T Bird IRS
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,497
Likes: 5
From: Tucson AZ
Don't have one personally but I did see one in a '49 Ford Woody, it appeared to be a fairly straight-forward install. They're not as pretty as a Jag but on the other hand my T-Bird SC was an ***-kicker when it came to ride and handling......
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,622
Likes: 3
From: okla
I have the Team 321 brackets I bought when they had a half price promo. I was in a local salvage yard yesterday that has a low milage T Bird that I can buy the IRS out of for a good price. Decision time. Just curious how someone might consider the ride and handling compared to leaf spring set up. Worth the effort or not. Thanks for your input.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,497
Likes: 5
From: Tucson AZ
My humble (maybe not so humble) opinion is that an IRS is most always a good thing. However, I always look at the asthetics as the final decision. If it doesn't look right or it looks stupid the rest of it doesn't matter. Will that rear work with your wheel/tire combination? Will it have to be narrowed to fit? How much is that? Sometimes "better" just isn't. Again, JMHO!
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 838
Likes: 0
From: 50 miles west of Chicago
If you look at the team 321 website, it is pretty comprehensive. The first question I would have is what is the bolt pattern for the wheels? Is it 4.5 x 5 or is it the 4.25 x 5 that some IRS like a Mark VIII have? Ford has the hubs to correct that if needed and think they are about $300 for the set of two if my memory is correct.
The other thing to think about is how are you going to support the truck? Will it be coil springs or will it ride on air? Just some other choices.
As for the looks, that is pretty much a personal choice. If it looks good to you then do it as a IRS provides many benefits.
However as mentioned before if it doesn't look good to you then it really doesn't matter because you will never be happy with it.
If you decide to do it, lets us know and send pictures of the swap.
jim
The other thing to think about is how are you going to support the truck? Will it be coil springs or will it ride on air? Just some other choices.
As for the looks, that is pretty much a personal choice. If it looks good to you then do it as a IRS provides many benefits.
However as mentioned before if it doesn't look good to you then it really doesn't matter because you will never be happy with it.
If you decide to do it, lets us know and send pictures of the swap.
jim
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,622
Likes: 3
From: okla
Well, I realize that I did not title the thread properly. I should have asked for experience in the title. I am aware of all of the incidentals with the T Bird IRS. I knew when I bought the Team 321 brackets that it seemed like a good modification. Since I have been working on another project recently I had put it on the backburner. My 53 F100 performs nicely with leafs now, it just seems like an IRS would be better--MAYBE. Now that a good candidate T Bird has come along I gotten more serious. I realize that many mods we make to our cars/trucks seem to be something that will enhance our driving experience, yet when all is said and done, the difference may be not as great as we had imagined. That is why I was looking for input as to how it has worked out for others. Many of us spend years completing a project before we get to test our mods, so I realize that it is possible no one on the site has the experience I am looking for. Just decision time.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 381
Likes: 0
From: Ga.
I would go for it if I was you. I still have my 97 Bird and one of the main reasons I still do is because of the way it handles. The MN12 is over looked and underrated.
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Well if I don't want to take on the job let me know and I will take hose brackets off ur hands asap!!!
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Las Vegas NV
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,497
Likes: 5
From: Tucson AZ
An outstanding how-to. Although it is not applicble in this case, whenever I do a "c-notch" I like to add a third boxing plate in the center of the frame rail to add some rigidity to that notched area without having to add to the top of the rail. Hope that makes sense and helps someone too
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,622
Likes: 3
From: okla
Thanks for all the replys. I have looked at all the install threads prior to purchasing the brackets from Team321, they are all excellent. I am just to going to assume it to be a worthwhile mod, and buy the IRS assembly.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,497
Likes: 5
From: Tucson AZ
Gopher it!
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