suspension swap

does anyone remember the site for installing the bolt in front suspension from 80s 1/2 ton into the AD truck ?

 

Try this. I used this swap myself.

 

Have done several of these but don't like them. Main problem is the tires stick out past the front fenders about an inch and a half and you can't use deeper offset wheels because they hit the suspension parts. Now that there are 17" to 20" wheels offered maybe they could be inset without clashing. It does just take 6 drilled holes on each side plus a 1/2" spacer plate on each side. A common mistake is having the in front of the crossmember steering box mounted so the draglink isn't level and it also rubs against the front of the crossmember. The crossmember is IMPOSSIBLE to balance on a jack so first measure the anti-dive angle of the top A-frame BEFORE it's removed from the donor truck and install the crossmember so the angle is the same. We always remove the engine and have a "U" bolt for the chain hoist hook tacked on the crossmember so it is suspended from above and is easy to manuver but several ones I know made four short legs that were tacked to the crossmember and held it in position while it was slid under the truck. One benefit is it will still have truck suspension and can be used as a truck but the springs will give a harsh ride since the later models were considerably heavier and usuall had accessories, like a/c, that added even more weight so the spring rate was increased.

 

I had my cross member narrowed. That eliminated the need for the spacers and it bolted directly to the frame. I added a set of 2 1/2 drop spindles and cut off about 1 1/2 coils. Did have 16x7 Torq Thrusts up front but just switched to 17x7 with 4 1/2" back spacing & 225 60 17 tires. The tires are almost flush with the fenders. Running a set of 18x10's in the rear with 285 50 18's. Haven't posted any pic's since the rim change but will soon. It's not your typical MMII, Camaro or S-10 setup but I'm satisfied.

 

Looks a little wide in the front, I like the pre 73 Camaro sub frame myself.......Big Tim

 

It all depends on how low you want it to go. If you don't want to lower it much, go for it. If you intend to lower it more than just a few inches, don't do it, the tires will hit the fenders.

 

I did this.I wish I could find a set of artillary wheels and white walls i could make work.

 

Did you narrow the crossmember or use as is?

 

Look at just about any vehicle now a days and you'll find that they all have a wider stance. I like the look myself, but that's just my preference.