I just ran across this thread while doing a search for a Stovebolt member with no results. So, I did a search on myself and found this thread. Wow! I am amazed on how many people actually used this set up. Plus the fact they call it the Andereggen/Joyce IFS swap. Anyway, I've talked to many people over the years about this swap and have also posted an article on chevytrucks.org to help answer some questions. I never did complete the project as I ran into some problems.
First, the steering geometry is not set up right on my truck as I eyeballed everything not realizing how criticle it was. I didn't get the front frame section with my doner crossmember so I guessed. Big mistake on my part. I should have made some sort of template of a frame section to correct the problem.
Second, and the main reason I gave up was the wheels I wanted to use stuck outside the fender like a sore thumb. The only way to fix this and use those wheels is custom rotors. I couldn't find anyone to make them for me. Not even at SEMA in Las Vegas!
My main goal going into this project was to have a IFS that road stock height and use my 90's era S-10 alloy wheels. I'm not a fabricator or welder so everything over time was jobbed out and was getting very expensive for me.
The steering geometry would be an easy fix after making templates off an original 1963-87 truck frame. I also seen a program on a weekend tv show showing how to change out the stock linkage and replace it with a rack and pinion set up. This would also fix the problem. The one ares I was stuck on was the track width.
I also found a thread in my search that involved ride height. First off if you look at a stock 1963-87 frame the front crossmember sits in a hump in the frame. The AD truck frame is straight, no hump therfore increasing ride height. To solve this you can use droped spindles and lowered springs. Do not cut the coil springs. They don't function properly after that. I did something different. I used air bags. This is a fully adjustable set up.
So that leaves Track width. Unless I went with some other wheels such as a custom offset steel wheel. My wheels just would not work. This was my main reason for switching back to stock suspension for now. It will get me on the road again until I find something else that works. It's been almost 10 years since my truck has been on the road.
Along with my search last night I found a guy in the swap meet section, parts for sale that is building a crossmember set up to use S-10 components. I'm currently checking with him on ride height and track width. He is planning to build and sell this as a kit.
If anyone has questions feel free to call or e-mail me.
Thanks again,
Steve Andereggen
