1958 chevy hot rat rod

[1947ratrod]

I took a truck on trade some one put a front stub on it they also the rear end out of the same car
the truck came from south Dokota very little rust on it some in the back of the cab and one spot in the front dog leg other wise good the front fender has a small spot
it had a small block in it but it was stuck from sitting so long didn't matter I'm going to put a diesel in it any way
I have a 4-53 Detroit diesel to put in it but I might have to switch frames cause of the weight of the diesel I don't think the front end will take the weight of it might have to switch it to a 1/2 ton frame out of the late 70s to the 80s
unless I sell this truck and buy one that no one switch the frame on it

[Kim57]

Welcome.
Sounds like a cool project.
Is the diesel heavier than a big block? If not it should work O.K. with the right springs and shocks.
Kim

[1947ratrod]

the 4-53 are around 1200-1300 pounds so they are a lot heaver then a big block

[lower50's]

I think the stock frame would be ok, if you box it and add some cross members. Then use all grade 8 bolts for suspension. Going to be a sweet build.

[1947ratrod]

the front frame part is not stock that is what is bugging me it is a mid 80's car frame I know the rear end will not hold up to it

[lower50's]

Oh ya that's a tough one. Maybe frame swap would be best plan. Just use the body you have since it's in good shape. My 2 cents. I'm using a s-10 frame boxed and extra cross members for my 7.3L diesel

[1947ratrod]

I also bought a 1963 chevy long box siting on a 1975 3/4 4x4 frame I might put my diesel in that

[burnitg]

Looks like a fun build.

Not only are the Detroits much heavier than a small block, they are much taller. I am in the middle of my build ('72 GMC K2500 + 4-53T) and have already had to add a 2" body lift. It looks like I will need at least a 2" suspension lift as well...

[lower50's]

I looked into using a 4-53 in my build, they are about 1200lbs. But sound so cool