Anybody got any good suggestions on potential donor for a subframe for a 62 ih half ton truck? From what I can tell the track width (I measured center of tire to center of tire) on the front is roughly 65 inches. Mine has the independent suspension from the factory, just want to upgrade to something GM with power disc brakes and power steering. Kinda been leaning towards mid eighties GM 1/2 ton truck for a donor or maybe something around a 90 model. Going to go with GM engine and ****** also. These trucks sit lower from the factory but I'm afraid a car subframe would be too narrow.
Your probably on the right track. I would pull the wheels and tires off the front of your truck and measure the Hub to Hub width rather than rely on the track width. Also, think about what tires and wheels you want to run and figure for back spaces and fender clearence and such.
Forgot to mention, I want to keep a stock appearance to the truck, til you raise the hood anyways, so that is the reason for wanting to not get something that will be too high or too low. Not as worried about the too high part cause I know that could be remedied.
How low do you want the finished truck? What is the outside width of your stock IH frame at the firewall?
Actually want the truck to sit at about stock height. The C series 1/2 tons already had a lower profile from the factory so they already have somewhat of a lowered look compared to other brands.
The 73/87 Chevy truck crossmember would be pretty easy to swap if it fits your frame. I'm thinking that the International frame is quite a bit wider than the Chev frames at the axle centerline though . The best thing is probably to head to your favorite source for used parts with your handy dandy tape measure in hand and do some measuring. Another option might be a Jag Crossmember that seems to be gaining popularity. All in one unit with R&P steering for usually under 400 bucks.
I am going to take some measurements on a 88 chevy this weekend. My father n law has an 84 I need to measure also. I have noticed that as the IH frame does seem to widen out as it goes from the firewall forward.
Just another thought on this deal, usually the idea when doing clips is to get the vehicle as close to ride height with the clip as you can. Most lowering or raising devecies no matter how well designed in some way compromise the suspension's geometery and ride qualities. Part of the "good" of a clip is being able to adjust the ride height with the install.
Just a quick update. I picked up a running 92 chevy 1500 this week that will serve as the donor truck for this project. It has a lot of miles on it but when we test drove it, it was pretty obvious the front end and brakes have probably been reworked. Engine has probably been freshened up at some point also. What I like about this deal is got everything I need now. No exscuses to hold up much longer!!!
The Chevy truck crossmember is way wider then the IH frame at the axle centerline. That era IH has a real narrow front frame. You can upgrade that torsion bar IFS with Power steering and power disk brakes off a 1973 1010 IH pickup and travelall. 1973 was the only year the IFS torsion bar front end had disk brakes and the is the last year for that style front end before they went to a upper/lower A arm/coil spring front end on 2x4's.
Going to clip it. On the rear end just going to do rear axle swap. Terraizer, that is interesting information for using a 73 to upgrade the current suspension. Since we are going to do a complete clip upgrade I'm guessing the frame width is not going to be a problem, but I could see where that would be a problem if I was only going to try and change the crossmember. However, never let it be said I didn't explore all opportunities. That is why I like sites like these. I will do some research on this, nothing been torched yet.
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