Hi all, been reading posts on here for a while now and thought I would introduce myself. my name is John and i live in Arkansas. I am the proud 2nd owner of a 53 3100 that is going to get an 80's restomod. I know you guys like pics and I will post some when I start my build thread for now the one in my avatar will have to do. if any of you have successfully completed the "junkyard ifs swap" I would like to hear from you. I have lots of questions. I know a lot of you don't like this setup but it's the way I want to go. Thanks in advance for your time. John
WELCOME! You found our secret handshake, eh? ...PHOTOS... I would suggest a search of threads as this has been a hot topic. Why, I believe I even mulled this direction over quite a bit as well.
Hi Zig thanks for the welcome. I have searched this topic but no one gives specific details on gear box location and a bunch have started to do it but have given up. so that is why I posted this.
Welcome to the message boards, John! Sounds like you know what you want, and that's half the battle. Unfortunately, I can't help with advice on that swap, as I have no experience with it. However, I will be following your build thread once you get it started. I really enjoy watching other guys make progress on their trucks! Looking forward to photos.... Damon
My '50 3100 measures 60,3/8" from hub to hub, (wheel mounting surfaces). It has the original frt. axle with a disc brake, 5 lug conversion. (w/ '78 Camaro disc brakes). I think, Fatman uses a 56.5 track width on his IFS kits, Russ would likely know for sure. Total Cost Involved uses 59.250 on their custom IFS. Art Morrison's Sport GT chassis uses 57.75" w/13" brakes. Art Morrisons Standard chassis uses 57" w/13" brakes. I've been looking into this alot lately, from what I've read, the later model front ends need MAJOR sectioning and then very careful planning to get alignment right.
Thanks guys I know there is a lot of work involved. i just really like the idea of 1 keeping it all Chevy, 2 doing all the work myself. "I take a lot of pride in that" 3 I already have the the parts truck with disc brakes. I know this set up works because there are several I that I have talked to so far and they are very happy with it.
Used to do this swap all the time but not in the last dozen or so years. Back then 16" or 16.5" wheels were the max diameter so one was stuck with the tires being 2+ inches outside the fenders. Diameter is important because moving the wheel in, to be under the fender, causes clashes with the steering arm and tie rod end. I wonder now with 18, 20, or even larger diameter wheels available if ones with the big back spacing for front wheel drive vehicles would put the tire back in place. It's not a difficult swap but here's a tip: you absolutely cannot use a jack to maneuver the crossmember around under the truck--it just won't balance so tack a large U-bolt at the center and very back (in the trough that catches all the crap) and then hang from above with a hoist or cherry picker. Perfect balance and since hanging from a single chain it can be rolled, tilted, and moved side to side or front to back with two fingers. You MUST put an additional crossmember from rail to rail as close to the steering box as possible or a cracked frame is a sure thing.
Oops, was having a brain fart and combined straight axle wheel fit to the IFS. It's usually wheel to caliper interference with the IFS and once again maybe the large diameter wheels would maybe save the day.
thanks Evan, the plan is to use as narrow a tire and wheel up front as I can. like I said I'm doing an 80's themed restomod.
As long as you don't want to go low with it, you can make it work....the wide stance makes the "skateboard" look. Lots of 4x4 conversions are on these chassis, they don't care that the wheels stick out.
HA HA, yeah, you need to balance between a "skateboard" and an "outhouse on roller skates". Russ, does Fatman include boxing plates in their kits? I think I remember you having to fab those yourself.
They do not come with it. It is pretty easy to make. If you have a friend with a plasma cutter, make a cardboard template then have them cut. Or, you could send me the template and I'll cut them for you.
