1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build

[99 to Life]

looks real good, engine mounts are a good idea, nice to think a head. I often make stuff a bolt on application just for that "incase" factor. For instance my running board brackets, I welded some tubing to the frame that the brackets bolt to, so they aren't in your way all the time on the rolling chassis. Maybe something to think about for yours.

[skymangs]

Looking killer Josh.

[STOCKISH]

Thanks guys, made some progress on the cab today. Got the inner and outer cowl panels and firewall cut out and fit all new stuff. Big props to Dynacorn for the best fitting patch panels Ive ever seen. Here are some pics, more to come once its all welded up.

[STOCKISH]

O yeah, dont be hatin' on my home made cave man like press brake!

[Billys68SS]

Originally Posted by stockish

o yeah, dont be hatin' on my home made cave man like press brake!

lol

[Advanced Design]

Nice! The press brake looks like it is doing the job.

[68 Four on the Floor]

This build is a BAMF! Seriously considering this as an option now for my 53.

[STOCKISH]

Sorry Ive been so slack lately. I have however made some small progress. I cut out all the fishplates I needed to strengthen the joints in my chassis over the axle. Also ordered my rear coilovers from Flat Out. Now I need to decide how to mount them. I thought Id seen guys putting them on the factory Corvette shock stud on the spindle but not sure about that. Anyone whose done the Vette rear have any opinions on this? Thanks guys. Hopefully some progress pics soon.

[mcbassin]

Very nice work on the cab Josh. Looking good.

[STOCKISH]

Thanks Mike!

[BIGglaSS]

Originally Posted by STOCKISH

Now I need to decide how to mount them. I thought Id seen guys putting them on the factory Corvette shock stud on the spindle but not sure about that. Anyone whose done the Vette rear have any opinions on this? Thanks guys. Hopefully some progress pics soon.

I have not done it yet, but been doing a lot of research. I noticed that they are mounted to a bracket that spans between the shock bolt and upper dog bone. Look closely at the pic on flat out's website.

[STOCKISH]

I've seen that bracket as well. There is also a small bracket available that mounts only to the spindle where the shock stud mounted. I'd think with no more weight on the rear of a truck than there is it'd be ok? Seems to be a popular option on a lot of the road course web sites I've seen.

[skymangs]

Looking great man. Looks like I'll be doing a vette suspension under one of these this winter. I'll be referencing your thread for sure!

[BIGglaSS]

Originally Posted by STOCKISH

I've seen that bracket as well. There is also a small bracket available that mounts only to the spindle where the shock stud mounted. I'd think with no more weight on the rear of a truck than there is it'd be ok? Seems to be a popular option on a lot of the road course web sites I've seen.

I'm sure the transverse mono spring mount would be more than adequate, since the factory designed it to carry the weight. I haven't looked at it close enough yet to figure out a way to make it work. I'm undecided on coils or bags.

[STOCKISH]

I'm sure the mono spring would be ok, but won't let me adjust as much as I want. I'm definitely using the coil overs.

[BIGglaSS]

I'm definitely ditching the monospring, too. What I meant was to fabricate a bracket that attaches to the knuckle where the monospring attaches vs. using the shock mount. I haven't looked at it close enough to see if there is clearance behind the half shaft.

[STOCKISH]

That point is waaaay too high though. I'll get back on it next week sometime.

[ccreddell]

Im planning on putting a C4 IRS in my 95 C1500. Im going to fab a cantilever behind the suspension somewhat like a KP 6-link and attach at the stock spring mount. I'll most likely use an airbag too, but its not necessary.

[BIGglaSS]

Stockish, I see what you mean about the spring mount being too high. I found this closeup pic on the net:
http://www.customclassictrucks.com/t.../photo_28.html
ccreddell, I'd love to see how you do this. LFD's Tahoe build did a bag behind the axle, but it's not cantilever.

[STOCKISH]

Originally Posted by ccreddell

Im planning on putting a C4 IRS in my 95 C1500. Im going to fab a cantilever behind the suspension somewhat like a KP 6-link and attach at the stock spring mount. I'll most likely use an airbag too, but its not necessary.

Just out of curiosity, why a cantilever setup? That is designed to keep the axle centered under the truck during suspension travel. You dont have that issue with an IRS setup so it seems like a lot of extra work. Youll still need to solid mount the batwing and trailing arms so Im not sure what the cantilever would even do except just sit there, look cool, but have zero function.

[ccreddell]

Originally Posted by STOCKISH

Just out of curiosity, why a cantilever setup? That is designed to keep the axle centered under the truck during suspension travel. You dont have that issue with an IRS setup so it seems like a lot of extra work. Youll still need to solid mount the batwing and trailing arms so Im not sure what the cantilever would even do except just sit there, look cool, but have zero function.

No, not the locating links, or Panhard bar. The links parallel with the frame that holds the truck up.



Heres what they look like on a truck.


[IMG][/IMG]

You could put a coil over there in place of the bag. Or you could put a coil spring in there and run the shock in the stock location.

[STOCKISH]

I dont understand how thats supposed to work with a C4 IRS though.

[ccreddell]

Im not sure what to tell you. Either youre not familiar with the C4 IRS, or Im not being clear enough. Maybe this pic will help....

[IMG][/IMG]

Here it is hooked up.

[IMG][/IMG]

And here it is from the top.

[IMG][/IMG]

[99 to Life]

at first as I look at that setup, I wonder, how conflicting it might be. But.... there are guys running it. http://www.s10forum.com/forum/f125/i...n-here-429547/

I didn't even look too far into it, if your not bagging it, I think its overkill.

[Nut Case]

I'm still in the planning stages of a 57 GMC with 1996 C-4 both front and rear suspension. I'm calculating how much to remove form the vette fiberglass leaf so I can use a shockwave shock.. I figure use the original design, adjust the mounting points for the shockwave and have the leaf carry about 60-70% of the weight and have the adjustibility from the air system, you know adjust on the fly and all. Just thought I'd through more gas on the fire..