The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Converting my 54 to a 79 1/2 ton front suspension

I'm new to the boards and this is my first post.

I've got a couple of articles (American Rodder & chevytrucks.org) on using a 63-86 Chev 1/2 front suspension and was just wondering if any of you have tried it and your thoughts?

Thanks...Pat

Several years ago I checked into putting a 74 pickup front end under my 54. it was too wide for my liking. if you will use the search mode on this sight you will find better donor front ends.

54ever, Welcome to the "BOLT". There is a topic in the Tech Tips Forum on using a later 1/2 ton front end on an AD. Some very good info also if you do a search of the subject. Lots of good folks here that love to share ideas, all you have to do is ask.

Its really too wide. With the right wheels it can be workable according to some who like the results.

Think about your intended use of the truck. Why are you thinking about doing this?

If your purpose is IFS and disk brakes and truck type look and performance, this might be a good option. If you want to lower the truck this is not the way to get there.

Thanks for the input guys. I'll let you know what I end up doing...Pat

Hey Pat, please do keep us informed.

I'm building a '54 too. I'm just 20 or 30 miles away over on Bainbridge Island.

There are a number of Stovebolters around the metro. We're planning to meet up at least once during the summer, so play attention to the Events forum for more details.

Will do, was at the Portland Swap meet last weekend and had good time talking with folks about AD's. In fact a stovebolter from Yakima turned me on to this site.

Pat

Welcome aboard Pat. I have done this swap myself on my '50 3600 and I am pleased with the results so far. I opted to remove 1 1/2" from the crossmember to make it fit flush to the frame. To lower it a bit I cut off about a coil and a half, but since then I've also purchased some dropped coils ( found them for $1 on ebay) but I have not installed them yet. The front spindles will be redrilled to match a 10 bolt rearend. The truck is currently in the shop having a 327 & 700r4 installed. If you plan on a V-8 swap you will not be able to use the factory mounts because it will be too low. I can tell you to think everything through. I initially choose this setup because I thought it would be more cost effective, but by the time you figure in a total rebuild and the custom engine mounts, it's not too much less a basic than a MMII. As I said am pleased so far. I hope to be on the road soon. Good luck with your project!

Welcome to the 'Bolt, 54ever! Let us know how the project comes along.

This is the first year I've missed that swap in a long time! Wish I had been there, but it just didn't work out.

I put a '77 front end in my '53.

The 53's stock track width is 59 3/4 inches. The 77 front end is 69. So I took out roughly ten inches from the crossmember and tacked it back together.
Now the bracket that the upper control arms bolt to is way to close together to fit in the frame. So we notched the frame in maybe 3-4 inches on either rail. Trimmed the tops off the main crossmember so it would drop down in the frame as far as possible.
Now the engine is a real tight fit between the rails. Reversed the stock 350 mounts. Bought some summit headers that looked like they may go straight out far enough over the upper control mount. More modification to the frame there aswell.
Now have a power rack from a mustang II to mount and then bring the steering over it all.

So you can do it, and do it cheap, you can make it work with the right width but manomano is it alot of work.

Good Luck.