53 GMC bolt-on IFS

[tcarp]

I had planned on using the late 70s silverado bolt-on front suspension for my 53' gmc, but then i read that the gmc trucks have a longer frame and different crossmember. Has anyone tried this on a GMC or know if this makes a difference? This is my truck from high school that I finally have the time and means to turn into a legit hot rod. I plan on doing a complete frame off with a sb350/th350 tranny and updated rear-end. Any pointers woudl be great

[pgf545]

I am in the middle of installing a mustang II front end in my dads 52, there are a couple of articles posted in the topic "engine placement" that might help you. dwcsr posted one and I believe he used a late model front end on his truck. These guys will have the answer for you though they have really helped me with my project.

Bernie

[dwcsr]

You can do it but the wheel willl stick out about 2" on each side. even with offset wheels they still stick out. its almost a boltin deal. You need some 1/2" spacers for each side and then drill the holes for the cross member. I don't think GMC and Chevy were different in that year but some one else may chime in on that.

its an relatively inexpensie swap but as I said the wheel will stick out some. You could wide the front fenders and that would take care of it.

Here is the link. http://53truck.ez15loan.com/ifs.php

[tcarp]

From what or where can i get control arms that are 2" shorter? I would really like to keep the tires somewhat inside the fenders. The article is very helpful, I appreciate it. I had already considered cutting a coil or more from the front springs, so this just reinforces that idea. I also diagrammed everything at the scrap yard as you did. I'm just waiting on my new bushings and tie rods to come in to start rebuilding and painting the suspension. This control arm idea would be the icing on the cake as i would like to have the whole unit complete and ready to roll under before i take any fenders or hood off. thanks for the help, I plan on posting pictures of my progress throughout

[dwcsr]

You might be better off widening the fenders. shortening the arms will throw your steering geometery all out of wack. The link I sent you was not my front end here is the one I did on a 58 3100
http://www.webrodder.com/article.php?AID=264&SID=60

[53burb]

Fat Man Fabrications sells narrowed A-Arms. I'm not sure if they have one for your application though...http://www.fatmanfab.com/06page3.htm

[tcarp]

how much of an offset did you get on the wheels....

[dwcsr]

On mine I didn't need an offset wheel because the 58-9 cabs are wider accross the front. But the offset was in that first link I posted. http://53truck.ez15loan.com/ifs.php this is not my truck its the truck I copied for my 58. in the original article I think he used Van wheels.