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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Apr 2003 Posts: 67 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2003 Posts: 67 | -back in the saddle again....
but seriously, I have a 51 GMC panel, and recently read about the (relatively) easy bolt in nature of using a 73-87 GM truck front end / saddle to get PS, PB, IFS etc.
What other vehicle saddles will fit ? In my travels I see old RWD Malibus, Caprices, Cutlasses, GM vans etc.
Will late 80's early 90's GM pick up suspension assembly fit, or is it a different size than the old ones ?
Astro-Safari vans, and 80's full size GM vans are practically being given away, but will anything fit?
I may have to start carrying overalls and a measuring tape and notebook all of the time and start crawling and measuring.
Anyone have any knowledge of any saddles besides the pick-up one that is an easy bolt-up ? I don't weld (yet) so frame clips and heavy fabrication are out.
I'm good at finding junk / parts vehicles.
Thanks
Royzell
| | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,877 . | | . Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,877 | The later truck fronts give you a wider track width then the AD should have. Most of the time these conversions look a little odd.
I am a straight axle guy, so I say put disc and PS on your original axle.
Grigg | | | | | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 10 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 10 | Howdy, This link might be helpful to ya. Go down towards the bottom and theres a list of subs, front and rear whell bases and so on. Hope this helps. http://www.chevytrucks.org/tech/ifs&rearend.htm | | | | | Joined: Apr 2003 Posts: 67 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2003 Posts: 67 | Thanks Guys,
Deant 54, thats a great chart of info ! I know guys that have used some of the conversions mentioned, and many I had never heard of .
Grigg, thanks for the info on newer trucks, I had seen a couple beaters cheap and was just wondering....
Royzell
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 1,026 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 1,026 | I went with a '79 1/2 ton for my '50 3600. Grigg is right on the odd appearance but I opted to narrow the crossmember 1.5" to help with that ( anything more than that would require major fabrication). Also by choosing the right wheel & tire combo will make it look fine. Although mine is not quite road ready you can do a search here for Joe Way. He has pics of his truck that can give you a better idea of how it looks. I think he used reverse offset wheels on his.
Robert C. If it's true what they say, "You learn from your mistakes," I'm a Genius in the making. 1950 3600 | | | | | Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 69 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 69 | | | |
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