Still planning my project...

I figure switching over to IFS will be a heck of a lot easier before I add an engine to the truck.

I've been searching through posts for a couple of days now, but I figure it would be easiest to see what you all have had success with.

My questions:

What have you used?
Are you happy with your choice?

Thanks in advance...

Pete

 

Quick answer:

For my 1960 I used the Cordoba torsion bar setup from what was known as Gibbon F-100s (I believe now out of business). Like it a lot, have put over 40,000 miles on my pickup since converting. Power steering, power disc brakes, etc. I did end up upgrading from the stock Cordoba torsion bars to a road-race spec aftermarket set, but other than that is has worked out really well.

Let me know if you have any questions about this type of IFS (longitudinal chrysler torsion bar).

 

If you haven't already done so, check out the Front Suspension Alternatives tech article under "Articles/Specs" at the top of the forum.

The most popular IFS seem to be Volare, Mustang II, and the Jag. Also check out Chassis Engineering to see what they offer for your year truck. You will find numerous opinions so it ultimately is whatever you feel more comfortable installing. You are on the right track in doing this modification before installing the engine/tranny. However, it would be good to have the engine/tranny decision made before you select the IFS to reduce possible future problems. Most of the people who install the Volare set the engine up 1-2" toward the passenger side to get header clearance at the steering box. The M-II doesn't have this problem. Good luck in what you choose and keep us posted on your progress.

 

LEckart...thanks for pointing me towards the IFS articles. Very informative. Unfortunately, I now realize that I have more options than I thought I had.

Lightening60...did you install the Cordoba IFS yourself?

 

I really think the time to mess with the IFS and/or engine is at the same time. They kind of occupy the same space so you need to do some planning to get everything to fit (oil pan/rack, steering/headers, etc). Check my galary for some MII pics and motor mount ideas.

SPark

 

I did do the installation myself. Wasn't terribly difficult, I was an eighteen year old recent HS graduate at the time. The new crossmember bolted into existing frame holes for the most part. I had a friend help out with the few welding jobs that were required.

You definitely will want to have the motor selected and at least a mockup engine to play with clearances. We welded engine mounts directly to the transmission crossmember, so they definitely go hand-in-hand. If you want more detailed pictures of the installation, let me know and I can add them to my gallery.

 

Lightning60 - No rush, but when you get a chance, I'd love to see some of those pics.

Another question...what (if anything) did you do about the rear wheel bolt pattern?

Thanks for all your help,

Pete

 

For my rear bolt pattern, I just bought a new set of drums then had them and the axles drilled to match the front bolt pattern. Pretty easy fix.


SPark

 

Lightning60- How does your truck handle?

LM14 - What are you using for a steering box?

 

I went with a Fatman MII. My truck is not on the road but I can give you some suggestions. Find a kit with a swaybar engineered in. Mine didn't have the option at that time that I'm aware of and I think I'm probably gonna want one. Also IMO working with the MII springs is a real pain. Had I known, I would have went with air bags or coil overs. Otherwise the setup seems plenty strong enough etc.

 

I'm using a Flaming River manual MII rack. I haven't gotten a chance to put a lot of miles on it yet due to winter but everything I drove before it started snowing was good. Also using their tilt column and a Moon wheel (13 or 14"?).

SPark

 

it has been a few years can you tell me what ifs you went with. im looking for one for my 59

 

I'll try to post some pictures, I have lots to do on my pickup and maybe it will motivate me to get it back on the road

My pickup handles very well. Adding the 245mm wide tires really increased the cornering capabilities. I've surprised quite a few passengers with the speed that I can negotiate corners.

I am still running mismatched F/R bolt patterns, something I hope to correct soon. If you look at my pictures you can see that the rears are chromed steel wheels while the front are painted with hubcaps. The fronts are actually Dodge cop car wheels. My axles have a large hole drilled in the flange that prevents me from drilling a new pattern in them, so I need to either find some junkyard axles that fit or get a new pair made.