PDA

View Full Version : Identify My Front Suspension



Handler
04-02-2011, 05:30 PM
I have a 56 Ford F100 that has among other things a front clip from a GM product. I have uploaded a picture of it. Locally, I have not been able to positively identify it. A couple of people have said it could be a truck suspension, others have said Camaro. I haven't been around these vehicles for a long time. Can anyone help me identify the suspension. I need to buy parts to refresh it. Thanks.
1407

afndrmndr
05-07-2011, 08:19 PM
I'm new here but I'll throw in my 2 cents. Your subframe section has the steering box inside the frame rails like a car. Full size GM trucks have the box on the outside. The S10 also has the box inside the frame, but the rails extend straight to the end. Your subsection has a turn out where the original frame horns are joined to it, which pretty much indicates it's from a car, but which model? The best way I can think of is to measure everything you can: track width, crossmember, control arms, spindles, steering links, holes in the frame, etc. and bring your photo and measurements to the local pick a part. Look at Camaro/Firebird, Nova/Ventura first, if those don't match try Chevelle, Impala, Buick, Olds, Cadillac untill something matches up. I know you were looking for a more definitive answer, but that's what I'd do anyway. Hope this helps. :)

afndrmndr
05-08-2011, 04:22 PM
After Mothers Day Brunch, I headed off to the pick a part to work it off. While there, I compared the suitable donor GM cars to what I recalled in your photo. Your truck has front steer, the 68 Nova has rear steer. The 77 & 78 Camaro's have front steer, but the idler arm is vertically fastened to the frame, yours is angled in at the bottom. The 79, 81, & 84 Olds Cutlass, Monte Carlo and Buick Regal looked like a dead ringer to me, but the larger Impala, Caprice and Bonneville from those years were also very close in appearance. Cadillac, Riviera and Toronado had a different looking control arm set up. These were the only GMs from that era they had at present, but that changes week by week, if not daily. Aside from talking to the person that installed it, comparing dimensions seams like the way to go. :)

fairyanna
12-05-2014, 12:10 AM
My first question is about the C5 Spindle is the ball joint Location raised and by how much?
My next question is about the front upper control arms, Do they add positive caster and how much? Thanks for posting Good Luck

CPPAaron
12-08-2014, 07:02 AM
The C5 spindle is 1" taller then a standard spindle. This does not require any custom A-arm or any adjustable one like the older B-body conversion other do. The upper a-arms we build allow for more positive caster to be adjusted into the alignment. by adding 5 degrees of caster to newer power steering setups this gives better drivability.