61 C10 Suspension Upgrade Question. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ravidmnas1 · 09-10-2015, 11:24 PM

I have a 1961 C10 Apache, I want to upgrade the front suspension, but here is the deal. I have a 1976 Frame that i want to use instead of the old x frame, and a company called Total Cost Involved makes a whole kit but lists its only for a 1963-1972 c10 and was wondering if could be retro fitted to fit a 1976 frame? What all would need to be done. I tried contacting them with no luck to my question. Thanks.

Here is the kit in question http://www.totalcostinvolved.com/p/1...-plain-package

patrickk1 · 09-11-2015, 07:32 AM

I never understood the concept of getting rid of the x-frame. Most suspension systems that work on a 63-72 will work on a x-frame with minor mods. You just have to remove the torsion crossmember and you're removing the whole front crossmember anyways. A few people on the forum have done it and it wasn't difficult. X-frames are stiffer than the later ones. TCI wouldn't be first on my list for suspensions. I would go No-limit or porter-built first. No-limit has a new 3-link for our trucks that is much better priced than TCI rear kit, plus IMHO the three link is a much better suspension design.

65sub · 09-11-2015, 10:47 AM

swapping the later frame takes a lot of fabrication. I would look at porter built for the front suspension.

HumphreyMurdoch · 09-11-2015, 09:00 PM

I've got a '62 and can say there are ups and downs with the x-member frame.

Ups is many things are now made for those frames nowa days, or if they aren't most of them can be made to work.

Downs, the x part of the frame makes it real tough for exhaust, mine is under the frame for a lot of it and is a bummer cause mine is pretty low. Thats the big one for me. Plus, not that it matters to most, the trans crossmember is fully welded to the frame. Mine was bent and I had to use a universal, which isn't tough to do but I really wanted to use the stock crossmember.

ravidmnas1 · 09-12-2015, 04:43 AM

Does the x-frame do well with handling power, i looking to make it a 600-800hp street rod with the supercharged 502 that is going in it. With a 4 link, and upgraded front end, and some frame stiffeners should i be alright?

blown240 · 09-12-2015, 10:34 AM

From what I have read, the X frame is stiffer, so it should take the power better.

09-10-2015, 11:24 PM	#1
ravidmnas1 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 20	61 C10 Suspension Upgrade Question. I have a 1961 C10 Apache, I want to upgrade the front suspension, but here is the deal. I have a 1976 Frame that i want to use instead of the old x frame, and a company called Total Cost Involved makes a whole kit but lists its only for a 1963-1972 c10 and was wondering if could be retro fitted to fit a 1976 frame? What all would need to be done. I tried contacting them with no luck to my question. Thanks. Here is the kit in question http://www.totalcostinvolved.com/p/1...-plain-package

09-11-2015, 07:32 AM	#2
patrickk1 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Billerica, Ma Posts: 197	Re: 61 C10 Suspension Upgrade Question. I never understood the concept of getting rid of the x-frame. Most suspension systems that work on a 63-72 will work on a x-frame with minor mods. You just have to remove the torsion crossmember and you're removing the whole front crossmember anyways. A few people on the forum have done it and it wasn't difficult. X-frames are stiffer than the later ones. TCI wouldn't be first on my list for suspensions. I would go No-limit or porter-built first. No-limit has a new 3-link for our trucks that is much better priced than TCI rear kit, plus IMHO the three link is a much better suspension design. __________________ - Patrick 1964 GMC pickup lwb ~ My newest build! 1937 Ford Coupe ~ Custom frame, LS1, quickchange 1950 Chevrolet 3100 ~ Bagged (Sold) 1931 Chrysler Roadster ~'32 Ford Frame, Channeled 8" (Originally a 60's show car) 1967 Chevelle ~ 454 Triple Black (Sold) 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS (Sold)

09-11-2015, 10:47 AM	#3
65sub Registered User Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: dresden , ontario Posts: 628	Re: 61 C10 Suspension Upgrade Question. swapping the later frame takes a lot of fabrication. I would look at porter built for the front suspension. __________________ Dale ---------------- My suburban's Twisted Little Sister http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=655167

09-11-2015, 09:00 PM	#4
HumphreyMurdoch Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: Murphy, MO Posts: 172	Re: 61 C10 Suspension Upgrade Question. I've got a '62 and can say there are ups and downs with the x-member frame. Ups is many things are now made for those frames nowa days, or if they aren't most of them can be made to work. Downs, the x part of the frame makes it real tough for exhaust, mine is under the frame for a lot of it and is a bummer cause mine is pretty low. Thats the big one for me. Plus, not that it matters to most, the trans crossmember is fully welded to the frame. Mine was bent and I had to use a universal, which isn't tough to do but I really wanted to use the stock crossmember. __________________ '62 C10 LWB fleet side. 283 w/ a T5

09-12-2015, 04:43 AM	#5
ravidmnas1 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 20	Re: 61 C10 Suspension Upgrade Question. Does the x-frame do well with handling power, i looking to make it a 600-800hp street rod with the supercharged 502 that is going in it. With a 4 link, and upgraded front end, and some frame stiffeners should i be alright?

09-12-2015, 10:34 AM	#6
blown240 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: CA Posts: 772	Re: 61 C10 Suspension Upgrade Question. From what I have read, the X frame is stiffer, so it should take the power better. __________________ '61 Panel - Helms Bakery Truck - Daily Driver - FOR SALE



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