Newbie to the 57 world

[crapy67]

First off wanna say hello, haven't been on here for quite some time, I just got back into the truck scene with my 57 3100, here's my question, it has a "camaro " subframe under it, how do I know for sure its a camaro subframe?

[bowt1ed]

Send pics, including close ups of upper control arm. There is more than enough expertise with these here that we will be able to tell you.

Cheers, Jim

[Valarius_Starchaser]

^^^What he said lets see what we can figure out with the help of the HIVEMIND

[ptc]

Welcome back...

"Camaro" is a wide open question, do you know there are now 5 generations of Camaros? I have a Gen 2 front clip on my truck. (70-81) The biggest difference between Gen 1 and all the rest is the steering box is behind the engine crossmember on the Gen 1 type. Making it very hard to do anything with a big block in engine bay.

Post up some pics.

Check my build photos for comparison too

[crapy67]

I was originally told a 1979 z28 but I think the guy was telling me a story, the sway bar is tiny maybe a inch around I believe it to be a second gen but before I start ordering control arms for it I'd like to be confident in what I'm ordering

[crapy67]

I don't or can't upload pictures for some reason

[crapy67]

Here you go

[Valarius_Starchaser]

I have a 74 I could take some better pictures when I get home if you like

[_Ogre]

Originally Posted by Valarius_Starchaser

HIVEMIND

sounds a little like MADCOW disease

welcome crapy67

[Valarius_Starchaser]

looking through old parts books now for part number comparison (why didn't I think of this earlier?!?)

Edit: All second gen camaro upper and lower control arms are the same part number that also includes Novas

And yes _Ogre I am a little MAD at times please don't tell the whole world

[crapy67]

Thanks for any help! Love this truck it just needs a lot of help, to many untalented morons had there hands on her

[ChuckDriver]

Looks like 2nd gen Camaro to me.

[crapy67]

That's kinda what I want to hear, thanks just paged through your build your truck is amazing

[bowt1ed]

Yes, appears to be a second Gen. However, if you are replacing the CA bushings you will need to know a more specific year grouping. The lowers (I believe) are a couple of different diameters. I had this issue when I replaced my bushings. Best is to measure the diameter and length of the metal outer bushing sleeve prior to removing. Of course, if you are replacing the CA's - no worries. Curious - why are you replacing them? Going tubular?

Cheers, Jim

[crapy67]

Yeah I'm going tubular, this whole front end needs tons of attention! There's missing bushings, bent sway bar that looks to be at least 3/4" around, massively cut coils, she deserves better

[bowt1ed]

Depending on your overall objective ( and of course, budget), it would be much more economical to replace the current Gen 2 CA bushings than replace with tubular and they are a great IFS. Of course, if you are going narrower, bags, etc. tubular may be the way to go.

Cheers, Jim

[crapy67]

I'm looking to clean up under the hood some and want it to handle great

[tmoble]

you can buy a 1.25" stabilizer bar for the Gen2 Camaro front end at any of the major suspension vendors. First thing to do IMO.

[crapy67]

I agree, just think I'm my drag racing days I'd take the sway bar off and scrap it

[BIGglaSS]

Be careful with Nova vs Camaro subframe. The upper shock mounts on the Nova are lower. 2nd gen camaro parts interchange on 75-79 Nova subframes, EXCEPT shocks! Nova shocks have about 1" less travel.

[crapy67]

Ok good info thanks