Looking for an opinion from folks here. I have available a 8.8" IRS from a 1995 Thunderbird that is 60 miles away and I probably can get for $375. Two weeks ago I picked up a 1988 Jag XJS IFS from a guy in Logan Utah and he had the IRS sitting right next to it. It's available for $300, but is a 5 1/2 hour drive each way to pick up. I have a couple people locally telling me to install the Jag IRS. Does anyone here have experience installing one? What issues do I face that might be more difficult (or just different) on the install? I really appreciate anyone's thought's on this or help in pointing me to someone who has done the Jag IRS install. Thanks!!! I'm putting a 302/C6 combo up front.

 

I went with the T Bird IRS and Jag IFS using information from this site. I know others have done the Jag IRS. I think it takes a little more fabrication. One thing I notice is the Jag IFS is quite stiff where the T Bird IRS flexes quite a bit. This is using the stock springs. I think I will end up having to get different rear springs or maybe bags down the road. Hopefully by spring I will know for sure. Do a search on each and you should get some good reading.

 

Any reason you want an IRS in a truck?
I have two jag IRS units here but they are from 1987 and older cars. They mount up with rubber isolators and lower trailing arms. Might be a more simple deal since no spring pockets are needed but still need to make all the mounting points. Then again the 1988 up setup could be completely different, but anything can be done.

 

Hi Dave, no particular reason for wanting a IRS for my truck. I do have a 2000 Explorer rear end (unfortunately NOT limited slip, according to the tag), and I found a set of Dakota springs, but not sure how to proceed with the mounts and shackles. More research needs here on FTE! Thanks for the input, guys!

 

Having installed the IRS unit but not having it on the road yet I can't give a proper answer but when I do the next project I will stick with a regular rear diff and springs. Installation is easier. With the IRS and IFS you will have to box the frame and it should be boxed all the way from front to back to prevent the frame from twisting where the boxing plates end. With just the IFS you could get away with only boxing it half way or so. Its lots of measuring, cutting and make sure you measure again. When you do the front make sure you measure and mark the center of your wheels so you can line the IFS center up.

 

Mounts and shackles are easy, just use ranger pieces, here are the ones I used in the supercharged truck build that I bought through rockauto. I used dakota mounts in the first truck build but it would be the same setup with the ranger pieces. The truck build in my signature shows the dakota springs. I flipped the rear shackles both ways to see what ride height I wanted.

 

Snow White LTD has a mounting kit for the Jag IRS. It is a very good product. They are in northern California. I am installing the Jag IFS and IRS in my son's 63 F100 right now. I thought about the Mark VIII IRS but the Jag seemed easier to install the Mark VIII. The Jag might be more expensive when it is all finished but it is what we think that we want to do.


Kevin

 

I've got a 48 and I installed a Jag IFS and a Mark VIII in mine. I didn't want a hauler so I guess it comes down to what do you want. I will be done with this build and on the road by November. I have pictures if you would like.

__________________________________________
48 Ford F1 - Darkside
46 Ford Tudor - Street Rod

"Automatics are for Washing Machines" "Happiness - 3 pedals and a 5 Speed"

 

Thanks for everyone's comments! My intention with the truck is to cruise, both long and short distances, hell, Wal Mart is 60 miles away, LOL. 48 Steel, I've followed your build thread and really like what you've done. I'd be interested in more pics, yes!

 

Have a good look at 48 Steele's pics. For me they were like a build bible. Very detailed and easy to figure out what was going on.