I have the front and rear suspension from an 88 Chev 3/4 ton van that I want to use under my 55 Ford COE. Does anyone know of a Chev frame this stuff will bolt to? The frame width (if there was one) under the van is 44 inches wide, outside to outside and and the front suspension where it bolts to the frame is wider than anything I've measured. I realize I may not be starting with the right pieces but the price was reasonable. I'm prepared to build a custom frame if I have to but I was hoping to get a rolling ch***is on the cheap for now. I've searched the net inside out but can't find anything. Can anyone help?
What happened to the chevy ch***is? Need some ideas look at this build thread: http://coetrucks.t35.com/My.COE.Project.Page.2.html
Basically the Chev van is a uni-body (like a 69 Camaro)and the suspension just bolts up to the bottom of the van. I would like to use these pieces because I think the width will be right for the COE. I see a couple COE's on here where they've used 5 bolt patterns and single wheels and that's what I want to do. I'm only guessing but I would think that Chev must build a frame that this stuff bolts to but at the moment I don't know where to look. Can't see these pieces being specific to vans only.
I'd bet that a simular year 1/2 or 3/4 ton chev truck frame would work on the parts you have. Measure one in a wrecking yard?
Everything I've measured so far is narrower. They're 34" wide where the psuedo frame under the van is 44". The van just has a 10 bolt rear but the spring pads are 50 inches centre to centre, also wider than anything I've measured. The one 88 frame I looked at has the front crossmember welded to it. Just the A arms unbolt from the frame. This is totally different than what I have. My front suspension is about an inch wider where it bolts to the frame than anything I've measured. I'm sure there must be something out there but so far I have'nt found it. I know I can build or have one built but at the moment I have a 32 Vicki close to the bodywork stage so my money is headed that way.
From what I know Van frames are always wider than pick up frames. My 1938 GMC is on it's stock frame rails. Up front it has an early 80's one ton Chevy van front suspension with Air Bags. Out back it has a late 80's one ton dually Chevy rear end. My A arms have been shortened so the front wheels will tuck under the fenders when the truck is lowered. Here are a couple of pics. I hope this helps. See Ya! Randy
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