The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network - View Single Post - 55.2-59 1955 GMC Big Window Step Side Build; LSx, IFS, IRS, etc.

dsraven · 01-29-2020, 07:30 PM

wow, sounds like you have a plan already. cool. also sounds like youve been around the block with building a vehicle.
-if lowering plan on a C notch out back and a raised bed. lots of guys build their own, pretty easy if you can weld and have skills and tools. if not buying one isn't gonna break the bank.
-I suggest to figure out a ride height you like, a tire size you like and then get the frame up on stands and do some checking. corner to corner for square for starters. I have had luck with marking each cross member at it mid point, side to side, then running a string or laser from front to rear lining up the frontmost and rearmost marks. all the others should be in line if the frame is straight.
-once you get the frame all set up stick a tire of the size you like into the front wheel opening. the way the fenders slope at the back of the opening can make the tire look like it is slammed into the rear of the opening as the truck is lowered. most guys move the axle centerline ahead some.

01-29-2020, 07:30 PM	#2
dsraven Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: calgary alberta Posts: 7,832	Re: 1955 GMC Big Window Step Side Build; LSx, IFS, IRS, etc. wow, sounds like you have a plan already. cool. also sounds like youve been around the block with building a vehicle. -if lowering plan on a C notch out back and a raised bed. lots of guys build their own, pretty easy if you can weld and have skills and tools. if not buying one isn't gonna break the bank. -I suggest to figure out a ride height you like, a tire size you like and then get the frame up on stands and do some checking. corner to corner for square for starters. I have had luck with marking each cross member at it mid point, side to side, then running a string or laser from front to rear lining up the frontmost and rearmost marks. all the others should be in line if the frame is straight. -once you get the frame all set up stick a tire of the size you like into the front wheel opening. the way the fenders slope at the back of the opening can make the tire look like it is slammed into the rear of the opening as the truck is lowered. most guys move the axle centerline ahead some.