The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Suspension swap under 54 chevy

I'm hoping I don't get to much flack for this but has anyone ever put a ford ranger suspension under a 54 Chevy? This will be my first project ever and I'm excited to get started on it.... I was thinking about the s10 suspension like a lot of people do but I have a friend that has an abundance of ranger chunks at his finger tips. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

It depends what year of Ranger. The S-10 is definitely easier, and the ealier rangers had a terrible twin I-beam front suspension. You would need to confirm the track width and wheelbase too, but it's not a swap I would attempt, since you won't have the experience of others to rely on if you get stuck, since it's uncommon to put a ranger under a AD truck.

I've read that s-10 swap would be the easiest In a couple places. I plan to use the original frame and the suspensions from the ranger should I choose to go that route are from 2001-11. I'm by no means experienced in rebuilds but I'm fairy good at collective learning and decent with working in stuff, i do have two guys that are going to help anytime I need it, one works in a body shop ( the one that has the ranger suspensions and suggested maybe using them) and the other is a welder.

There is nothing wrong with the stock suspension. The fact that many people who have never driven one tell you "That's how 'they' do these old trucks", is no reason to get out the cutting torch.

My dad just told me he had a few of those old trucks back in the day but he doesn't remember the stock suspension being that bad. I don't figure it will ride like my new truck cause its like riding on a cloud. Does anyone know of a place that sells bag suspension for the original frame set up? My dad also grumbled a little under his breath at the mention of this but its something I've always wanted to do with a truck and I love classics so why not kill two birds with one stone!

Your dad sounds like a wise man.

Boss,
If you have something that is complete and just needs some luving.... If you have something that is far gone, then do some research and then consider your options.

My two pennies,
Bread

Ride Tech / air over leaf


Total Cost Involved

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Dittos on Dad's wisdom!

With so many options on updating your stock frame and suspension out there .... you really need to explore those before getting into a major chassis fabrication nightmare .... My 2 Cents!

Don't get convinced to keep it stock or use the original suspension if what you want is something different. You'll forever be disappointed. Yes, there's nothing wrong with the stock suspension, but I love vehicles that handle awesome and I can get parts for anywhere if I'm stranded on the road, which is why I went the route I did.

Thanks I had no idea the made kits for leaf springs suspension!

I'm definitely keeping my options open at this point. I wouldn't mind really putting a newer suspension under it and having it bagged to wear it will lay out! It's a headache trying to decide what suspension though. I would love to one day be able to take it to a local show and enter it in so I know I want anything I do to look great no matter which route.