front clip

[Jeff56]

I need help ASAP. I can get a complete frame from a 78 Chevy pickup and I was wondering if that front clip would fit under my 56 Chevy pickup to get rid of the stock axle. Im not sure if its to wide or anything. Please help thank you very much
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[meter swinger]

The crossmember wont bolt in without some mods to your frame. The 78 c10 tapers in from 34" to 28" where the crossmember bolts in. It would be easier to use the whole frame.
The hub to hub width on the c10 is around 4" wider than the TF width. Cpp modular spindles bring the track width in 3/4" per side. A poterbuilt dropmember brings the width in 11/2" per side as well as up 2" and forward 1". This would get you close depending on wheel offsets used. It would also cost some $$$ and a lot of work to do a frame swap

My friends 56 gmc is on a 79 frame. The tires are coming past the wheel openings a smidge.

Just do your homework before you jump in.
Good luck.
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[fabguy]

Originally Posted by meter swinger

The crossmember wont bolt in without some mods to your frame. The 78 c10 tapers in from 34" to 28" where the crossmember bolts in. It would be easier to use the whole frame.
The hub to hub width on the c10 is around 4" wider than the TF width. Cpp modular spindles bring the track width in 3/4" per side. A poterbuilt dropmember brings the width in 11/2" per side as well as up 2" and forward 1". This would get you close depending on wheel offsets used. It would also cost some $$$ and a lot of work to do a frame swap

My friends 56 gmc is on a 79 frame. The tires are coming past the wheel openings a smidge.

Just do your homework before you jump in.
Good luck.
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This is all true as am going through it now. As far as using the whole frame remember that you will need too raise the body about 3" to get it to sit level. If you plan to airbag it and want to get really low I would clip it just infront of the front cab mount. The advantage to this is when you use the Porterbuilt cross member and a arms the frame will want to lay on the ground and the TF series trucks hang below the stock frame about 4-1/2" so you could literally set it up so that it lays 1/4" from the ground while your oilpan is above the ground about 2" although because of the inherit design of the motor mounts your engine would sit high in the engine compartment. This is why I am dropping my engine mounts 2" while still having 2" from oilpan to bottom of xmember.
My 58 fleetside is setup this way and it is a little challenge to get it all to work. I have spoken alot with Porterbuilt on this and he has been ALOT of help to me.
another small issue is the steering column, it is located on the outside of the frame. I had to raise the end of it (@ the firewall) a few inches to get it to work good and it has a lil of a hard bend to align with the steering box although when it's assembled I will be happier with it instaed of anything else.
IMO
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[meter swinger]

Fabguy,

Just a couple questions,
If you dont lower the motor mounts does trans interfere with the cab floor?
Are you using rack and pinion or the C10 steering box?
What are you using for spindles stock or dropped?
How is your tire to fender clearance looking and what tire/wheel combo are you going to run?

Thanks
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[meter swinger]

Fabguy,

Just a couple questions,
If you dont lower the motor mounts does trans interfere with the cab floor?
Are you using rack and pinion or the C10 steering box?
What are you using for spindles stock or dropped?
How is your tire to fender clearance looking and what tire/wheel combo are you going to run?

Thanks
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[fabguy]

Originally Posted by meter swinger

Fabguy,

Just a couple questions,
If you dont lower the motor mounts does trans interfere with the cab floor?

Yes with a stock frame clipped w/71 half ton. Trans would be next to cab and cause a hard tilt on the engine. How it was and that's why I am lowering engine mounts.

Are you using rack and pinion or the C10 steering box?

Original C-10 steering box for now until I can get the Porterbuilt xmember. I have had my buddies 67 C-10 next to mine and took all the measurements.

What are you using for spindles stock or dropped?

CPP modular spindles, they bring in the track width about 3/4" each side.

How is your tire to fender clearance looking and what tire/wheel combo are you going to run?

I have a set of stock 2wd wheels from an 85 p-up, 1953 car full hubcaps, with wide whitewalls and right now they have about 1/2" clearance, I need to put them back onto the frame when I get the front end together to get an exact measurement.
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[meter swinger]

Thanks fabguy
I anticipate calling nate pretty soon myself.
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[fabguy]

Your welcome
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