I have a 1950 Chevy P/U. The question is I want to get rid of the solid axle and put something under the it that will give me power steering and a more comfortable ride. I use this truck as my daily driver, so I want something that is reliable. I've thought about swapping the frame with an S-10, I even have a doner S-10 ready to go. I've also started checking out the Mustang II frontend from Heidts, but then again I could always subframe it. What sould I do?? Which option is more cost effective, reliable, etc? I'm also going to add a/c and all that other fun stuff down the road. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MUSTANG II All the way. I have three frames in my garage, the orig straight axle, a subframe, and an S10. I decided to keep the axle, but wish I would have just done the M II. easy parts and install. I was scared at first but wish I would have researched more and just did it. Good luck.
I went a third route and used a 73-->87 saddle in the front. Actually I got a 77GMC minus eng/tny for the right price-FREE. I took just about everything I could off the donor, including the wiring harness,fuse blk, light switch, steering col/whl, pwr brake pedal assy/MC, pwr steering pump/box, and of course the frt saddle with dsk brakes, 5 lug wheels and the rear which I traded the 3:07 for a 6 cyl 3:40. Yes, the front is several inches wider than our 49 Chevy but it's my daily driver and I'm happy with it. I did not try to lower the front excessively so I have no trouble with tire/fender interference. Not for everybody but its cheap, and is a truck suspension so it's sturdy and reliable. Have some pictures on my web pages.
I had a first series Camaro sub frame under the 48 for several years and it drive great, handled like a slot car but I never liked the bulk of the whole thing and if you use a second generation unit with front steer you have to make the core support fit the steering. I haven't be a fan of the S-10 swap but if a guy is building a driver and not a show car that may be the way to go. I wouldn't blow the money on the cab mount kit though. If you want to run it w/o the running boards and set the cab down over the frame I think it would make a sweet truck and may do that with one of my spare cabs. The MII swap is straight forward and the big advantage is that you don't have to screw around making sheet metal line up. A little trim on the inner fender wells and you are there. I'm not sure you even have to do that with some kits. If you can't weld there are at least two kits that bolt on and all you need to do it are a hand full of wrenches and a 1/2 inch drill. Back in the early 70's JD Fikes of Waco and I put a 48 Cab on a 55 Passenger car frame. he ran the back part of the 3/4 ton bed shortening it at the second post and shortening the frame to match. Of course now days the Tri-5 guys would beat you like a stepchild for doing that. I
BobF, My uncle acually offered me one of those trucks for the same price, FREE!! I thought it would be to wide under my truck. Do you have any pics of your truck you could send me?
I put a 75 camaro under mine,drives great but a lot of f-n work to make it right,it can be done a lot faster and cleaner with a m2 but some times money is a major factor,so if you can weld and own a torch and grinder its up to you,i think i would save up and do a m2 next time.
I have been running a Fatman Mustang II crossmember kit under my 1940 Chevy pickup since 1998. This truck is running a 402 big block and muncie m20 wide ratio four speed. I have had no problems with this setup. I would do this over a subframe anyday.
I have a Fatman under my 50 chevy car and TCI mustang II under my 54 chevy truck, the TCI was a little cheaper and less work than the fatman. The fatman requires you to remove and install new races, install spindles then the brakes etc. and the TCI came already with the spindles and brakes together. That's my 2 cents for what it's worth.
JW Rod Garage MII with drop spindles, tubular a-arms, with c/m raised up into the frame. Rides like a dream. Aired all the way up.
I have my truck I did an s10 swap on. It rides great anything I want is at the parts store. I also have a 53 belair I put a fat man mustang II on. I like the s10 ride better ,but I was up and driving the mustang II swap in a considerable less amount of time. I think in the long run with buying steel and planning the chassis swap and welding and everything else going along with the frame swap. the mustangII was cheaper and much easier. Just my opinion
I have a 53 that I used a 78 Chevy truck cross member under. I narrowed the cross member 1.5" so that it fits the frame tight and to tuck the 16x7.5" 2007 Jeep wheels. Used a drop spindle and spring to bring the front down to match the flipped rear axle (also from the donor 78. Am using a 292 six for now. The frame and suspension work is done along with the motor, transmission and drive shaft. I am now working on patching the rusty cab. I am going to paint this one myself, something I have not done since a buddy and I painted a 65 Valiant of his in high school. I am now 40. This is my first post on the HAMB, so take it easy with the criticism. Constructive criticism is welcome. Here is a shot: Here is a link to my photo album with lots more pictures:
Hey Rock'n Roll long time no see. This is Harley... I had a Heidts M2 suspension with drop spindles under my old 51 Chevy PU.. I liked it alot. Drove nice.. no complaints..
OK, here are three photos that kind of show the tire/fender relationship. These are stock 77 GMC 15" wheels, no special offset or anything.
A sub-frame has always beed considerd to be an easy way to get a good ride, pwr. steering, etc. And most guys will tell you it's also cheaper. But if you compare apples to apples... figure the cost of a GOOD MII kit vs. the cost of putting in the sub-frame (which does require considerable fabrication skills and equipment). The cost of putting all new parts in the sub-frame (Ball joints, tie rods, etc) makes the MII comparable to the cost of the sub-frame and maybe cheaper. And they are strong enough for most rods and most guys can install them in a weekend with a little help from a few buddies and some beer. Either way good luck with the truck. BTW... that straight axle can be made to drive really nice with a some new springs and a rebuild...yiu'd be surprised!
No I sold it awhile back. I got another 54 to 2dr sedan to play with.. If you go the mustang 2 route I don't think you will be dissappointed.
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