1953 lm7 5.3 suspension questions

[Motasupra]

Hi we just got a 1953 5 window back into the family after about 10 years. Found the same truck but now engine and transmission are shot. So instead of rebuilding we have a lm7 and a 4l60e we're going to toss in. I have seen a lot oh threads about v8 swaps but not so much lsx motor swaps that are completely done. I need some pics of what you did to clear the steering? Also we're on the fence about ifs or upgraded I beam with disk brakes. Thanks

[torchlight]

We made it work with a single connecting shaft, but to accomplish this we used custom-built headers that have the exhaust for the #1 cylinder "bumped out" somewhat to provide clearance for the steering shaft to go through. This bump out also required modification of the inner fender to create a "hump" that allows the headers to fit without making contact. Used an ididit retrofit column and an 88 t-bird rack as part of a Scotts Hot Rods IFS setup (mustang ii basically).

[Motasupra]

Wow that's a good looking set up. Thanks for the pics as well.
Has anyone done this with I beam ? We looked at the speed way I beam with disks but just don't know if it will make things worse or not. Also we do want power steering with either set up and 4 wheel disk.

[tmoble]

the best I-beam truck I've driven was much worse than the worst IFS one I've driven. The IFS on that one was the Mopar passenger car setup and was very poorly installed to boot. Any kind of a Mustang II or Pinto setup will drive better.

BTW, the I-beam truck I mentioned was my own, all rebuilt by me with much care and all new parts including springs. Tried many things to get it drive well, but it was still a buggy spring setup at best.

Disclosure: my truck now has 2nd Gen Camaro front and C4 Vette rear, drives like a go-kart, only with suspension.

[mongocanfly]

Check into flatouts crossmember and a vette front..that's what's going in mine..light weight, power rack, 12"disc brakes...http://www.flatout-engineering.com/products.html

[solidaxel]

Your truck will much more fun and driveable if you change the front suspension to IFS
and power steering

[Motasupra]

The way the truck sits now the front bumper sits 13" off the ground and the rear of the running boards is 10". It's lower in the rear mini gasser style. What is the ride height of the ifs? We don't want a super low truck but we would like it to be safe at speed. Possible test and tune nights at local car show kind of thing but the focus is daily driver not a drag car. We have a drag car and it's no fun on the street plus 110 octane in Cali is not cheap to put in just to go for a cruise.

Also is this one of the better sites to use for a 53 build? Seems to be a lot of people on it and good information on the forum. Thanks

[solidaxel]

City, highway, some off road mine work great.
Measure the bumpers in the parking lot and go for 1 inch clearance as a starting point for your front bumper
I think I measured the front of my running boards at 7 inches

[mongocanfly]

Solid is spot on with about 7"..most are driveable at around 6" with minor scraping here and there..7 will be a little cushion..on mine 6 is what I'm going for..that's where they look best to me if your not using balloons for suspension.. (sorry..couldn't resist)..

[BlueJeep]

Mine is 5.5" at the front of the running boards. 3000 miles driven last week and zero scraping, though I did get it stuck on the beach in Louisiana.





Mine's on an s10 frame, all the details are in my build thread but I averaged 22mpg with the 5.3.

[Motasupra]

Thanks for the information. I'm looking at all the build threads and I think I'm learning a lot.
This is what it looks like today with the front higher then the back. Is there a way to have ifs but have it ride a little closer to stock.



[IMG][/IMG]

[Motasupra]

We rolled a front runner off our car up to the truck for fun. We will be taking the truck to the strip from time to time. We need a new driver fender.

[iowaboynca]

I would say that you are at the point of your project to take a step back and really map out the 4-6 things you want this truck to be:
-> Is it a daily driver or dragstrip monster?
-> Is is it a frame off, number matching restoration or hot rod or something in the middle? (restomod)
->is the frame solid or will you need to do the S10 swap?
->keeping the patina, garage/wknd paint job/or top of the line paint?
->you've mentione 5.3 what about transmission and rear end?

That's where the fun begins...

Once you get there feel free to start a build page and let us know what you do!

[Motasupra]

OK so we want a daily driver that's set up to make a pass safely. We were thinking around 13.5ish not crazy. We don't have a lot to spend so we want to put money in to function.
1. Motor gen3 5.3
2. Trans 4l60e
3. Axle that I'm looking at is a 99 explorer true track
4. Leaning to an IFS but don't know what one yet.
5. New hood and driver fender.
6. Power brakes
7. Power steering

We looked under the truck and it is pretty clean not a lot of rust no cracks at mounting points. The battery box was the only area that looked bad u see the cab.
That's the plan so far. Engine, transmission, wiring, and tune $3100. Rear end $200 friend. IFS kit??? Power brakes $299. Not to sure about the rest. I'm going to do the engine swap and suspension.

[Motasupra]

Sorry I meant under the cab. Does anyone know if the stock style manifold clears the steering for an IFS? Or would I need to make headers to wrap?