The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop '73-'87 chevy IFS under an Advance design

A few years back I found an article on this subject, I think on this site. I am attempting this swap now and could really use some help in the form of pictures and advice from anyone who has done this already. I have the IFS and power steering box from a '77 chevy 1/2 ton resting under the frame rails of my '51 and I want to make sure I do it right before I go any further. Any tips?
Bryan

My tip would be to not do it. The assy you are using is too wide for the AD series. I have never seen a definitive step by step process for this but the results I have seen have had the tires sticking outside the fenders by at least an inch. Unless you are raising the truck up this will result in crumpled fenders. I did see one person who took some meat out of the center of the crossmember and re-welded it. The result would be most likely custom engine mounts.

If you have it under your truck now, stop and put your fenders on. If you like the look then go for it. Who am I to say you should not.

somewhere in my basement i have an old truck magazine with your name on it..it has a step by step article on this install.if your interested its yours. email me and i'll send it your way

David, I am interested in that magazine, I sent you an e-mail.


TooMany, Thanks for the links, I can't wait to check them out.

Houston, It's too late to turn back, I've already removed the original front suspension and got rid of the parts.

Bryan

I have done this swap. It works. In my case I used an 84 GMC
1/2 ton front end. I cut an inch and 5/8 out of the saddle welded it back together and bolted it up to the AD frame. Spacers could be used instead of cutting the saddle. You end up with disc brakes, power steering and a TRUCK independent front suspension. Downside is its a lot of work but its cheap and effective. You do have to fab your own front motor mounts. I have pics somewhere on this site. Do a google search for Andereggen/Joyce IFS and the pics should come up. Weeds

weeds,
I have looked at your project and I like the results but I'm leaning real heavy toward using spacers rather than cutting the saddle, due mostly to my skill level and tool supply. Is this a project I should take on in a double garage shared with the wifes Buick and three motor cycles? If i have everthing I need on hand can it be done in a weekend?
Thanks for the input
Bryan

Back when I had my '49, I did a Camaro clip. Worked out pretty good!

http://www.bunchobikes.com/truck.JPG

I have an extra Camaro clip if interested.

3genchevman, I don't think you can do it a weekend in a 2 car garage with 3 motorcycles and your wifes Buick. What happens if you scratch the Buick? If you follow Andereggen's instructions carefully it will come out OK. Be aware of his measurements. Houston 54 is right the wheels will stick out so you will need to scour the junkyards for wheels with a lot of backset. I think the main advantage of this swap is that the grille, fenders, radiator support etc, etc. will all bolt right up in the correct position on the original AD frame. Can't do this with a front clip from another car. My 2 cents. Its your truck do it to suit yourself. Weeds

MNSmith, I thought about a car front clip,I evan had the sawsall in my hands about 1:00 one morning a year ago, but the pickup will be a daily driver and I live in South Dakota that means 9 months of winter and 3 months of road construction. A Truck suspension seems like a good idea.

Weeds, thanks for the tip. I'll back the Buick out before I start working, I once dropped a 4x4 post on the roof of my wifes Dodge Durango, that kind of damage doesn't just buff out. Well she DID get over it but I'd rather not travel that road again.

Bryan