Hello to all! I have been reading the tech articles on the h.a.m.b. as a guest for a while, so I finally got off my *** and joined the best forum on the planet. I have been working on my 54 chevy for a while now and am in need of some honest advice. I'm running a 355 sbc, t-10, and a 57 nomad rear end on basically stock suspension (cut coils and lowering blocks). The time has come to really address the shortcomings of my current setup, but am a bit confused as to what direction to take. I have been researching the Gambino "Ultra low" setup and really like the triangulated 4-link rear setup, but am confused on the front install. In their thread about the MII installation, it looks like the floor above the trans was raised. Was this because of the TH350 they had, or is this necessary to install the fatman crossmember and the super dave motor mounts? I really can't sacrifice much legroom (I'm 6'3") so this is kind ofa deal braker. I think I have around 4" clearance with my current setup, so unless the fatman suspension radically impacts engine/trans placement, I don't think that i need to break out the plasma cutter quite yet. I love the look of a 49-54 chevy laying frame, but we have ****ty road maintenance here and snow is always possible. How high does the car sit at "rideheight?" Any help/advice is greatly appreciated! Cheers! <!-- / message -->
If you are interested in the Gambino setup I suggest you call him. Become an alliance member and get a discount on his stuff. He is a great guy and very helpful with what you are doing.
Theres many dif ways to get that car low...mines running Ch***is Eng Must II with C10 style truck arms for the rear so i didnt impact the rear seat pan...just some rear tunnel raising...my frame is within 1/2 inch of the ground and rockers about 2 inch off ground. (crossmembers touch ground when aired out tho) Timmyp is rite tho if you want Gambino set up you prob should give them a ring
i think it's cause it sits so low. that it's best to raise the drivetrain, so when it's aired out it doesn't hit the oil pan. check out the No Limit set up as well.
How's the ride quality with MII/ C10 setup? Any pics of your setup Eric? Do you run dropped spindles in addition to the airbags? I like the idea of the 2 link for the lack of floor cutting, but i've read of some sacrifices in handling. I really like how reliable my chev is now, so I don't really want to fu*k it up. I dont mind some metal surgery, but i can't bring myself (and my wallet) to the point of a total frame off custom build. Anyone running the MII disc brakes with a stock master cylinder? I know at some point this become an issue as well. Anyhow, you guys rock!
im running the No Limit IFS set up on the front of mine.. easy install. Im happy with mine... and yes you do have to raise your driveshaft tunnel a bit.. and aired out it will hit the ****** crossmember like Eric said.. Waltons Fabrication sells a crossmember that will eliminate that... if you havent already, join this group for 49-54 owners... good info there as well.. good luck! CJ http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/group.php?groupid=94
I am running ch***is engineering front and back with a TH350 no issues and a fellow HAMBer buddy of mine that has a 54 is doing the same. Sam
Yes Im running drop spindles with 7" 2300lb Dominator bags in fron and 6" 1500lb Doms in rear. Check out my build thread. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=476824
I just talked with Alex at gambino's, he's a great guy and very helpful. I'm with timmy, give him a call
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