53 GMC Chassis Engineering front end install with 8.8 explorer rear end

[53chevyforever]

Originally Posted by oldman3

Very nice.....Jim

Thanks guys!

[Larry Lindley]

very nice truck,now drive it like you stole it ha ha.so cool when a plan comes together.

[bigjimwiebe]

From where did you get the bolt-in ifs? Was it easy to install and locate? Did you use existing holes? Thanks.

[53chevyforever]

Originally Posted by bigjimwiebe

From where did you get the bolt-in ifs? Was it easy to install and locate? Did you use existing holes? Thanks.

I got the chassis engineering ifs from jpl street rods...those guys are pretty nice...and helpful...instructions were clear and lots of drilling..LOL Get some good bits...welds can break...bolts may get loose but you will know it...my way of thinking...

[bigjimwiebe]

Thanks for the info. I ordered a bolt-in crossmember from them this morning!
Im going to pepper you with a few more questions if its alright.
Did you use JPLs front suspension parts with their crossmember.
Is the Ford 8.8 rearend narrower than the original rearend.
Im just wondering why else you have to put in mini tubs.
How hard was it to install.


Thanks.

Sorry, my question mark and apostrophe arent working.

[bsccp]

Great build and great looking truck! I have a question as to your A/C:
I can see the Vintage Air vents but did you leave your mechanical vents functional?
I live up here in Lubbock and was planning on a black truck (mine's a '51 5 window GMC) but I was curious on how well your system handles the TX summer?
Interior finish is great also. It looks like you used the factory color do you have a paint code? I know Stovebolt has the paint chips but was curious on what you used.

thanks, bill

[53chevyforever]

Originally Posted by bigjimwiebe

Thanks for the info. I ordered a bolt-in crossmember from them this morning!
Im going to pepper you with a few more questions if its alright.
Did you use JPLs front suspension parts with their crossmember.
Is the Ford 8.8 rearend narrower than the original rearend.
Im just wondering why else you have to put in mini tubs.
How hard was it to install.


Thanks.

Sorry, my question mark and apostrophe arent working.

Yes..used jpl's front end parts and turned out well...the ford rear is more narrow...I used 8 inch rims 4.5 back space..and 275/60/15 and you have to have mini tubs for that size tire...unless you want to reverse the rim out which I did not...I can actually go some bigger on the rim and tire if need be.
Go and read all my threads and some pics of how the rear was installed...you have to do some careful measuring..I moved my rear back a little over an inch to look beter in the fender wells...stock it is way forward.

[53chevyforever]

Originally Posted by bsccp

Great build and great looking truck! I have a question as to your A/C:
I can see the Vintage Air vents but did you leave your mechanical vents functional?
I live up here in Lubbock and was planning on a black truck (mine's a '51 5 window GMC) but I was curious on how well your system handles the TX summer?
Interior finish is great also. It looks like you used the factory color do you have a paint code? I know Stovebolt has the paint chips but was curious on what you used.

thanks, bill

The inside was already painted...so do not have the code..it is factory color...
my ac is the gen ii ...I don't think the gen iv will fit...that is why...it works pretty well...even in traffic..the cooler your engine runs the better for ac units...side vents are closed...still get fresh air if wanted from the center one...Tim

[usmarine]

Hey great job on your build. ijust bought a 54 that we are going to do exactly what you have done. If you could answer some questions I have I would really appreciate it.
1. The shocks you used with that axle were they for the 94 explorer?
2. Did the shock mounts on the axle (those square plates in pic)come off the explorer?
3. When removing the axle were the spring perches bolted in to the explorer or welded, or riveted. I would like to get the axle from a pull it yourself joint but the don,t allow the use of the old smoke wrench.
4 What steering column did you use and what brand of exhaust manifold?
5. and just one more where did you get the ebrake set upcables ect and did you use the factory lever?

Sorry in advance for all the questions it just seems like everytime I find an answer it leads to three more questions on this build.

[jsalvie]

The 8.8 ford rear end has an off set differential housing...... Did you cut the axle to center it or are you running it off centered? If you are running it off centered are you experiencing any vibrations?

[53chevyforever]

I left it offset no vibration. ...my friend has one also.

[jsalvie]

Are you running a Sbc350 and th350 tranny? Off set with no vibration...... Sounds good.

[53chevyforever]

350 chevy and 700r4 don't worry it will work fine

[jsalvie]

Thank you. I'm going to move forward with this combination.

[53chevyforever]

Ok. .. just make sure your drive shaft is balanced and in good shape

[jsalvie]

I will. I'm going new with the drive shaft.
Thanks again. I feel much better now about running offset.