how does one figure out....

Alright, I know this is a vague question with 1000 answers, but I want to go about building a frame with all new rails. How should I go about figuring the width and all of the frame up front, I want to go with an A-arm setup, to get rid of my twin i-beam setup.

What I mean is, I have seen the rails Z up on most custom chassis' but how do I figure how much I need to Z? I am trying to lay on 22's, but I don't have the wheels/tires to go off of. Is there a general number/formula used, or is it something you need the truck to do?

I want to get started on it, but want to figure out exactly how to do things befor I go about it. I realize width is pretty much based upon the truck, and how long the arms are going to be, can I work off the stock tire to tire width, or should I go off a little narrower than that so I can run a little longer arm/wider wheel?

I was thinking of just using an s10 clip and making a wider crossmember once I knew how wide to go, but if I am going to make a new crossmember, I may as well make a whole new frame in my eyes.

I guess I just need whatever help on the subject anyone can give me.....without people flaming for such "stupid" questions, just trying to learn.

twin i beam set up. so im guessing you have a ranger or a full isze ford. if a ranger id use a toyota fornt end for the fact your wheels will bolt on still-and looks better than an s10 front end- and is lighter- and is 2x3 which is real easy to adapt to your new 2x3 frame your goin to build

its a 72f100, my fault for not stating that in the first post.

You need to go out and buy Tune to Win by Carroll Smith. He describes the front suspension geometry quite well. He has also included "paper dolls" so that you can play with pivot points to see what changes happen. If you don't understand how to set up an A-arm system after having read his book, I would suggest using a stock clip from a full-size Chevy or something. Playing with A-amrs is not for beginers, I can tell you from experience.

Edited: 2/8/2007 7:16:26 PM by framedragger

Thanks max. I was thinking that If I used the stock clip, I could build the widened crossmember out of 2x3 1/4 wall and then just use tubular s10 arms from SD or the like.

I will go out and buy that book tomorrow after school.

Oh, and Max, would you recomend the fullsize clip over than the s10 clip? I can modify it to work I believe, just wondering.

70s camaro clip is wider then a s10 and just as much after market stuff.

Its a matter of finding one around here. all the drag racers love them. I will look into it, worst comes to worst, I can run a fullsize chevy, or s10 clip.

Like james said a 70 camaro is the way to go, that is what I have for my 62.

Also check out hiedts and fatman...

Edited: 2/9/2007 7:35:20 AM by framedragger

Edited: 2/9/2007 7:33:58 AM by framedragger

I dont want to use an IFS "kit", as they are damn expensive. I would rather just clip a car/truck whatever and run new rails.

Do you have any pictures of you 63? I dont believe the frame changed much, any mods have to be done to the actual clip crosmember wise or anything? I don't mean like notching for arm clearance or anything...

If any of the GM A-body clips have the right width, they would be the way to go. They have powersteering, disk brakes, and take very kindly to airbags. Somewhere out there, there is a list of what frames were what widths and front or rear steer. Don't use any of the Mustang II clips, they won't give you the travel or the ride quality that you would get from the GM stuff.