I went through this conversion and wrote an article on this. You can see the article at http://www.chevytrucks.org/tech/63-87_ifs_upgrade/index.htm
The front axle width for a 1947-55 1st. series truck is 58 1/2 inches. The front axle width for a 1963-87 1/2 ton truck is 63 13/16 inches. Hope this helps.