Hi there, I need some help. I have a 1961 Chevy Apache and would like to change the front end to an independant suspension. Besides for using a Heidt's or Mustang II front end, does anyone know if I could use a front end from a newer truck? I mean, could I go to the junkyard and pull the front end off of a F150 or S-10 and would it work on my truck? I'm new to this pickup biz and love it! I appreciate any info. Thanks, Jenn <img src="confused.gif" border="0">

You already have an independant suspension and you got some easy upgrades you can do. One is swap the spindles for 73-87 pieces and gain disc brakes, swap rear ends too. or you can unbolt a complete front supension unit from a 73-87 and bolt it in your 61 with a few extra holes and swap the steering box and gain power steering. It's a cheap way to go but requires lots of measuring and head scratching to make everything line up perfectly but it's still better than a sub frame swap. <img src="graemlins/pimp.gif" border="0" alt="[pimp]" />

I see you're in the LA area, go out to San Berdoo to no limit engineering and take a look at their shop truck. <img src="graemlins/pimp.gif" border="0" alt="[pimp]" />

Hi Jalopy, thanks for the info. Are you saying to look at the truck in San Bernadino because it's like mine or do they do the work there? Is the 73-87 unit a Chevy truck? And would the rear end be one of those 9" I keep reading about from Ford? I know lots of questions. I just want to make sure I do the right thing. Jenn

I see what you mean about the front suspension. I just found some info online that says from 1960-1962 both Chevy and GMC came with torsion bar for front suspension, so no front coil springs.

No Limit Engineering has a shop truck like yours or did the last time I was out there. You can swap newer spindles (73-87 1/2 ton) and gain disc brakes and you can lower the torsion bar suspension by cranking the adjuster bolts, located at the rear of the bars under the cab floor. For power steering look at REZ products for a power steering box adaptor. The front suspension units from chev trucks does unbolt as a unit and can be swapped fairly easily onto other frames and has motor mounts for Chev engines built in. These 60-65 trucks are cheap and plentiful and good starters. Have fun and ask lots of questions. <img src="graemlins/pimp.gif" border="0" alt="[pimp]" />

[ September 15, 2002: Message edited by: jalopy45 ]

[ September 15, 2002: Message edited by: jalopy45 ]</p>

Thanks again Jalopy. I think you just have saved me lots of $$$. Jenn