I liked the I-beam front end until I got the hot rod bug. I don't trust the
MII set-up it was designed for a much lighter car (pinto to MII). I am using
a Jaguar XJ-6 front (and rear suspension) n my AD truck with a 425 Buick
Nailhead BB motor. The Jags were/are pretty heavy (4000 lbs. With a 6
cylinder engine, I don't know what the XJS v-12 cars weighed in at but I'm
betting more) they are power rack and pinion, wishbone a-arm and have disc
brakes. Plus they lower the truck by 6-8 or so inches. I'm trying to design
a bolt-in kit for this front end.
Jon P
-----Original Message-----
From: Stkcode [mailto:stkcode@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 08, 2001 1:37 PM
To: oletrucks@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: [oletrucks] Original or IFS??
Personally, I would go with the IFS. Steering
handleing will be better as well as ride quality.
Theirs nothing wrong with the I-beam setup even thou
it is said to not be as safe as IFS for various
reasons. Guess it depends on how much you are willing
to spend. A dual master cylinder would really help on
braking power...add a power booster and life just gets
sweater. The only thing that really stinks about the
stock drum brake setup is that it pre-dates the self
adjusters which are found on the newer vehicles. I
believe this started sometime on the 60's vehicles.
Meaning your brakes will occasionally need to be
manually tighted. On a positive note, drum brakes do
last longer. I would probably go with the weld in IFS
kit most definately. The suspension takes a real
licking and to me, stronger is better in this case.
Sorry, I don't have any experiance in installing IFS
in these old trucks as my truck has a totaled frame
and is getting a completely new frame with IFS and a
4-link setup topped off with air springs.
Just my 1 1/2 cents...
Jon
Mod 53 3100 Deluxe
P.S. Someday, I'll learn how to spell....everything
keeps coming out wrong...ahhh
--- Wayne Craig <wcraig@cfl.rr.com> wrote:
> I recently purchased a 1953 Chevy 1/2 ton PU. The
> truck has a 327 Chevy SB and
> a 72 Camaro Posi rear axle, but still has the
> original front suspension. It
> seems a shame to replace the original front
> suspension because it was recently
> rebuilt and is like new, but the brake system really
> sucks, and the steering
> system is out of phase. I'm weighing the options.
> Should I keep the original
> front suspension, but convert to disk brakes, or
> just bite the bullet and put
> in a modern front suspension? If I convert to an
> IFS, I've been looking at the
> Fat Man IFS Stage II Kit, and also am considering
> "RB's" bolt-in suspension.
> My welding skills are nil, but I could probably get
> a friend who is an
> excellent welder to help me with the Fat Man kit. I
> could probably do the
> "bolt-in" myself.
> I would welcome any opinions on the subject.
>
> Thanks,
> A.W.
> oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built
> between 1941 and 1959
=====
Jon
stkcode@yahoo.com
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oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between
1941 and 1959
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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