if you were me what would you do...

i got a 57 chevy truck i wanna buy a new complete ch***is .. to get it in the weeds no air ride but a nice riding setup with all the companys out there i trying to figure out which way to go from art morrison to no limit to fatman to total cost and many more who has the best stuff at a good deal all of the prices are in the 8 to 10 k zone so and input on this if this has been disscused sorry for repost....

 

I would find a local rod shop, get a - http://www.industrialch***isinc.com/ front crossmbember hub-to-hub kit, A set of Posies super slide rear springs, and use the 5k left over to buy one heck of a motor........

 

keep the existing and frame subframe it. 4-link in the rear with bags all around. i have driven them stock and lowered and in lowered form things get damaged and torn off. slammed trucks look cool sitting!

 

Keep the stock ch***is, replace the front axle with a dropped one, and c notch the rear. Employ Posies Superslide springs throughout. No need for air bags or things like and your truck will still look traditional. Motor and trans mounts are readily available for these so that should not be a problem. I personally beleive that anyone working on these should steer clear of IFS systems, four bar set ups and the like. They make them look too new. If you need any help, p.m. me.
Good Luck,
Seth.
By the way, things can get damged and torn off, that's why you build the vehicle around your vehicles desired ride heigth. I replaced leaves in my spring packs becuse of tierod issues, exhaust clearance problems and ruff ride but if you are doing what oldno3fan is (building a ch***is designed to ride low and with top notch components) it should not be a problem.

 

One more vote to get in touch with Industrial Ch***is. El Polacko on here is he owner and he has done some really nice things with commercial ch***is. PM him and get his remommendation at least before proceding.

Frank

 

Have you thought of subframing it with Camaro sub? Good thread here on the forum on that subject. Maybe a fellow HAMB'er could do it, if you don't have the time.

 

If your looking at 8 to 10 k for a frame, dont even consider sub framing it....heck with the way frices and technology has come I wont ever sub another EVER again....

As far as the idea that a IFS ride takes away from the "traditional" look...those big old trucks cover all the suspention components, if your going for a driver, put the IFS in...if your a stickler for the traditional that no one can see, keep the solid axle...

Like others I drive a slammed truck in a city with HORRIBLE roads and have never ripped or torn anything off....yeah you have to be on your game and be aware of your road but its totally doable...

I would have a really hard time parting with 8-10k for a frame...

 

As you can see, there are numerous ways to get what you want. All four companies you mentioned are good sources and have their fans. I can also speak highly of the Industrial Ch***is stuff since I own an IC setup (which I bought long before I knew about the H.A.M.B., or got a chance to read Steve's posts about suspension design.) 10 years later, I haven't regretted taking the chance.

If your existing frame is in good shape, and you want something that can be a daily driver, you may be better off using it as a starting point and saving the money, as was mentioned. If you are planning a "show" rod, where it has the best/latest/greatest ultra-trick wazoo, it probably is best and cheapest to start with a Morrison frame or the equivalent. Think about your realistic goal, and the answer will be easy.

 

Camaro subframes , as suggested , are a good bet . It comes off as a complete unit and is already set up for an inliner or SBC . I have a Pontiac clip on my Studebaker truck . Rides nice , p/s , p/disc brakes and I can buy anything I need for it at any parts store .

p.s. I vote for an inliner motor

 

I did a couple of these frames with Corvette C4 front and rear using Flatout Engineering kits. Really nice stuff and they work really well. Wrote tech articles for Custom Cl***ic Trucks magazine on the installs - August and Sept 2005, you can find them on the web to have a look. MUCH better than an old clip, more modern technology, bigger brakes, don't hack up the frame etc.

 

art morrison.

 

<~~~~ another vote for industrial ch***is. thats the way i am going to go, someday

 

My Gmc sits like this with a Heidts superide II. stops good, drives good, steers good, no bottoming out, and most important, to me that is, no frame cutting.