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Projects Picking up a 57 3/4 ton Chevy and need help

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by joshp01, Aug 20, 2015.

  1. 59Apachegail
    Joined: Apr 30, 2011
    Posts: 1,508

    59Apachegail
    Member
    from New York

    You might consider driving it before cutting. I was ordering an IFS and a disk conversion before even driving my truck. Fast forward 5 years and she is still the way she came. I replaced to oem rather than "upgrade". The ride could be a little softer and I really don't need to corner faster than 25 ...but that's me. It is your truck so you're the one who really needs to love it.

    You can essentially rebuild one of these trucks from the ground. Check out LMC truck and Classic Parts of America. Also the stovebolt forum is a wealth of knowledge dedicated to these trucks. Beware of cheap parts.

    Either way looking forward to a build thread
     
    Last edited: Aug 21, 2015
    volvobrynk and joshp01 like this.
  2. joshp01
    Joined: Mar 16, 2014
    Posts: 14

    joshp01
    Member

    Thank you! I am going to ls swap the truck in the near future so I thought the m2 front end would be OK. But this is my first older pickup. I have built second gen camaros for the last 9 years
     
  3. 59Apachegail
    Joined: Apr 30, 2011
    Posts: 1,508

    59Apachegail
    Member
    from New York

    Guys swap in the camaro clips, trans and rear to these trucks. I don't remember who but someone did a step by step thread on the swap. If you have leftovers from your camaros you might save some cash.
     
  4. belair
    Joined: Jul 10, 2006
    Posts: 9,036

    belair
    Member

    Lux blue did a thread on the Camaro subframe swap. Look it up. Very good stuff. He did my 58. I agree with bean about the Mll swap. Either stay with the straight axle or go with something stronger. And take what squirrel says to the bank. Most important of all, figure
    out what you want the truck to do and be before you start throwing money at it.
     
    volvobrynk likes this.
  5. joshp01
    Joined: Mar 16, 2014
    Posts: 14

    joshp01
    Member

    My buddy owns a street rod shop in Lubbock and he said the m2 kit will be perfect. I am gathering parts and taking it all to him. I will post build pics as we go
     
  6. 49ratfink
    Joined: Feb 8, 2004
    Posts: 24,673

    49ratfink
    Member
    from California

    people crack me up. don't ruin the truck with an MII, ruin it with a Camaro clip because Camaros are bigger than Pintos. the ball joints used on the MII are the same as full size Fords and bigger than Camaro.

    you would think after 20 years(?) of aftermarket MII the Pinto comments would not be heard anymore.

    sounds like you will be screwing up a neat old truck. please don't post pictures.:(
     
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  7. 57tailgater
    Joined: Nov 22, 2008
    Posts: 908

    57tailgater
    Member
    from Georgia

    Check this website/forum out: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/. They have a section just for these trucks. Good reference material. I suggest figuring out what you want to use it for, then talk to vendors for a front end kit and they will probably have suggestions for the rear suspension too. I am putting a 12 bolt GM truck rear in the back of mine and they came with 5 and 6 lug patterns. But that again depends on what you want to use it for. Note on the lug pattern there are car and truck as well as Ford and Chevy spacing - make sure it all matches IMHO. Have fun! :cool:
     
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  8. 59Apachegail
    Joined: Apr 30, 2011
    Posts: 1,508

    59Apachegail
    Member
    from New York

    If you go with the 12 bolt posi from the camaro you will just need to weld in the two brackets that can be had from one of the parts suppliers
     
    Last edited: Aug 21, 2015
  9. volvobrynk
    Joined: Jan 30, 2011
    Posts: 3,587

    volvobrynk
    Member
    from Denmark

    I know this ain't the answer to your questions, but more a my two cent.

    A 3/4 truck with better gears, modern springs, dropped axle, new shocks and brake inspection (blue printing in the loss of a better word), and that car will drive better then when new, almost like a new truck.

    I would go as far as saying, it will drive and handle better then it looks, and it looks damn fine!!
    I fail to see the need for a M2, when you can make a old truck handle like a new truck.
    The change in the handling ability is, to me, not a match in result vs price measurement, compared to upgrading stock.

    But it ain't my truck!
    What engine/trans in it? What is the plan there?
     
  10. Mr48chev
    Joined: Dec 28, 2007
    Posts: 35,920

    Mr48chev
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    One more independent to look at is the one that used Dodge Dakota pieces that Steve at Industrial Chassis in Phoenix sells. He was supposed to have a 55/59 crossmember in the works. http://www.industrialchassisinc.com/
    I'd suggest going over on the http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/ in the 49/59 section. The LS swap will be a lot better received over there too.
     
  11. 56sedandelivery
    Joined: Nov 21, 2006
    Posts: 6,694

    56sedandelivery
    Member Emeritus

    It would seem to me, that a M-II front end would put the truck awfully low; or maybe that's what you want? Most of these Chevy/GMC trucks get done with IFS are done with a full size GM clip, that is probably stronger, easier, and has the mounts for numerous engines. But, I'm sure a M-II would/could work; just think about what Ford actually used it under to start with. My only advice would be to not mess up a good truck. And it's a nice one. I am Butch/56sedandelivery.
     
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  12. mr57
    Joined: Jun 3, 2002
    Posts: 2,212

    mr57
    Member

    I don't know if El Polacko is still around here, BUT his shop specializes in suspensions for a lot of older trucks based on Dodge Dakota components. His attention to detailing and engineering are second to none. You might want to try contacting him.
    http://www.industrialchassisinc.com/?cat=141

    His reasoning is why would you put Pinto based componentry in a truck??
     
    volvobrynk likes this.
  13. Maybe it is just me, but wasn't the Mustang II designed for a lighter vehicle?

    Charlie Stephens
     
  14. Bad Eye Bill
    Joined: Sep 1, 2010
    Posts: 841

    Bad Eye Bill
    Member
    from NB Canada

    Well, if that was my truck...and I'm not a GM kinda guy by any stretch......I wouldn't do a damn thing to it but drive it. Nice truck!
     
    volvobrynk likes this.

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