I have read various threads debating the merits of various IFS add ons (Heidts, fatmans, etc) and various threads regarding the merits of various donor clips (kcar, camaro, dakota).

My question is: What are the advantages / merits of the add on IFS vs the frame clip?

I am building a daily driver 54 f100. My welding skill are squat so I will be paying to have this done for me. Looking to go with a 351w & c6 combo.

Thanks

 

Well about 8 years ago I had an '80 Volare clip installed on my '53, it was by far much, much cheaper than one of the independent companies kits. I only paid $175 for the clip and the installation. I don't boo-hoo the craftsmanship of the shop that installed the clip either, because about 3 years later a bacame a certified welder through AWS and ASME in numerous areas and then scoured over the work they did. Quite impressive I must say. I believe that the reason it was so reasonable was because I ended up replacing the Brake calipers/pads, rotors, bearings and replacing the bushings myself. All told, I still came in under $400 when all was said and done. One thing I would like to say is don't get caught up in the "our kits are different from the others" claims. 90% of the kits on the market today, aside from the Dakota, are just variations of the Mustang II front end. The only thing I'm contemplating now is since I'm working on my Mechanical Engineering degree is I'd like to design my own independent front end. Arrrrrr, there is only so much one can do though. I really need to get myself an endmill and lathe though to do it all right, just so I can do the machining myself. Good luck, I don't know if this helped you or not though.

53fatfndr

 

"One thing I would like to say is don't get caught up in the "our kits are different from the others" claims. 90% of the kits on the market today, aside from the Dakota, are just variations of the Mustang II front end."

However there are a number of IFS companies that offer a MII appearing IFS, but they are not a stock MII IFS in any way. Much heavier duty but retain the good looks of MII. Stock MII parts will not bolt up.

Heidt's SuperRide II and No Limit "Wild Ride" are two examples. Some real top shelf stuff. Very HD and sharp too. To answer the the original question, a great deal has to do with the quality of the install. Almost all of the methods offer nice ride, stance and comfort. Some of them do so at the expense of strength so they aren't good for a work truck.

 

I used the front clip from a '72 Torino. Reason I like it is, everything fits snug. I was able to use the whole drive train 351C, C6, 9".
When I had to order headers, I just ordered them for a 72 Torino with a 351C and C6. "No custom fitting." Looks like it was ment to be there.

If you do decide to go with a clip from a car (hopefully you would make your car all Ford), Make sure you know what you are doing. It will have to be straigh, level, centered between the wheel wells, mounting for your front end and bumper.

There are allot of trucks out there for cheap, that are 1/2 done, for this reason. "THEY GOT IN OVER THEIR HEADS"


BTW, I got the whole car for $150.00

Good Luck

 

Knight,

To answer your question, the largest advantage of the add on clip is that you don't have to cut your frame in half and fabricate new core support brackets, and you still have a place to bolt your bumpers to. In a clip, all this stuff has to be fabricated, however, since you admit you have squat welding skills and plan to hire out the job, it wouldn't make any difference except in your wallet. Just be sure to hire a competent shop.

 

Fenders-

Dont forget about the corvette IFS!

Ill be doing that one this winter (already got my donor suspension).

 

Phat

You're right, I did forget about that one. Since it's not until this winter, I trust you'll be prepared to take digitals and some notes on the install for us. I learn more from the real world guys here, than from magazine write-ups where a financial tie may exist.

 

When the time comes, I will post everything for you guys.

Right now Im just collecting parts, while cruzing in my stock 55.

Planned:
corvette ifs
explorer rear axle
custom interior
351 fuel-injected butt-kicker

phat55

 

Oooooh, I heard you say "Dakota"!!!
Daryl "Dodge Boy" Stone LOL