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

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

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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!

 

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

 

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?

 

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.

 

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.

 

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??

 

Maybe it is just me, but wasn't the Mustang II designed for a lighter vehicle?

Charlie Stephens

 

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!