Actually I was wondering if perhaps the spindle from a Dodge 3/4 ton truck might fit the ball joints of the Volare front end

 

I hope not for the sake of the 3/4 Dodge truck crowd. But if you know the balljoint stud diameter of a 3/4 Ton, I will check for you. I have a disassembled Volare handy.

 

You might investigate having the hubs and rotors redrilled to the truck bolt pattern if there is enough material. That would be the simpliest solution.

 

It isn't there.

 

Would a 77 Chrysler Cordoba have a usable front clip for the change over? I found one in the paper for $1000 that says it needs brakes. Brakes are easy to fix and if it is a usable donor car for the change over, and I can figure out how to keep my 8 lug wheels, I could drive it for a while until I am ready.

Dennis

 

Dennis,

Why are you so set on keeping the 8 lug wheels? If you are considering updating to a Chrysler T-bar suspension there are lots of better options for wheels...

Vern

 

Dennis

Lets assume you MUST have the 8 lug wheels. Then tell us what it is you like about the Volare. Maybe we can offer a suggestion that will get you the attributes you desire. Chrysler torsion bar and 8 lug wheel combo is not going to happen. Of course anything is possible in theory, but not without resorting to some bizarre and untested combination of mismatched parts and fabrication. And yes, we do bizarre and untested on a daily basis here, this just doesn't sound like a feasible idea. You'd have to weld the lug studs to the outside of an Chrysler rotor that bolts up to a Volare spindle.

Give us a lot more details of what you desire to achieve, and we'll try our best to lead you down a path someone has successfully traveled before you.

And to answer your other question. The Volare and 77 Cordoba style suspension are two different animals, but they share the same wheel bolt circle size. Read the Front suspension sticky thread at the top of this forum. The difference is explained within.

 

Just curious why you would want to go to a IFS clip and keep the extremely heavy 8 lug wheels that will fight any ride advantage the IFS would give?

 

AX Racer, maybe you can help me put into words why this is not a great idea. I understand the theory and effect of rotating mass and the possible negative effect on the spindle and such, but I lack the words to post any convincing way that may assist Dennis in a positve way to try something more achievable ( and safer perhaps ). I still don't understand what exactly Dennis is going for with the 8 lugs. Anyway, I ask this after reading your posts and find them very clear and true as well as coming from the voice of experience. Thanx
PS: I recall the need for larger diameter of bar for greater amounts of weight on barbells, rotating print and converting equipment and all other industrial process machinery.

 

Unsprung weight. Any parts not supported by the springs is unsprung weight. The more unsprung weight the poorer the ride and handling will be. Every bump starts that weight into motion, and any object in motion wants to remain in motion. The only way to stop that motion is with the shocks (unless you particularly like hopping down the road... ), so you need much stiffer shocks to keep the wheels on the ground. Stiffer shocks= harsher ride. Thus you have just defeated any ride advantage of the IFS, plus it's hard ($$$) to get stiff enough shocks that fit a suspension intended for a lighter vehicle with much lower unsprung weight. In addition large heavy wheels also have a gyroscopic effect that makes them harder to turn at speed. A lot of the Hummer crowd have found that when they put >20" Dubs on their truck they can barely turn it. If you don't want to go to smaller lighter tires and wheels, I'd suggest sticking with the beam axle, you'll be money ahead (needed to pay for the tires for those wheels) and will be a lot happier with the truck when you drive it.

 

AX< sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet !!! The technical reference I was looking for is "Gyroscopic " effect. My process manual also refers to "the Bolo effect" as well as Gyro. Anyway , thanks.
Dennis: good luck in achieving your goals. Keep us posted with your decision/progress.