Bagged 59 6bt ifs options

[greengrenade]

Im bagging my 59 apache shortbed and i wanna do a 6bt swap as well. im gonna fab a basic chassis out of 2x5 box tubing for the main rails, 4 link the rear and build an x member to increase the strength. My problem lies with the front end. I need an ifs setup thats air ride compatible and can support the 1200 lb cummins. My first thought is using a 73-87 c30 front clip and narrowing it to fit but id like to see if theres any more options. Id like to have rack n pinion if at all possible. Any one have any ideas? Any aftermarket options? A 4bt is outta the question, there too damn noisy and vibrate like hell. Any info is appreciated

[6BT 56]

There's a guy on here building a 50's truck on a s10 frame with a 7.3 ih diesel in it. Not saying that's the way to go but just a heads up . Don't modern crownvic's have simple front suspendpsion that just bolts up under the car.? Perhaps could bolt ur to your front frame emails . I do realize this stuff may all seem a little light but I'm guessing ur truck is built for pleasure , play and won't ever really be worked real hard . If you have ever looked under the front of a 1st gen cummins 2wd truck there's nothing really strong looking going on under there .

[greengrenade]

The plan is to eventually daily drive it. I owned a 95 2wd dodge with a cummins. The size of the control arms etc is pretty burly. Id like to be able to haul a car trailer every now and again. The best setup ive found so far is a dakota ifs setup that industrial chassis makes out in arizona. A member called el polacko runs the shop and he is on various forums. From the info he has given me the stock dakota ifs unit in the late 80s early 90s is rated to carry 3300 lbs. the ball joints and upper portion of the spindle are the same as the 3/4 ton dodges of the same year. Also has rack n pinion and allows me to stay 5 lug. At a rough estimate i should have around 2500-2800 lbs over the front end with a 6bt, which gives me some wiggle room as the STOCK dakota components are rated to hold 3300 lbs. i can also upgrade the ball joints and control arm bushings with some parts he recommended that should improve the durability even more

[6BT 56]

Sounds line you have a good plan to me. Finding a way to keep it 5 lug is nice .

[Dieselwrencher]

I know guys that are running stock 69-72 IFS set ups with Duramaxes and 12v's and they haven't had any issues with them. The rack may be tricky but I bet porterbuilt makes something for them.