VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1949-1954 53-54 suspension same as 49-52?

I had a question for the brain trust. Is the 49-54 Chevrolet suspension basically the same, or are there changes? I'm contemplating a 1950 project and I have access to a newer (rebuilt) front end, torque tube & rear axle assembly from a 53 Chevrolet and its in WAY better shape. Is this a swapable item? Thanks for the advice.

The front suspension is the same with exception of the king pin supports. And the springs vary due to engine/transmission etc. The steering gear is different.
The torque tube., axles are the same. Rear springs on like body styles the same.

Gene, thank you for the reply. I'm assuming even with the differences the fronts would be interchangable between each frame?

There's a lot of street rodders that appear to be 'junking' perfectly usable (and rebuilt) OEM parts on these cars just to lower them and use modern parts instead. Seems like a waste if I can use some of them to resurrect a basket case

What is very different is the brakes.
If you would swap the entire rear end and torque tube you could use the much better Bendix brakes....Front everything to do with the brakes + the spindles etc and front and rear drums.
Yes, the center and rear of the frames are different but the front is the same.

Thank you for the information Gene, its very helpful! It may not pan out, but if it does I plan on using cast-off original parts and budget-friendly ways to keep a car out of the scrapyard. More to come...

I did like Gene said on my 50 and put a 53 rear end which has a bigger torque tube and better brakes along with the front spindles. Bolt on swap and makes a much nicer driver. Also installed a NOS 3:55 gear set while I was at it.

I have bought a 54 chevy front cross member and have rebuilt and powder coated it with the intention of replacing the 40 chevy front suspension in my business coupe. Benefits to me are: (1) Availability of reasonable priced parts, (2) Newer style shocks, (3) Better Bendix brakes, (4) More positive accurate steering, (5) Lower ride height, (6) 15" 5 bolt wheels and tires.

Is the '49 to '54 crossmember a direct swap for the '40 crossmember?

Did not know that fact.

If you use the '53 front cross member, you will have to drill it for your front motor mounts.
Cleon

Same bolt holes 1940 -1954 to attach the cross member to the frame. Yes., You have to drill front motor mount holes on top of cross member but the raised metal is already a part of the 54 cross member. The bottom of the cross member already has holes to allow tighten the motor mounts. I'm uncertain what I will encounter as far as hooking up steering.

Different part number shown for '40 crossmember, compared to '49 to '54 crossmember, but do not know what the difference may be.