Thread: What front end would work best.

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I 'm building a solid frame for a 1965 Ranchero.
The new frame won't have the shock towers
so I will ba able to fit a 351C in it.
Any one ever done something like this and if so
which chevy front end would work best.
After market front ends not in the buget.

Thanks Kurt

I'd take a close look at a mid to late 70s camaro front. haven't done it but it would close approximate the track and weight requirements. Would also give you disc front with the right year.

Thanks 61bone, Sounds good, I was also thinking about checking the measurements on a S10 since alot of guys swap 350's into those.
More worried about where the tires position will end up with the length
of the a arms. I can cut the steering linkage down if I need to.
I was also thinking I may have to use the dodge front end because
of the front sump oil pan,and dodge is reversed. It all depends how
close the chevy linkage specs, run to the origanal 65 Ranchero linkage
placement and the A Arm/tire position.
Kurt

If you are building a new frame anyway why don't you use a MII setup. you can fab your own cross member to match you desired ride height and buy the spindles, a-frames and steering pieces you need seperately on EBay very reasonably. That way you have a clean front end that will fit your engine needs and wheelbase/track measurements much better.
John

Hello John:
This is a first for me and not really sure what I'm doing.
I could fab a cross member with no problem and would
like to use a MII front end. But as far as ordering the
other parts, I would'nt know which ones would be right
for my car. Plus how much $$$ are the A frames and
other pieces I will need. How can I tell which part will
work for my car. Don't want to end up with some parts
I can't use after putting out a lot of $$$ for it.
If you or some one else could educate me on the parts
that would work, lead on please. This is the kind of help
I need. (front ends - 101). And I would rather have a
clean looking front end with a little drop to it.
Thanks Kurt

Kurt I never could get back to you on your email, message never would go through.... Going to be using a strut type on mine, stay tuned for details..... Not going to be one of the race types, but something a bit more suited for street use made from OEM parts....

Kurt,
If you are an experienced fabricator (which I am sure you are) you can easily make your own A-frames to whatever length you need for your tire track. You can buy ball joints and ball joint holders from Speeway Speedway Motors - Street Rod Parts, Race Parts, Ford Flathead Parts, Sprint and Midget Racing Parts, Pedal Car Parts, very inexpensively. In fact they have a full line of MII parts for fabrication. Just remember to make sure align the pivots point of what ever rack use use to intersect the line between the inner lower and upper A-arm bushing and you should eliminated bumps steer. It is really quite simple to fab up the whole systm even if you have never done it before. Just think about tellling everyone that you "designed and built" your own front suspension.

Dave is correct about using a strut type OEM setup. I have used Datsun struts (which take a chevy wheel bearing by the way), taking the stock spring perch off and mounting a standard coilover spirng and adjuster on the barrel of the strut. Makes a very light weight and clean setup. Some guys use a Mustang strut but it is a bolt together spindle setup which is a little bulky for my taste.
John

Thanks Guys;
Well some one down there should know what I'll need.
The frame is the same as the early 64-65 mustangs 28in. inside and
30in. out side 2X3 box frame. And plenty of those got changed I'm sure.

Kurt