I've looked at several options to add an IFS set up to my '50 3600. I have looked at the mustang and pacer but have desided to go with the suspension from a '79 C-10 basically because it was free. I just need to add new bushings and tie rod ends and I'm in business. I've read about this being done on 1/2 tons but not for the 3600. Are the frame widths the same on the 1/2 and 3/4 tons? From what I've read the track wtdth is wider but I plan on cutting about 1" from the center to help keep the tires tucked in. Anybody out there done this? Any pictures? Thanks Rob
You actually need to take 2" out since the tires on regular wheels are out an inch on each side.(0n a half ton). You will also have to take the same out of the steering center link and the factory motor mounts will no longer work. The irregular shape of the crossmember doesn't offer a place to pull an angle measurement very well so a bar tacked on each side of center that has the level at zero bubble before cutting is useful. Get an accurate pair of diagonal measurements because it can be level but angled in or out at the front or back. These figures will change after the section is removed but should still match each other. I don't know the frame width on a 3600 but one of the big bolt guys will. Good luck
One thing to consider is to make sure your springs and shocks will be heavy enough to support the weight without floating. Driving a floater around corners suck.
The best article I've seen on doing the IFS conversion you are interested in is at the www.chevytrucks.org website. In the two years I've had my '50 3100, the author has updated the article at least once, maybe twice, with additional pictures, diagrams, details, etc. I have done it with a '79 C10 IFS, and it all worked just like he described it. I don't think you'll be able to take 2" out of the center as suggested above, unless you move the brackets that mount the IFS to the outside of the frame. Another, much briefer, description can also be found at http://home.att.net/~bobsplayce/. Click on the "It's your AD" link on the left. As my truck is a work in progress, I have not had it on the road to know how it drives, but I think it'll be fine. Good luck with yours!
bolt in ifs f4fantm2, what size tires did you use? I have 16x7 torq thrust II's with 4 1/2" backspacing and want to make sure that the tires don't stick out too far. I also plan on cutting the coils to lower it a little. Do you have any pics?
Rob, As I said, my truck is a long way from being on the road. I went ahead and installed the IFS so I could roll my truck in and out of my shop. I set the cab up on the frame so I could work on it, but there are no fenders, bed, etc on the frame. I left the tires on that came with the IFS (225-70R15). In the article I mentioned, Steve has some great pictures, and he says that reverse offset wheels will have to be used to keep the tires inside the fenders. That's a bridge I'll cross when I come to it. I do have some pictures, but can't get them to attach to this msg, but if you'll shoot me your e-mail address, I'll send them to you.
I have heard of people sub framing these trucks with an s-10 front clip, but I haven't done it or even seen it, just heard of it. I'm using the s-10 frame under mine and I'll be able to put any wheel that I want to. If the wheel and tire is too narrow then just use a spacer. I know that coilover has done alot of the s-10 frame work, he may be able to help you out.
I'm almost finished putting it in. Still have to mount the gearbox and steering column. I took out 1.5" from the center and with some help of my trusty grinder I was able to get it all bolted up. It looks factory. Other plans include a 300 hose 327 with TPI and a 700r. I have already mounted a Blazer tank in the rear. Can't wait to finish!
I narrowed the crossmember to keep from having to use spacers and to help pull the tires back into the fenderwells.
I realize you narrowed the crossmember. What did you do about narrowing the center part of the steering linkages?
I did the same thing on my center link, cut a section out, welded it back, and welded a sleeve over it. Did you have any trouble getting the sway bar back on? That was the hardest part to get back on for me.
The unit that I have didn't have a sway bar. I plan on making a trip to the salvage yard to find one later. I also need to take the rotors to a machine shop to have them redrilled to match ay camaro rearend. Bob, are you finished with yours yet?
Bolt on IFS My truck won't be finished until this summer at the earliest. If you're asking if my IFS is finished, yes it is. I'd post a picture of it, but for some reason the attach link doesn't work for me. I'd like to see pictures of yours if you have any, and if you'll send your e-mail address I'll send you pictures of my front end if you're interested.
Finished bolting in the ifs. Still have to hook up the steering but so far so good. I posted some pictures - http://rides.webshots.com/album/557329451gKHuSm. Rob
I've posted some more pictures. Pogress is slow, but it's coming together. Steering is done, rear end is in, motor is in. In the process of redrilling the rotors to the 4 3/4 bolt pattern & run the brake & fuel lines. I'll probally remove a few leafs from the rear to drop it and put some dropped coils up front. Once every thing is mocked up I'll detail everything. So far, so good. -------------------- mobileortho Smile, Jesus loves you!! http://rides.webshots.com/album/557329451gKHuSm
