59 Straight Axle Question

[BigDan3131]

So as my next project I'm getting a 59 GMC 1/2 Ton longbed and I am keeping the stock from axle setup but will be lowering the truck front and rear with mono springs. I also will be adding 4 wheel discs and front and rear swaybars.

Now, what I want to know is if I cut out my firewall to allow further engine set back will it increase the handling of the truck? It will be an LS based motor most likely a new 6.0L with a cam and carb hooked to a manual valve body 4L80E. Fabricating the new firewall and trans tunnel will not be an issue.

[robnolimit]

In a word, yes, movong the motor back will help with the handling. But it would be a waste of effort in my opinion. A straight axle has no effecting camber gain, and a fixed roll center that is to high. Any handling improvements will be minimal, and, not comparable to any IFS truck. Mono springs - 450, disc brakes - 400, roller bearing conversion - 160, sway bar - 180 = 1290, with no shocks, steering or king pins. Also, stay away from mono springs on the rear. they are way stiff. use Posies super slide, or pull your OE pack down to 5 leafs and put in teflon liner. Flip the rear axle on the leafs, then flip the rear shack hanger to the top of the frame (move it forward 3/4" to get proper geometry) this will net a 5" drop without an expensive spring and the ride will be much better. Moving the tank and battery to the back is as much or more of a difference than moving the motor. - move everything for the most gain. Good luck.

[BigDan3131]

I hate front mount batteries anyway and I have to put the tank in the rear. I'm 6'4" tall and I need all the room I can get.

So Rob, outside of a complete frame built to my specs are there any newer vehicles frames I could use in a swap? If the S10 is the only one I will look to doing something else.

[andrewmp6]

Whats so wrong with a s10 frame ?

[robnolimit]

I would work with the stock frame. It already has all the correct body/bed/bumper mounts, and fabbing all of that on a second chassis is a bunch of work. There are three big factors in a project build, time, money, and quality. Time means your labor, and this means your skill level. When it comes to the front end, steering and brakes, quality = safety, and you can't cut corners there. If you can save up the money, buy a well made IFS kit (do your homework) and install it, or have it installed. If your a good fabricator, you can do a camaro IFS swap, but you still need to rebuild the clip. Changing the IFS will lead to steering column and brake system/plumbing changes, so plan for this. Be realistic of both your skill level and your wallet, and plan out a project you can finish and enjoy. Not trying to burst any bubbles, just want you to have a good experience with the truck.

[BigDan3131]

I appreciate your input Rob, I do have a chassis shop that I can take it to who does things the right way.

Andrew with the S10 frame I would need the mounts and such relocated plus larger brakes which I would be getting anyway and an upgrade to a stronger rearend. So keeping my stock frame and doing the upgrades to it will be easier in the long run.

[andrewmp6]

I knew of a company that sold bolt on mounts for a s10 frame swap,But after i looked them up its on 47-55 trucks tho.