Project: Scott's IFS into 51 GMC

[Katrina/10]

Truck already has a V8 engine, auto trans, and power steering with stock frame and axles. I intend to do this without removing any drive train or sheet metal.

[Russell Ashley]

Post lots of pics as you go. I have a TF but the installation should be similar.

[Katrina/10]

Are you interested in buying a suspension system? This one is a bolt-in, i'm not sure if Scott's makes one of these for a 55-59. They should have a weld-in.

[Root2812]

I applaud your desire to get this done without removing extra things but you may want to reconsider not removing the fenders. You can leave the hood on the truck and remove the radiator support and both inner and outer fenders all as one unit fairly easy. That labor will save you a lot of fighting in a tight space and you'll wish you had done it when you scratch the paint.

If you don't mind me asking, What did you have to give for the bolt in from Scotts?

[Russell Ashley]

Originally Posted by Katrina/10

Are you interested in buying a suspension system? This one is a bolt-in, i'm not sure if Scott's makes one of these for a 55-59. They should have a weld-in.

It's definitely in my plans. I just wish I had the $$ I have spent on a disk brake kit, power steering kit, king pins and bushings, spring bushings, etc. back. It would go a long way toward a decent suspension.

Your truck is a beauty, BTW.

[Scottshotrods]

We do have a bolt in ifs for the 55-59 chevy truck as well

Justin

[Katrina/10]

Originally Posted by Scottshotrods

We do have a bolt in ifs for the 55-59 chevy truck as well

Justin

Hi, Justin, I finally got time to post the some pics, more to come.

[Katrina/10]

Removed the old front axle.

Marked the center.

Removed exhaust manifolds, now I have to get this old engine mount out of the way.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by Scottshotrods

We do have a bolt in ifs for the 55-59 chevy truck as well

Justin

Just curious - up to now I have intended to do a dropped axle, Posie's Super Sliders, etc - How much does your ifs lower the truck from stock?

[Scottshotrods]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

Just curious - up to now I have intended to do a dropped axle, Posie's Super Sliders, etc - How much does your ifs lower the truck from stock?

Dan- Good question there and one of the best things we can offer our customers is.We can build you any drop you are after in our crossmember.

1.If you want to drop your truck down one inch we can do it

2.If you want your truck to sit stock we can do it

3.If you want your truck to have a 2-3-4-5-6- or lower we can do it

Hopefully this gives you a idea on what we can offer you

If you have more questions let us know and you can call us at the shop at (805)485-0382 if you would like to

Justin

[Dan in Pasadena]

Wow Justin, that's a pretty impressive option. The only IFS I truly considered instead of a dropped axle etc, was the No Limit Wide Ride. Feature for feature and gauge of metal, would you say you're head-to-head with them?....or better?
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[Scottshotrods]

There are alot of options with all ifs kits on the market.As I tell all of our customers and all who call us.Is do your search and homework call up all the Manufactures who make there products in HOUSE and not over the water.Ask them questions on there parts and see what they have to say.Like I will call us at the shop and you can speak to one of us on the phone and you can see for yourself on what we have to offer.

Justin

[Katrina/10]

The crossmember fit perfectly between the frame rails, without cutting anything.

The engine is supported by a jack.

The steering shaft is connected to the rack, looks like it will not need a center joint.

[_Ogre]

Originally Posted by Katrina/10

The crossmember fit perfectly between the frame rails, without cutting anything.

hey, that's cheating.
i had to cut, box and weld
looks good

[Katrina/10]

It was nice since the crossmember was all one piece, the only thing you have to do is put it in place and attach the control arms. That makes it pretty easy. And nothing protrudes into the engine compartment, so no cutting the inner fenders up. looks like it's gong to work well.

[Katrina/10]

Made some more progress but the sway bar doesn't fit. The radiator support crossmember is too low to install the sway bar bushings and brackets.

[focusedontheprize]

You are doing a great job on top of not removing anything. Keep the pictures coming.
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[Katrina/10]

As you can see, the crossmember and steering are mounted. I did lower the crossmember 1 inch so I would not have to cut the frame for a rack notch. The crossmember is a bolt-in, but I welded it also. So I would say it is possible to install this suspension without removing any drive train or body parts, and cut nothing!

[Katrina/10]

Got a new sway bar from Scott's, it all fits now. It mounts in front of the radiator support to the two rivet holes where the spring shackle is in front of the frame.

[oldman3]

Sway bars looks good in that location, nice fix...Jim

[solidaxel]

Another good looking GMC!!!

[Katrina/10]

Thank you very much! It's coming along.

[mknittle]

Looks good Gary it will be well worth it. I like the GMCs.

[Denee007]

Hi Gary! I'm on board here! That IFS looks great! I wish I had known about it back a while. I didn't know these came to where one can have a desired height like Justin described You're write-up is great with excellent photos! I think I'll just live with what I have and make a decision a year or so from now~ and look seriously at the IFS system you're showing! BEAUTIFUL truck!
dne'

[Red Foreman]

Real nice work on the front end, you made it look easy!