Camaro clip or 86 frame swap?

[ezekiel]

Howdy Y'All!

Happy New Year!

I am planning out a new project with my 56 TF and I would like to have IFS when I'm done.

There's two different routes I could take:

Option 1: Use the frame from my 1986 GMC LWB 1/2 ton and mount the cab and long fleetside on it.

Option 2: Use the original frame and install a Camaro clip.

I know that people on the board have used both methods.

In terms of time investment, which method would you advise?

Thanks Guys!

Zeke

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by ezekiel

Howdy Y'All!

Happy New Year!

I am planning out a new project with my 56 TF and I would like to have IFS when I'm done.

There's two different routes I could take:

Option 1: Use the frame from my 1986 GMC LWB 1/2 ton and mount the cab and long fleetside on it.

Option 2: Use the original frame and install a Camaro clip.

I know that people on the board have used both methods.

In terms of time investment, which method would you advise?

Thanks Guys!

Zeke

If you're wanting to have a low stance, and had to choose between the two options listed, I would recommend the camaro subframe. The C10 chassis would have too wide a trac-width up front.

[nuke1]

i agree with Nathan, the trac width is too wide for the old truck, the tires will be hitting the fenders, and the camaro subframe intall is easyd, i just installed one into the 58 apache in my sig, by installing the camaro clip, i lowered it 7 inches in the front. it is up to you but i know my choice.

[ezekiel]

I didn't know the track width was significantly different with a TF truck. Maybe I should confirm that detail.

Otherwise, I guess I should look for a donor camaro.

Nuke1, since you're a fellow Canuck, how much did your donor cost you?

Thanks Guys.

[dieseldr4]

honestly, have subframed a few 55-57 trucks and its really not that hard.. and you get the right track width.. i think that the 64-67 chevelle frontend is the best fit... i know fab work is fab work, but it does take less... and afterwards when you rebuild the suspension you can get a sweet disc brake drop spindle kit off of ebay for 250.00 to 300.00 and whamo youre dialed... the last one i did with an early chevelle kit, the c notched the rear and flipped the rearend onto the top of the springs.. i had a 1000.00 budget to do the truck and it handles like its on rails... hope this helps, tom

[dwcsr]

Having done a C10 IFS on a 58 it is a bit to wide. You can use an offset wheel but it will need to be a 16" wheel to clear the disc calipers and tie rods. Otherwise the wheels will hang out of the fenders and then you still can't slam the truck even with the offsets.

The plus is you have a truck suspension if your daily driving and using it as a truck.

[ezekiel]

You guys are very convincing. Time to ditch the 86 GMC.



So, would this camaro be a suitable candidate?

[bensimmons_05]

Requiring less fabrication is also a dropped original axle. there are many disc brake kits available. As a guy who is not a master welder I chose this option.

[Kim57]

Zeke
Here is a pic of the 57 I'm building with a 67 chevelle clip. You can see how the clip lines up with the original frame. Good luck with your build.
Kim

[ezekiel]

I've found the following track width information at the

http://www.chuckschevytruckpages.com/models.html


Model | Front | Rear
====================
C/10 & 20 | 65.8" | 62.7"

and just to be complete, here are the frame specs for the same

http://www.chuckschevytruckpages.com/framespecs.html

and if the information at http://50chevy.freeservers.com/Suspension_Widths.html is correct then the Task Force trucks have a track width of 62".

Since the Camaro (1976 - 1980) has a track width of (front/rear) 61.3-60.5 then I now understand why dwcsr recommends not using the 1986 GMC frame.

I suppose it might work if I were building a lifted 4x4 but not a street truck.

Hopefully, all this information is accurate.

[56chevy1300]

Here's mine, its a 74 Trans Am sub. Stop by sometime if you're ever in Edmonton.

[nuke1]

i got my clip for free from a friend, but i can get another for a couple hundred, that camaro you saw on kijiji, if you could get it for a few hundred, it is worth it, b/c u have the diff also. yes that info is correct, i wanted to o that route also