Bud Dovey loved his old 55 GMC pickup complete with “old school baby moon” wheels but wanted all the modern touches of today’s trucks…

The solution was to bring his truck to our shop. Upon further inspection, brainstorming and discussion; a plan was formulated. The initial plan was to update both the front and rear suspension to a more modern design. The original straight axle and rear leaf springs didn’t provide the ride and handling that Bud desired. So, Ron suggested that we simply put a new front subframe and corresponding suspension under the truck while still utilizing the remainder of the original truck frame along with a more modern rear suspension system. Art Morrison Enterprises 4-Bar rear suspension and custom “bikini” front subframe with Morrison Sport IFS were selected with Strange Engineering Coilover Shocks at all four corners.

By installing the clip up front and using the stock rear frame, all the stock body and bed mounts could remain factory. This is less costly and doesn’t require the time and expense of fabricating all new body mounts.

The first two shots show the stock truck. Check out the cool baby moon wheels!

Here is the stock front frame completely removed. Now we are ready to graft on the new Morrison “Bikini” Clip with new Sport IFS Front Suspension!

The next shot shows the front body sheetmetal removed. And the start of the removal of the stock front leaf springs and straight axle.

The new Morrison Front Subframe, Control Arms and Power Rack and Pinion are installed.

Here you can see the connection to the old stock frame along with proper reinforcement and quality welds.

The next picture shows the Morrison 4-Bar Rear Suspension and Strange Coilovers installed on the stock rear frame. Notice that the stock rear frame was “notched” and reinforced to allow a lower ride height; and to allow the new suspension to move without any interference. Along with the new rear suspension a new 9” Ford Rear End Housing completes the setup.

The final picture shows the truck back on its wheels again with everything installed. With only the front body sheetmetal left to install.

The truck has returned to our shop for Phase Two of Bud’s project: Installation of the Steering Column, Brakes, Master Cylinder and here is the coolest part…A BRAND NEW GM EROD LS Crate Motor and transmission!

We’ll keep you posted as progress gets underway!!