Is it NOT a "bolt-in" swap! Nor is this swap for everyone. For every guy who's done it and liked it, there are probably 3 who didn't like it.
This swap requires some fabrication (spacers for the IFS and steering box mount), welding (for the shock mounts), and even more work if you have a non-stock engine (V-8/250/etc.).
The 80's trucks have a 4" wider track width, and just over 1" wider frame width, versus the AD trucks.
They also have 5 lug wheels versus 6 lugs (at least for the 1/2 tons). The 3/4 tons both have 8 lug wheels.
Ride height is a problem - don't plan on lowering if you go to this swap. Some folks have reported problems even going to stock ride height without majorly cutting springs.
You also have to cut through the inner fender to put the steering box in the fender well. You also have to hack up the steering column, but these are the only "non-reversible" changes you have to make.
That much said, I'm currently (and have been for the last 1 year) doing this swap on my 3600.
I found a donor IFS ($115, including power steering pump+box) and manual steering box ($30) in the junkyard.
My cousin cut some 5/8" spacer plates in his high school metal shop, and we drilled them for mounting the IFS to the frame. Waiting to get the frame painted, then will start bolting everything together with good pics.
We had to make our own engine mounts because the 250/V-8 engine mount wants to be in the same place as the IFS mount.
Check out my site, with some pictures of the parts:
http://www.homeacres.net/chevy Here are my notes on the IFS swap - most of this information comes from Bob Fischer, some other guys who did the same swap, and my own investigation:
http://www.homeacres.net/chevy/ifsswap/index.htm Feel free to e-mail with any questions, comments, etc. There is also lots of discussion in the archives. Check it out...
-Boyo
