The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop clipping a 58 and keeping the stovebolt

I found a 76 trans am front clip cheap.
I was thinking i would like to clip the 58 and keep the stove bolt with a s10 5speed and flip the TA rear end.
I am not looking for speed as I have a 52 Pontiac with a 350 and 700r.
The 55 235 I have has hyd lifters and works nice and would be a shame to get rid of it.
My goal would be a nice driving truck that would be able to cruise at 65.
Has anyone done a clip and kept the stove bolt?

Upgrading to the T5 and using the TA diff is going to give you all the cruising speed you want. I'm with you so far! But I question the need to "clip" to be able to drive 65 mph.

Aside from the "harsher ride" tweaking your straight axle and adding discs, sway bars, and decent shocks will get the job done. I've got close to 10K on my daily driver (webshots) straight axle truck and am a firm believer in the strength and durability it affords. My truck will cruise at 70 mph at 2000 rpms all day and aside from an additonal amount of feedback through the steering column, it handles as good as any of my late models. That semi that blasted by you at 85 mph pulling 80,000 pounds was running a straight axle. Just something to think about!!!

Dave

I agree. I'm stll running the straight axle as well, and mine also still has the drum brakes, too. Just did an overhaul on the spring bushings, a good set of gas shocks, front and rear sway bars, and a steering stabilizer. I'm also running radial tires (Michelin). Truck handles very well, with just a bit of a push going into the turns. I do run it at highway speeds.

me 3, no need to mess with the front end, which would make it next to frustration to keep the 235 anyway, have to do a lot of fabrication to fit that long deep engine in the TA clip - if ya want a truck keeo it a truck

Bill

I dont agree with clipping. The straight axle will be fine up to the speed at which the aerodynamics come into play.

If your desire is to go IFS, simply bolt on a 73 - 87 front IFS to the frame you have.

I didn't think the 73-87 was quite as simple as bolt in.
Clipping a 58


I was flowing this thread and I could have the clip rebuilt and ready for install for about 350 with new parts.
It would lower the truck and cost less than a drop axle and front end rebuild.
It should make a nice steering and stopping vehicle that my wife would like to drive.

One of the bigger challenges would a power steering pump.

The 73-87 (actually 71-87) front suspension does require you to drill holes to bolt it in. I think 14 of them. in total. however yes, on a 55.2 or later it is almost literally a bolt in.

The last time I checked, you can get the front IFS at a u-pull-it yard for about $50

Clipping has issues, and if not done right, will develop cracks where the two are welded together.

IFS alone will not make a "nice steering and stopping vehicle"
Power steering, new bushings and king pins and a disc brake upgrade would handle that.

My original intent was to do an IFS swap and keep the 235. I didn't use a clip, but the IFS from a '79 half ton. As a matter of fact, I installed the IFS with the six still in it. But after I started, everything kinda snow balled and I ended up swapping the 235 for a 327. However, plenty of guys modify the suspensions and still keep the bolt. I think it's kinda cool myself. A good running six with dual carbs and Fentons really stand out from the crowd!

[/quote]
My original intent was to do an IFS swap and keep the 235. I didn't use a clip, but the IFS from a '79 half ton. As a matter of fact, I installed the IFS with the six still in it. But after I started, everything kinda snow balled and I ended up swapping the 235 for a 327. However, plenty of guys modify the suspensions and still keep the bolt. I think it's kinda cool myself. A good running six with dual carbs and Fentons really stand out from the crowd! [/quote]

I have a newer 4x4 truck as daily driver. I don't need a whole bunch of power. I have a T-5 i got cheap and picked a excellent Trans Am clip for $100. I thinking of a truck my wife would enjoy driving and could carry something in the back. I don't mind the old steering as it kind fun to wrestle around. I am in the process of painting the truck this week if all goes well.
The stove bolt has a cool factor especially with a split manifold.
Thanks

i also kept the front straight axle in mine. a 3 inch dropped with 1 leaf removed.
all new king pins, tie rod ends and a steering stabilizer, power front discs and radial tires.
i have had it up to 80 mph and it dont shake a bit.
one day i want to install sway bars.
i like the look of the original front axles personally.

leonard

I have always had to use the van front crossmember for the 55.2-59, the pickup is 4" too narrow where the frame rails go. The pickup fits the 47-55.1 AD trucks by using a 9/16 spacer on each side. Tires sticking outside the fenders are a problem with both the AD and TF with no easy or cheap cure. If some of the new big diameter wheels that many are running now would clear the steering arms with increased back spacing that would be a way to go. 15" and 16" wheels won't clear the arms.

I was wanting to Keep the stock "I" beam Axle in a 59 but wanted to lower it about 3 " with one of those drop axles from Classic performance products,

does anyone know if any other part needs to be changed to use ???

And does the truck drive better even though there is more leverage between the wheel and the spring plate

Cheers
Brett

Leonard has one sweet truck. Not sure I like the color myself, however I can look past that and picture it Black.

Bafster, I would pm Leonard ( RATRODKING )