which would you do?(IFS)
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2004
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which would you do?(IFS)
the guy i got my truck from (he's my friends dad so i have good ties with him) has a mid 80's LTD with a 302 in it not 12ft. from my truck and wants 150 for the motor trans and front end, he also has another volare in front of his shop .my boss has a couple extra volare front ends from 2 donor satelites behind the shop(i pulled one out)not sure if he would sell it or the price. so which would you choose? dont tell me to look at the sticky cause i have read it 5 times and have narrowed it down to these 2 setups. 1.becuase i know where some are 2.i can get em cheap 3.they look the easiest to me(yeah yeah i know u have to cut the frame and measure 50 times) BUT what would you do? 55
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 2
From: Midland, Texas
Go with the Volare if the guy will sell. The info garnered from the sticky tells you just that. It is a simpler cleaner install for the average joe. Splicing a frame goes far beyond amateur skills. best. himmelberg
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
I'd go with the Volare too. Ease of installation and no coil springs to figure out. You don't have to cut off your original frame and fabricate a core support and you can mount your front bumper and sheet metal right back in it's original place. It's been done a zillion times so there ane no unknowns. The only drawback is getting motor mounts and headers around the steering box and that can be overcome... 
Vern
Vern
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,622
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From: okla
I agree on the Volare. I like the way it installed and I like the way it drives. I don't know that I agree that you can set ride height where you want it. I set mine down where I thought it looked good before it went to alignment shop. Once there, we raised it back up [ off the bumpstops] to allow more travel and to get camber where he thought it should be. Now it rides and drives great, not mushy but not harsh either. So, I ordered a set of dropped spindles. Now I'm wondering if it's too low, and I have to crank the bars up, will it be too much tension[harsh]? I'll know soon. Joe
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,577
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From: Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Hello i am going to be difficult. The volare is a very good IFS. Cheap, remotely easy to install, does not require frame cutting. A good ride. But has anyone driven a ford lately. The car you are talking about has suspension interchange all the way thru 1994. I have about 3600 trouble free miles on my 55. Yeah it requires more cutting, more measuring, and more guts but it is one of the better riding and handling suspensions around bar none. The steering is just right without being over sensitive. Once everything is all lined that motor and tranny will go right down on those factory mounts just like Ford intended. Check out my gallery
Moderator
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From: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Originally Posted by tacson
Hello i am going to be difficult. The volare is a very good IFS. Cheap, remotely easy to install, does not require frame cutting. A good ride. But has anyone driven a ford lately. The car you are talking about has suspension interchange all the way thru 1994. I have about 3600 trouble free miles on my 55. Yeah it requires more cutting, more measuring, and more guts but it is one of the better riding and handling suspensions around bar none. The steering is just right without being over sensitive. Once everything is all lined that motor and tranny will go right down on those factory mounts just like Ford intended. Check out my gallery
I totally agree! My 56 is all Ford/Mercury all the way! 80 Merc clip, 302 automatic and the braking system all from the same car. It is more work and harder to do but is better . I intend to keep my 56 for a long time .
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
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Opinions are like _________...this board is full of them. I mean everybody has one. (Relax, just kidding). Whew, that was close! 
Yes, the Volare is easy to do and very cheap, but gosh that Cordoba system sure looks purdy (and it's reasonably priced as well, plus easy to do)
Later,
Yes, the Volare is easy to do and very cheap, but gosh that Cordoba system sure looks purdy (and it's reasonably priced as well, plus easy to do)
Later,
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Junior User
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tacson - i have searched the board for people that have used LTD/crown vic clips and i always find you, so i have seen your gallery many times. that is the reason i wanted to use the LTD- cuase its all ford.....plus if i buy the car then i get motor,trans, rear, brakes,and wheels. for some reason to me the LTD seems a little easier and if its not, why not go the extra mile?
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 533
Likes: 33
From: Foxworth, Ms.
I just completed a "Volare" IFS in my 1954 F-100. This is my first attempt at restoring/rodding old trucks so I am not an expert, but the IFS swap was very simple. I might add that I used the template that is available to mark my frame. Made the job a piece of cake. Hope this helps you decide. later, Steve
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
Can you weld or afford to have it welded? If so, go for the Ford clip. It will handle and ride at least as well as the Volare. I'd like to hear more feedback on this clip. If welding is a problem for you, then it's the Volare hands down.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 954
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From: 15 miles west of Venus
FWIW, I did a ~78 Ranchero first time around. Went to the inspection station and they sent me home. Headlights were 22 1/2" at the center. State law says minimum 24." I had to put spring wedges in to get it to legal height. The car I drove everyday while I was building the '55 was a stock VW beetle. Headlights were 22 1/2." That was OK?
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,577
Likes: 208
From: Murfreesboro, Tennessee
A if you ever get near Nashville, Tennessee Look me up we can go for a ride in my 55'. Then go back and drive a 53-56 with a Volare. See which ride and handling you like best. My headlight are exactly 24 inches from the ground. This is with running 215/65r15 all the way around. My running boards are 6 inches off the ground and my front bumper is 8 inches. You have to be happy no one here will have to live with your decision but you.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 788
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From: Hendersonville, TN
Hey tacson, another Nashvillian! Great! Do you know Mark Coleman? He's my brother, and I figured if you're in this area and love old F100's you've probably crossed paths.
I helped him do a Volare IFS years ago, and he liked it pretty well, but his current project is using a 'Vette front and rear. I'm anxious to ride in it when it hits the street.
I helped him do a Volare IFS years ago, and he liked it pretty well, but his current project is using a 'Vette front and rear. I'm anxious to ride in it when it hits the street.