The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop front suspension

before you ban me let me ask this quistion,somewhere on this forum,i read where someone,used pacer susp.on haft ton chev.can anyone point me to this post.

this may help http://www.chevytrucks.org/tech/ifs.htm

why would they ban you ?..i'm using a pacer in my truck.......dave

ok,guys this is what i have on my mind.i own a 77 grimlin,which is a good runner.i am thinking about putting the runnign gear engine,tranny,front suspension on my 54 gmc 1/2 ton.whatta you think? do,nt be shy.

I think it's a shame.

DARE to be diffrent. Why not. Classics are fun. But make it your own. To each his own.

Putting a subcompact suspension like a M-II under a pickup is dumb. The Gremlin system is stronger, but it's obsolete. Gremlin parts are scarce now- - - -what about in another 10 years? I'd suggest using a suspension system from a later model full size or mid-size truck rather than destroying the load carrying capacity of your pickup.
Jerry

I believe the load carrying capacity is only 1500 lbs. How much suspention does one need for that? Not trying to start anything here but heck, I put that in the back of my 94 escort!!!!! Just making "light" of it of course, but it just doesn't carry that much weight. Besides, the Mustang kit from Chassics Engineering is beefed up, both in width and strength. It's nothing like a stock Mustang II frontend. I do agree though, go more modern, even use new stuff. Why go through all that work for an old and yes, "obsolete" frontend. Stock springs or MII kit, there's only one "right" way to do something as important as a front end, and that is going with new springs, shocks etc. All that said, use and budget, should, and usually does, have the final word. Better to use it than have it sit in a garage forever!!

I agree with Panhead, use something newer. The AMC is surely worn and will need parts, Have you checked prices for that yet? You think the local parts house has even herd of a AMC !

What are you gaining from this swap that you can't get with a upgraded stock axle?

All I see is a lot of fitting and welding, miss matched parts, questionable steering linkage, wrong wheel bolt pattern, etc.......

Stock axle is made to fit, can be up graded with disk brakes, modern tie-rods, modern designed leaf springs, safe steering geometry, and still carry as much weight as you can load.

Joe

ok guys did,nt mean to start a rukus.but for the ill informed,the grimlin has one of the best suspension sys.put on a lite weight car.very good disc brakes,very smooth power steering.for those thinking i am to far out of the box,feel free to remove all of thispost.no hard feeling.

like i said ,i have a pacer under my 49 project..its been a long term deal due to some unfortunate circumstances.when the front end was installed which was extremly simple...parts were readily available...they are still around but a little more difficult to turn up....one good thing is you wont have to cut your frame for the install....if something goes afoul in the future and parts arent available you can always remove it and go a different route..
my main concern is getting the stance to my liking,lowering options are limited...although i did cut one coil and had a buddy make a set of lowering plates to drop the spindels...

but yes they are definatley a heavy duty suspension....good luck with your truck..any questions feel free to contact me.......dave

I'm not the moderator Johnhull but this is the HI PO forum. Your just fine. WE all learn from one another. Lots of good idea's here. I think, but may be wrong, that the parts you have are "free" and that means a lot when you have something that works.

On the mustang II I understand Jerry's point but I've been running a Stang II front suspension that I took off a junk car in 1998. I did NOT cut the frame on my 37 but the crossmember welded in is PLENTY strong as well as the spring towers ect..for lot less than the new stuff. I replaced bushings,m/c,booster and new shocks. The 37 drives great!

On the 52panel I did as some suggested. It has the stock front end but I added power steering, new shocks and upgraded tie rod ends. I've only driven it up and down the street so far but it "seems" to be fine. And as mentioned I can put disc on it later without much problem.

Go for it. Let us know what you decide and how it works........BECAUSE I know where a Grimlin is that I can get my hands on.

Absolutly- do what you want. It's your truck. We are all just adding in our 2 cents worth. Some of these replies, at least from me, are from actual experience with whatever u are talking about and some are just opinions from learning things many other ways. I am fairly new here, less than a year, and I have found the OLE (not OLD of course) timers are usually right on with the "old" stuff. Most of us tend to stay with the tried and true, but heck, how would anyone ever progress if they didn't try new stuff. I take a step back and think why, when I don't get any replies, not when I get many different views. I figure the dumbest thing to do is not to ask. I'll never see but maybe a handfull of these guys, ever. Don't sweat the small stuff cuzz it's ALL small stuff!!!!

I try odd stuff all the time, is what makes this hobby fun. Opinions are just that, don't take them to seriously or you will never get anything done. We just don't want to see you get lost in your project.

I like almost stock or at least stock look stuff, and over the years I have found its the easiest and cheapest way to go. I built mine that way and got it on the rad for some seat time. After a few years I started to change a few things out and alter others. Its been a on going task to get it to ride better and drive as best it can. I am happy with it now, it still has some old truck feel, but at the end of the day you still have energy to do something else. When I first built it, a 200 mile drive felt like 2000, now it feels like 200!

Joe