.

Plus you need to mock the truck up with the front sheet metal on it and have it site at normal ride height with the wheels and tires you intend to run or at least the size you intend to run and stand back and look at it and see if it looks right or looks wrong. With the 55/59 trucks most guys like to move the wheels forward an inch or so to better center the wheel in the wheel well but you may be pretty close as is on the AD truck.

[mknittle]

on most AD trucks the rear is too far forward by an inch or so. so watch just using the wheelbase for reference.

[robozride]

Necessary? no. Look better? yes. mock it up and put it where YOU think it looks good. My 56 is 1.5" forward and im glad i did it.

[mknittle]

Originally Posted by robozride

Necessary? no. Look better? yes. mock it up and put it where YOU think it looks good. My 56 is 1.5" forward and im glad i did it.

exactly.

[Kabwe]

Bonechip67,

Take Kids and mr48chev advice and do mockup its very important.

[Bonechip67]

Thanks guys. Got the old off and fitting the new. Only problem is Im working out of a 2.5 garage and my wife gets half so the cab and parts are in storage lot and will have to be hauled back for test fitting. I live in one of those subdivisons where you cant keep anything in your driveway for more than 4 days in a row.:m6 Hopefully the snow will hold off for a little while longer!

[mknittle]

Originally Posted by Kabwe

Bonechip67,

Take Kids and mr48chev advice and do mockup its very important.

Kids? Thanks for the compliment Kabwe.

[OrrieG]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

+1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

one thing you have to remember that is the wheel position on and A frame front suspension can change a bit with a change in caster.

Plus you need to mock the truck up with the front sheet metal on it and have it site at normal ride height with the wheels and tires you intend to run or at least the size you intend to run and stand back and look at it and see if it looks right or looks wrong. With the 55/59 trucks most guys like to move the wheels forward an inch or so to better center the wheel in the wheel well but you may be pretty close as is on the AD truck.

+2!! Some guys also modify the rear axle location too. When you are evaluating it take pictures from a distance perpendicular to the front and rear wheel openings. I know this sounds obvious but as someone who relies on accurate photo documentation for a living I know just a little bit of an angle can make a difference. Easier to cut off a few spot welds than feet of full penetration welds.