Alrighty...

After reading thru the installation instructions for several different front/rear suspension manufacturers they all seem to start with the same step... "Before removing the stock rear axle and springs, mark the location of the axle on the frame so you can mount the new axle in the same position to insure the wheels will be centered in the rear fender openings."

Something similar to the front end installation...

Two problems... besides the spring hangers there isn't any suspension front or rear on my frame. There are bump stops or mounting holes for bump stumps front and back, will it be safe to assume that the stock front/rear axle were aligned directly below them?

JB

 

I had the same issue with a 54 frame I had, I used the bump-stop in the rear to center the rear end and it came out fine; not sure about the front since I used the original brackets & springs. If you put in a IFS you should mount it about 1 1/2" forward than the original axle to get the tire centered in the wheel wells.

 

I thought the bump stops would suffice as far as alignment. If you read TCI's and Heidt's front crossmember install there does seem to be 1 1/2" difference where each company has you mount the crossmember... Either one crossmember is wider or one company moves the suspension to center the wheel in the wheel well... I'll make a couple of phone calls when I get to that point...

Thanks for the input! I figured somebody had done it before...

JB

 

The bump stop will get you close enough. I've found you don't have to be spot on anyway as long as the suspension is mounted parallel to the frame. An inch or so either way doesn't seem to matter in the rear. If you have a 53-56 consider moving the mounting point forward 1.5 inches as Jaye suggested. On the older trucks and trucks 57-up this is not necessary as the front wheels are already centered.