Question: Chevy 4x4 IFS

[edefrange]

I am looking to modify one of the 88-98 Chevy truck monster truck kits. I want to make it into a 4x4 stock version. I was wondering what parts I need to source as well as if anyone has created an IFS system or if there is an aftermarket version available? I was also wondering if anyone has good reference pictures of a 4x4 IFS system so I could take a run at building my own from scratch. Thanks

[Fat Brian]

The frame is going to give you a fit because of how the monster truck frame is molded to the stock floor pan. The stock version can still be found for not much more than a new monster truck version. You might can even find a cheap built one and use the new body and interior from the monster truck. 

No one currently makes the front IFS, you could go with a solid front straight axle which is a common swap. Or you can use one of the Aoshima Toyota 4x4 kits as a donor, they have front IFS and both stock and raised suspension options along with very nice Super Swamper tires. It's not 100% correct but is about as close as you can get without a lot of scratchbuilding. 

Finally, Round2 is working on bringing some variation of the stock short bed kit back out. If you can wait a year or two there might be a better option than what there is right now.

[Plowboy]

Both Revell and AMT made the Cadillac Escalade EXT. You'll find all of the parts you need from either one.

[iamsuperdan]

Revell did a 1999 Silverado 1500. Yes, it's the next gen truck, but the suspension/frame should work and be reasonably accurate.

 

 

[mikemodeler]

2 minutes ago, iamsuperdan said:

Revell did a 1999 Silverado 1500. Yes, it's the next gen truck, but the suspension/frame should work and be reasonably accurate.

 

 

That isn't a 4x4 truck.

[mikemodeler]

Depending on how detailed you want to go, besides the Cadillac options (AMT & Revell both did a kit), if you want a simple conversion the AMT snap fast Tahoe kit will go under any of the AMT short bed pickups of the same years (88-92) with little modification.

Maybe with the reissue of the AMT Chevy SS454 short bed kit (1990 model), someone in the resin/3D world will do a conversion kit to make a 4x4.

[Fat Brian]

I always forget those Escalade kits, I've never had one so they just don't exist for me I guess. 

[Plowboy]

If I were you, I would find an original version of the long bed Chevy. It'll save you a lot of headaches. You'll have the right chassis and a hood with no hole through it. The monster truck only gives you a body with a hole in the hood.

[Plowboy]

58 minutes ago, mikemodeler said:

Depending on how detailed you want to go, besides the Cadillac options (AMT & Revell both did a kit), if you want a simple conversion the AMT snap fast Tahoe kit will go under any of the AMT short bed pickups of the same years (88-92) with little modification.

 

That chassis has everything molded in. 

[mikemodeler]

6 minutes ago, Plowboy said:

That chassis has everything molded in. 

Yes, but if someone was going for a quick build, it is the easiest, just depends on what the goal is.

[iamsuperdan]

4 hours ago, mikemodeler said:

That isn't a 4x4 truck.

Really? ?

I'm going to have to have a closer look at the one in my stash. Could have sworn it was!

[Can-Con]

32 minutes ago, iamsuperdan said:

Really? ?

I'm going to have to have a closer look at the one in my stash. Could have sworn it was!

Nope, definitely not. 

[Plowboy]

1 hour ago, iamsuperdan said:

Really? ?

I'm going to have to have a closer look at the one in my stash. Could have sworn it was!

It has the wheels from a 4wd. But, it's not. Notice that the upcoming reissue has them and it's lowered down. I thought the stock version was 4wd also as it clearly has one on the box. 

[edefrange]

6 hours ago, Plowboy said:

If I were you, I would find an original version of the long bed Chevy. It'll save you a lot of headaches. You'll have the right chassis and a hood with no hole through it. The monster truck only gives you a body with a hole in the hood.

Thank you for the response, I have the original release, but it’s also 2wd. So I’m kinda back in the same spot ?

[edefrange]

9 hours ago, Fat Brian said:

The frame is going to give you a fit because of how the monster truck frame is molded to the stock floor pan. The stock version can still be found for not much more than a new monster truck version. You might can even find a cheap built one and use the new body and interior from the monster truck. 

No one currently makes the front IFS, you could go with a solid front straight axle which is a common swap. Or you can use one of the Aoshima Toyota 4x4 kits as a donor, they have front IFS and both stock and raised suspension options along with very nice Super Swamper tires. It's not 100% correct but is about as close as you can get without a lot of scratchbuilding. 

Finally, Round2 is working on bringing some variation of the stock short bed kit back out. If you can wait a year or two there might be a better option than what there is right now.

This is probably my best route. I know that iceman makes an off-road oriented chassis, but it’s for a short bed style truck. I guess it might be a good learning experience to try and make my own custom stuff

[Plowboy]

24 minutes ago, edefrange said:

Thank you for the response, I have the original release, but it’s also 2wd. So I’m kinda back in the same spot ?

Then all you need is an Escalade EXT for the 4wd parts and suspension. You may even be able to use the frame from it. Just have to lengthen it.

[Fat Brian]

1 hour ago, edefrange said:

This is probably my best route. I know that iceman makes an off-road oriented chassis, but it’s for a short bed style truck. I guess it might be a good learning experience to try and make my own custom stuff

If you want something stock the Escalade kits Roger mentioned are your best option. Since you said you have the stock kit at least you don't have to undo the monster truck stuff. For something custom you really can go a bunch of different ways.

[iamsuperdan]

16 hours ago, Plowboy said:

It has the wheels from a 4wd. But, it's not. Notice that the upcoming reissue has them and it's lowered down. I thought the stock version was 4wd also as it clearly has one on the box. 

I think that's what confused me. The box and built models clearly show the 6 bolt wheels, which in the previous generation truck signified 4WD.

[Jordan White]

6 hours ago, iamsuperdan said:

I think that's what confused me. The box and built models clearly show the 6 bolt wheels, which in the previous generation truck signified 4WD.

With the GMT800 trucks, they are all 6-lug (other than the 8-lug HD trucks), and the wheels featured in the kit were available on both 2WD and 4WD models.