57 chev truck front end

jimmyg · 12-26-2007, 10:27 AM

i'm building a 57 1/2 ton from frame up & trying to decide which way to go?
i'm going with small block and automatic - weekend driver
trying to decide either camaro front end or disc brake kit and vega steering box.
looking for pros & cons for both or maybe some other ideas.
mustang II is too costly for my budget.
thanks for the help.
jimmyg

75K30 · 12-26-2007, 11:23 AM

If you use the second generation camaro/firechicken clip, you will already have front disc brakes. These clips are crazy easy to install in your truck. This is a ton easier than a bolt on a-arm style suspension system for these trucks.
While I kinda like the geometry of the M2 front end (roll center is better) it requires a bunch of work to the rear to maximize, the camaro clip is a reasonable, and very affordable alternative. The stock clip provides plenty of material to weld to and can be plenty strong.
Gotta really watch the caster angles since they are terribly different. You will also have to watch the wheelbase, and front wheel location. I see many of these trucks with the front wheels too far back in the wheel well, and they look a little funny to me. Measure, and measure again, before makng it permanent. When you think you are ready to glue everything together, take a few more measurements again, then step back, take a deep breath, and guess what? You know it,,,,,,measure again.
Also know that the front end will drop down a bunch, so be prepared for a lowered look. While the oil pan and everything associated with the new front end still retains the factory clearances, the front bumber will not be as cooperative about clearing high parking blocks and other road items.
All in all, the camaro front clip is pretty easy, and has very good results.

jimmyg · 12-27-2007, 10:43 AM

thanks 75k30 for advice. you answered another question i had, if the firebird and camaro clip would be the same. the front end drop was one of my biggest problems with going with clip. do you know of any way with new springs or something to come close to original stance, maybe the way i weld them together? thanks again for help.

436'd skylark · 12-27-2007, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmyg

thanks 75k30 for advice. you answered another question i had, if the firebird and camaro clip would be the same. the front end drop was one of my biggest problems with going with clip. do you know of any way with new springs or something to come close to original stance, maybe the way i weld them together? thanks again for help.

I always wondered about the bolt in sub-frame being swapped around on street rods. They are nice to work with in restorations. there is so much aftermarket for the second gen F-bodys that almost anything is possible.

I would steer clear of the first gen sub-frame, including the nova and clones(x-bodys) rear steer, crappy geometry and they are alot more narrower.

75K30 · 12-27-2007, 05:34 PM

Much depends on which spring you are actually running, and the engine will have a bunch to do with it. Putting the engine on a diet is a great way to shed pounds, get the front end up and gain some performance. Aluminum intake, headers, water pump and even heads can get a bunch of weight out of the engine bay. May even try throwing that battery out back somewhere. Have seen them laying on thier side under then bed.
Trying to raise the point at where the two frames attach will be difficult and frankly a little ghetto. I have included a couple of pics to give you an idea of what it liiks like. The fit is almost as if it were meant to be this way. Trying to lower the subframe would greatly comprimise the strength and integrity of the mounting points and be just another hack job. Still going to take a bit of fabrication, and reasonable skills to puul this off, and as I mentioned a keen eye with the tape measure, but it is a great modification, and very much worth the effort.
Expect (with stock springs) about 5 to 6 inches of drop from the subframe conversion.
You alright with welding and fabrciation?
You are also going to have to make some brackets for the core support and the front clip.

jimmyg · 12-30-2007, 08:13 PM

Thanks guys for tips. I've think i've decided not to go the camaro clip route because i really want to keep the original stance or close to it. checked into disc brake kits and that seems like a good route for brakes, but what about the original steering. how do you think it would drive with a small block and just installing all new kingpins bushing and etc.
can new or different springs help.
thanks again, jimmyg

12-26-2007, 10:27 AM	#1
jimmyg Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 6	57 chev truck front end i'm building a 57 1/2 ton from frame up & trying to decide which way to go? i'm going with small block and automatic - weekend driver trying to decide either camaro front end or disc brake kit and vega steering box. looking for pros & cons for both or maybe some other ideas. mustang II is too costly for my budget. thanks for the help. jimmyg

12-27-2007, 05:34 PM	#5
75K30 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 2,992	Much depends on which spring you are actually running, and the engine will have a bunch to do with it. Putting the engine on a diet is a great way to shed pounds, get the front end up and gain some performance. Aluminum intake, headers, water pump and even heads can get a bunch of weight out of the engine bay. May even try throwing that battery out back somewhere. Have seen them laying on thier side under then bed. Trying to raise the point at where the two frames attach will be difficult and frankly a little ghetto. I have included a couple of pics to give you an idea of what it liiks like. The fit is almost as if it were meant to be this way. Trying to lower the subframe would greatly comprimise the strength and integrity of the mounting points and be just another hack job. Still going to take a bit of fabrication, and reasonable skills to puul this off, and as I mentioned a keen eye with the tape measure, but it is a great modification, and very much worth the effort. Expect (with stock springs) about 5 to 6 inches of drop from the subframe conversion. You alright with welding and fabrciation? You are also going to have to make some brackets for the core support and the front clip. Attached Thumbnails

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12-26-2007, 11:23 AM	#2
75K30 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 2,992	If you use the second generation camaro/firechicken clip, you will already have front disc brakes. These clips are crazy easy to install in your truck. This is a ton easier than a bolt on a-arm style suspension system for these trucks. While I kinda like the geometry of the M2 front end (roll center is better) it requires a bunch of work to the rear to maximize, the camaro clip is a reasonable, and very affordable alternative. The stock clip provides plenty of material to weld to and can be plenty strong. Gotta really watch the caster angles since they are terribly different. You will also have to watch the wheelbase, and front wheel location. I see many of these trucks with the front wheels too far back in the wheel well, and they look a little funny to me. Measure, and measure again, before makng it permanent. When you think you are ready to glue everything together, take a few more measurements again, then step back, take a deep breath, and guess what? You know it,,,,,,measure again. Also know that the front end will drop down a bunch, so be prepared for a lowered look. While the oil pan and everything associated with the new front end still retains the factory clearances, the front bumber will not be as cooperative about clearing high parking blocks and other road items. All in all, the camaro front clip is pretty easy, and has very good results.

12-27-2007, 10:43 AM	#3
jimmyg Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 6	thanks 75k30 for advice. you answered another question i had, if the firebird and camaro clip would be the same. the front end drop was one of my biggest problems with going with clip. do you know of any way with new springs or something to come close to original stance, maybe the way i weld them together? thanks again for help.

12-30-2007, 08:13 PM	#6
jimmyg Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 6	Thanks guys for tips. I've think i've decided not to go the camaro clip route because i really want to keep the original stance or close to it. checked into disc brake kits and that seems like a good route for brakes, but what about the original steering. how do you think it would drive with a small block and just installing all new kingpins bushing and etc. can new or different springs help. thanks again, jimmyg