99 tahoe frame swap

[lynx5653]

I am looking for comments and suggestions about swapping my 58 onto a 99 Tahoe 4x4 frame. I am sure this has all been said and possibly done ,however I find no such info in my searches on this site or the web.

I understand my best choice is a stock frame with mods however I want a truck not a half breed with a car front suspension. I already have a stock frame that I am changing over to 4 wheel drive with 74 blazer running gear.
My problem is this I want a better ride and handling truck than the above option will give me.

I respect every ones choices on how they build their trucks, I may not agree with what they do because of personal taste, but respect them for there talent and what they like. I ask for the same ,so don't down me for wanting to do this all I want is help and perhaps guidance in making this work.


Sorry for being so long winded!!!!!!!!!
Thanks
David

[yossarian19]

Dave,
I dug up these links that I hope will help.
This link has a bunch of dimensions for the Tahoe / GMT-400 frame.
This one has as much 55-59 Truck frame info as I've found.
Finally, here's a writeup on putting a C-10 IFS (60s to 80s) on a TF frame. Might be the easiest route.
I totally get why you want a truck IFS instead of a Mustang setup. I'm building my truck to be put back into service as a half-ton truck and I'd looked at IFS but it's out of reach for me right now. I opted for 12" disc brakes, fresh king pins & a tapered roller bearing conversion. IFS...Maybe later.
If you go for it, keep us updated with pics!

[yossarian19]

Oh - you said "99" Tahoe. GMT-400 is if it's the old body style, GMT-800 for the new. GM Upfitter has a lot of tech documents, one of them will help I think.

[lynx5653]

Thanks yossarian

I have a lot of info on the differences of frames ,track width ,wheel base etc. I know they aren't the same but the differences don't seem to bad to work with.

I will keep everyone posted if this ever gets off the ground.

First step is to find my wife another 99 Tahoe in better condition than one we have she loves it and so do I. don't want a newer model as this one is perfect for what we need and like.

[lynx5653]

I guess nobody has any info or input. I will continue researching see what I can come up with.

[magicoolbus]

patience grasshopper! Some folks don't check the boards every day. Keep the thread alive by posting what you find in your research and others will chime in with their invaluable experience.

[mr48chev]

That may not be the most popular swap at the moment simply because most guys who hang 4x4 running gear under one of those trucks (at least the ones around here) build serious off trucks out of them and don't have much use for independent front ends.

I'd say it hinges more on your ability to put it together so it looks like it belongs that way rather than being a TF body being slapped on top of a later chassis without much thought to the ascetics of it.

[lynx5653]

Well I have decided to scrap this idea, my fab guy is going to make a coil over set up for the front on my stock frame he says it will greatly improve the ride and perhaps some softer springs on the rear. Sounds like a better plan to me and the wife gets to keep her Tahoe, only now I have to do work to it first before I can do anymore to the 58. If it aint one thing its another.