The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop 1958 3100 Chevy frame swap or IFS upgrade?

I want to upgrade my 58 Apache front suspension with coil springs, disk brakes and power steering, also want to change the rear end ratio for a V-8 with a 700R4. Can anyone answer a few questions for me, the first, has anyone used a 1973 to 1987 C10 frame under a Task Force short wheel base truck? The second, would a 1998-2004 S-10 Blazer frame work better? I can obtain the C10 from a salvage yard alot cheaper than an IFS would cost me, which an IFS is about $3000.00 Please let me know. I appreciate your help.

Never done it myself but I believe the S-10 frame is much closer to the Apache frame you have. The C10 is way too big.

The S10 Blazer frame will be too narrow, plus too short on the wheelbase (100" wheelbase for 2 door, 107" for 4 door).
Try a search on the site. There's a few guys on here that are adapting the front crossmember from a C10 truck to the '55-'59 chassis.

Try this link
http://www.thehollisterroadcompany.com/C10ifs.html

S-10 is really, really narrow. You have to run 2" spacers on an AD, and the TF is about 5" wider yet.

The 73-87 IFS would need to be widened just a bit (or your frame pinched)

I would look into a Corvette IFS and IRS or a Jag unit before spending $3000 on an IFS kit. I also bet that IFS kit is Pinto based as well.

I used the front clip from a '79 Firebird on my '56 TF.
That gave me PS and disks. Used the rear axle from the same car.

Requires a bit of welding but it looks real good when finished.

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v246/rbachman/?action=view&current=PB030017.jpg&newest=1

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v246/rbachman/?action=view&current=PB030015.jpg&newest=1

Bob, that is one of the cleanest clip jobs I have seen. Did you also use fish plates inside the box section, or did you but weld it?

I agree with Bob,it's takes a little work,but the camaro-firebird clip is the way to go.I did mine with a 1979 firebird trans-am big-block and now have p.s,disc brakes,and real beafy front stabilizer bar.Used a 1997 pontiac firebird trans-am rear[flipped on top the springs] in the rear and now have disc brakes and a 3:42 posi ratio and the trans-am rear stabilizer bar.

Scott, thanks for the kind words.

I vee notched the fb clip and narrowed it to fit inside the tf frame. Then I used sections of the old frame to box the inside and made diamond plates for the outside. Here is a shot that better shows the joined area.

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v...PU/?action=view&current=PB020010.jpg

I used Ross's information from this site as a guide.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=220256

I want to thank each one for their reply, Midget Farmer, LongBox55, THilde, Scott Danforth, Bob B and Arch5867. You all make the rebuild much easier, by responding to my questions and providing me with all of the threads and links. I appreciate all of your help. THANKS STOVEBOLTERS