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#40821 07/05/2004 8:36 AM | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 8 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 8 | I have a 56 chevy truck, my neighbor has a 61 chevy truck rolling chassis, he got it for the cab, said I can have the rest, I was thinking that suspension has to be better then the straight axle on the 56. Any thoughts? I tried a search in here, can't find anything about this type of suspension , either good or bad. With preliminary measurements, it seems do able, but will it improve the ride? that's for any info, Greg | | |
#40822 07/06/2004 4:50 AM | Joined: Jul 2001 Posts: 3,887 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Jul 2001 Posts: 3,887 | anything's do-able Greg, but I don't think it'd be easy - don't have a 60's truck right now, but I remember those cabs being bigger than the TF - it's tough enuff to get all the sheetmetal to line up proper and look good on the frame that was designed for it - look at the diff twixt the rad supports on the 2 frames - that's what makes the whole front stay where it belongs, and you'd be fabricating that setup as well as cab mounts [beds are pretty close to the same] - check the position and angles of the steering boxes and columns too - would the column be the right angle and length to mount to the dash? and how about master cyl? the only plus about that swap would be the price of the chassis, but that'd be eaten up with all the rigging required to make it work
can't imagine 1 year difference would be very noticeable in ride and handling - my 62,63,66 weren't all that different from the 57 & 58 I have now, except I think the 58 can handle a load better than any of the 60s ones - nothing wrong w/ strait axles, the TF front end is great if it's all in good shape, and if ya want it 'softer', take out a leaf or even get good monoleafs, and good radials make a world of difference - if ya want a 'car ride' think about MII or such
Bill | | |
#40823 07/06/2004 1:42 PM | Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 2,384 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 2,384 | The 60-62 1/2 tons used a torsion bar front/coil rear, one of the best riding trucks ever built. I believe frames(56&61) are close in width, as the frames were widened in 63 w/change to coil front. BUT, the X frame makes it difficult to swap trans & front end parts are very high($100 ball joints, $100 wheel bearings). Brian | | |
#40824 07/10/2004 4:01 PM | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 8 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 8 | The more I think about it, and with all the upgrades available now , I'll put it back together stock, then upgrade to disc brakes and mono spring. The cost upfront is more , but in the long run, with lining up body parts, brake and clutch pedals, and steering , I think I'd be better off. Besides, the truck is going on 10 yrs of being in pieces, so I think I'll consentrate on getting it painted this summer, thanks for the input, Greg | | |
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