progress on my 56 frame.....Lexus IFS
 

So, after removing a Volare front suspension from my 56 frame and rebuilding the rails on the sides and lower flanges, its now sitting on wheels again.
So obviously some more welding to come and boxing plates as well, but i now have the Lexus SC400 alloy crossmember in place and bolted in the correct position.
Next step is fabricating a crossmember to pick up the lower rear bushes and the sway bar mounts.
Pictures are in my album for those who are interested, and cos i cant seem to post pics. John

I just went through your album! Man that is a good lookin IFS! where does the rack-n-pinion mount? left side? right side? steering.

Jeff,
the steering rack goes on the front and in my case i will be setting it up with airbags, however coilovers would also be pretty easy to setup.
I will be going right hand drive so i will be doing the dash at a later stage too.
Once i get the front squared away i will also be using the Lexus IRS out back. Should make for a good riding and handling effie. John

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...ictureid=93594

To post a pic from your gallery, click on Enlarge below the picture, then rt click and copy the picture's URL address. After that's done, click on the yellow image icon (w/the sun and mountains) in your post and paste the copied URL address.

Was it as easy to install as it looks in the picture? It looks like it's a bolt in, except maybe the lower rear control arm mount. Post pics when you can. That may be an option when you can't find a good jag subframe.

That doesnt seem to difficult, next time i will give it a try.
But i gotta tell ya, working a welder comes easier than working a computer for me..LOL

John

Yeah it really was that easy, biggest part of the job so far was repairing the previous damage from the Volare that was in there.
The next thing will be the lower rear control arm mount, and it might be a week or two before i can make some time for that. But i will post some pics, now that i might be able to do that thanks to 51panelman. John

Looks like no cutting on your inner fender skirts! I like that.
What will you do for shockmounts?

Jeff,
i am thinking of running the airbags and shocks inboard of the frame rails, but if running coilovers for instance the shocks are part of the deal anyway.
I wont say anymore about my inboard airbags for now, but pretty confident my idea will work just fine, stay tuned. LOL John

Made some boxing plates (geez i love my plasma cutter) and they are almost ready to tack in with the Tig.
The way things are going i may turn this into a build thread....

John

I like the narrow engine cradle area, looks like engine placement, front to back, adjustability is very open! I wonder how available lexus ifs is, in the US? very cool...

Almost certain that the Lexus SC400 coupe is called the same in the US as here in Australia. The SC400 is the V8 version and in Oz the six cylinder is called a Toyota Soarer, not sure what its called in the US. John

Does the Lexus have the same status there? Only Rich people, or people who want people to think they are rich? Lexus Spells " I am Loaded.." I haven't ever seen one in a salvage yard!
I will stop contaminating your thread!
Nice work John! Looking forward to more!

Newer Lexus yes, older Lexus not so much LOL
The Sc400 is getting on a bit now and available for cheap prices as driving cars.
I bought a complete driving SC400 V8 coupe for $1500. and parted it out. Sold the remains (mostly body panels) to a young guy here in town for $650.
After some quick measuring i think the engine MAY even go back on the original mounts on the crossmember and still clear the firewall.
But as you said, the engine bay is pretty clear and open with this setup, so lots of choices for different engine/trans combos.

John