1958 3200 Long Bed 5.3l/Jag IFS

[NoClassic]

My Dad and I have been working on this for a few months now, but are just now getting beyond the rust repair and into the mechanical portion of the build. The cab was in pretty bad shape and needed front floorboards, front/rear corners, and complete steps. The bed was in reasonable shape, but the front fenders will need new lower rear corners, and inner support beams.

We have done a few of the Gen III GM motors and this one will be getting the same treatment. The last build was a 55 f100 with LS1 and Jag IFS. The jag setup worked out really well so the 58 will be getting one as well.

Last week we got the cab back on the frame and set the motor in to check clearance. Everything looks like its going to work really well with no modification to the front cab mount crossmember, and just a small hump in the trans cover plate. We also found a 3.55 Ford 8.8 and flipped it over the rear springs along with shortening the rear portion of the bed. With the rear in we were able to test fit one of the 215/85/16 tires and wheels.

Next on the list it picking up a steering rack for the jag ifs to confirm oil pan clearance, and then getting it attached to the frame. I also included some images of the F100 I mentioned and my dad 51 with a 5.3l on an S10 frame. I am always open to criticism and questions so fire away.

[Kim57]

Welcome.
Nice project.
Kim

[NoClassic]

Thank you.

I should have some good updates once we can pick up the steering rack and move on to the subframe/motor mounting.

[NoClassic]

We finally found a rack and finished up the subframe install this evening. I had seen some people remove the factory front frame support. I really did not like that considering how substantial its construction is compared to the thin walled jag part. We trimmed the back lip of the factory frame support and removed and boxed the humps on each side. This allowed the jag crossmember to come far enough forward to get the hubs where they need to be.





We also put a small notch in the rear, boxed the frame around them, and relocated the bump stops.

[Kim57]

Nice job on the install.
Kim

[NoClassic]

We got the motor and transmission mounts pretty much done. Just a little more work on the engine mounts to improve strength when they come out again. We pulled the cab back off to paint the repaired areas and plumb brakes/fuel. I also included an image of when we were setting the subgrame/hub position. Ride height will be a few inches lower than shown. Hopefully the 215/85/16 fits.

[ricott]

Your project is coming along nicely. I'm a big fan of the Gen III LS engines in my projects. It looks like you have a lot of tranny in the back - is that a 6 speed auto? If so I assume it is a Gen 4 LS in front? Can't wait to see more pictures.

Ricky

[NoClassic]

Just a gen iii and 4l60e.

[Kim57]

Looking real nice.
Kim

[NoClassic]

We were able to get the front suspension put together and finish the shock mounts. I made a springs compressor as you cant use a traditional type on the jag IFS. My dad painted the frame began plumbing the brakes. Next up will be fuel.

[3drburb]

Very nice work.

[Kim57]

Looks real nice.
Kim

[NoClassic]

We got the G10 van fuel tank mounted this evening. Fuel line and pump should be here by the weekend.

[Kim57]

Fits real nice.
Kim

[NoClassic]

We finished the brake lines and all of the fuel up until the frame to firewall transition. The wheels are getting paint this weekend. I also picked up some caps and brushed the outer ring.

[Kim57]

Looking good.
That's a sweet cap.
Kim

[NoClassic]

I painted the wheels this morning. I think the cap looks alright on them, maybe paint the bowtie white.

[Kim57]

Those are real nice.
Kim

[NoClassic]

We had two of tires mounted to double check the fender clearance in the front before purchasing the remaining three.

They clear, but hopefully the ride height comes down a good bit as we get more weight in it.

[Kim57]

That's a nice looking tire/wheel set up.
Kim

[NoClassic]

I finished the steering and parking brake after finally finding a set of CTS manifolds. When a flanged bushing shows up I can complete the column shifter to 4l60e system.

My Dad picked up the rest of the tires,had them mounted, and also modified the spare tire mount for the new bolt pattern.

By chance the mechanical fan lines up with the factory shroud. My dads 51 uses the mech fan and its been great even with A/C. Happy it fits.

I have exhaust parts ordered so that should start once the shifter is done.

[Kim57]

Looks good.
Kim

[lynx5653]

fuel tank looks real nice. what are you using for pump etc. ? how low does tank hang down ? did you use factory straps to mount it ?

[NoClassic]

I modified the G10 sending unit/pickup to work with an in tank Walbro pump that uses a slanted filter sock. The tank does hang a bit low and is pretty much even with the leaf spring bottoms. We are running a tall tire so it being at that height was not a concern. The lips sit inside the frame and we made support bars for the front and back.

[Chevy addict]

Did you keep the stock wheel base?