OK, I have a GMC V-`12, actually two of them, one has been street rodded (NQS) not quite stock.. Baby got some power. I am hoping to build a frame this winter and was wondering what kind of suspension I could find that doesn't cost me $2500. The engine weighs 1750 pounds. As a cabinet maker, I plan to build a turn of the last century C-cab ice wagon. Some of you may have seen the engine at the Run to the Sun and Charlotte Auto Fairs. All ideas are welcome. If the engine hasn't been sold I plan to bring it to N.Ga swap two day swap meet. Remember, I have two engines. Thanks Dan
exposed or covered, how wide do you plan on? If covered the mid 70's chevy pickup crossmember and suspension is ugly but unbolts from the frame and would bolt in if your new frame was made to fit. Weight of the engine would probably be ok also. Other front ends that have been used include the corvair, the pacer front end, and the the late ford full size cars. If you want a beam style- the early 50's ford or gm truck have many options for disc brakes and are easy to find from people doing mustang two swaps.
Larger trucks like 2 ton and above still use beam axles on the front, with disc brakes power steering and all. You might be able to get the frame, suspension and rear axle from a truck, delivery van or bus. Check your local junk yards or ads for old, cheap trucks. Use the complete ch***is with the V12 adapted to the transmission and engine set well back. Then build the body on the ch***is, just like the body maker would have done in the early 20th century.
Just run a beam axle and cross leaf, adjust the spring accordingly. I may want to run a forged henry axle or a reasonable facsimile there of.
When it comes to running a big as-s Jimmy, why don't you get a 2 ton or higher front axle from a chevy or a Jimmy? To me that is such an simple idea right in front of you, but gets overlooked despite being right in front of your nose. Just saying. If you doubt the spring rate, there should be a spring shop willing to make them for you. Jimmy rules and a 12 is no exception!
Dodge used a straight axle using dana 60 ends in their non-4wd pick-ups a few years back. (Maybe still do) Straight axle w/o any drop. Plenty heavy duty.
Don't forget the guy wants to build a C cab truck with a giant Jimmy V12. On a budget. And he is a woodworker not a mechanic or welder. I can see it on a beam axle ch***is with a stock looking 20s style body. If you want the 70s show car look it is going to be a lot more work, and a lot more expensive with plenty of welding grinding fabricating etc. You might also get away with a pre 79 Ford twin I beam 3/4 ton truck ch***is, if you can disguise the front suspension a bit. The coil springs can be obtrusive. Of course there are plenty of old truck ch***is and axles around. I am trying to think of something new enough that it will have disc brakes, power steering and be easy to get parts for.
Just for fun Google: randygrubb.com Or Blastoline I'm sure you have seen his work, a lot of BIG STUFF, but may give you some ideas.
for IRS it has to be a late model 1 ton diesel pick up ch***is ( ugly ) , otherwise I would straight axle it and use a straight truck or semi frame as the weight is stretched out and that thing makes gobs of torque ( would pull 80K like a diesel but you held out longer on the shifts to keep the rpms up ) and will twist the snot out of it . plus your going to have to have a big fuel tank(s) as when I drove one in a gmc B it only got 1 mpg ( gas is apx 7 lb a gallon ) . you might get 2 down hill and bobtailing , they where thirsty motors . we sidelined this truck on the farm because of that . it got a Detroit conversion later in life .
Have you seen this: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/index.php?threads/992819/ I would think about it, I don't know how fare it is from you but sounds like a good match. And if my post sounded like a rant, it's because I dislike the general aproche of cutting of a parallel spring front suspension of an graft on a single transverse leaf set up. So I just snapped a little. No intetional harm meant!
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