AD Chevy truck on '73 - '87 truck chassis?

I know the S10 swap is the popular one but I need a little towing capacity. I was wondering how well the '48 - '54 Chevy trucks fit onto the '73 - '87 Chevy truck ch***is. I am actually more worried about the front suspension than anything else (being too wide). Anyone have pictures of a truck with this swap? Thanks

 

The front end is way to wide if you want the wheels under the fenders. Rear end is also too wide.

 

i have seen some really nice trucks at shows and you look at the front wheels and they stick out like oversized ears on a rabbit.

 

I have seen that as well, I was not sure if it was the front suspension or just too wide of a wheel.

 

The rear axle width is ok.I have a 80's 6 lug 4x4 half ton axle in the rear of an AD truck,it's only about an inch wider than stock.
Some guys section the front crossmember to narrow things a bit.Easy enough to do if you feel comfortable shortening the tie rod connecting link.
There was talk here awhile ago about altering the front A arms,I don't know about that..........

 

Is the front suspension in the '73 - '87 trucks still bolt in? BTW it is a 3/4 ton (AD truck and the donor truck)

 

Yes, crossmember and all the spring pockets, A-arm mounts, etc all bolt on. I agree it will be too wide unless you narrow the trackwidth.

I do not think your 3/4 ton is any wider than the std 1/2 ton. The much bigger trucks like 1-1/2 ton do have bigger and wider fenders. They also have very large radius wheelwell openings due to the original very tall wheels and tires used on them.

 

The ch***is you are considering using is actually the worst one possible. It is much too wide for the AD body. The best options for these trucks, other than rebuilding/upgrading the stock set up are, IMO:
IFS Kit
Rear Steer Sub-frame
G-body Sub-frame (some have been known to use the whole frame)
S-10 Swap (most I have seen wind up much too tall)
2nd Gen F-body sub-frame
Volare'
Pacer
73-87 GM truck

It is your truck though. Do what you want.

 

I asked about doing this a few years ago, using a 2 ton or so '54 cab and nose. Consensus was it would be too wide even on that.

That said, if you can scare up some early Toronado or Eldorado wheels, they'd set the tires in quite a bit and they'll fit a 1/2 ton front end (5x5" pattern). I think I still have two or three of them floating around. Don't know if they'd hit anything on the inside (tie rod end?) though.

 

I could see doing something like this



because it would only look "right" as a 4 by

 

i have my 1946 chevy pick-up and 46 gmc pick-up on a 19977 and 1985 frame and i am doing my 38 gmc and they all fit great and look great too go undewr andy smith on stovebolt and under 41-46.thanks