Which front-end should I buy??
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Which front-end should I buy??
Hey guys,
I have a '52 Panel. I have just started working it, so for right now I'm focusing on the "build sheet". As I look at the classic truck magazines, it seems there are many frames, front-ends I can choose from. I'd like a rack&pinion IFS front-end but it is hard to figure which has the best reputation, or worst for that matter. I know this is a vauge question, but can anyone help me decide which of these companies has great stuff??
I have a '52 Panel. I have just started working it, so for right now I'm focusing on the "build sheet". As I look at the classic truck magazines, it seems there are many frames, front-ends I can choose from. I'd like a rack&pinion IFS front-end but it is hard to figure which has the best reputation, or worst for that matter. I know this is a vauge question, but can anyone help me decide which of these companies has great stuff??
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
Most of the major manufacturer's units that include upper and lower wishbones rather than use stock single pivot/trailing arm Mustang II lower control arms should be fine, but they are expensive and take a lot of fab skills and equipment to put in correctly. A fully rebuilt beam axle/leaf spring setup can be quite good if coupled with a Toyota PS box, and is far simpler and cheaper to do than an IFS.
Oh yah, welcome to FTE! there are some great knowlegable people here ready and willing to help with any questions you have. Don't forget to try searching this forum the more common questions have been answered many times. There are also a full and detailed collection of info on front and rear suspension options archived. Be sure to post pictures of your truck as soon as possible in your gallery, we love to see pictures especially panels (I own a 56 Panel) click on my name and then the gallery link to see my pics.
Oh yah, welcome to FTE! there are some great knowlegable people here ready and willing to help with any questions you have. Don't forget to try searching this forum the more common questions have been answered many times. There are also a full and detailed collection of info on front and rear suspension options archived. Be sure to post pictures of your truck as soon as possible in your gallery, we love to see pictures especially panels (I own a 56 Panel) click on my name and then the gallery link to see my pics.
Last edited by AXracer; Sep 22, 2005 at 10:58 PM.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,734
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From: Kansas City area
Welcome FlyinBrian-
You have asked a question that will get as many opinions as the number of different options you can go with on your truck. In the end you have to go with what suits you best. If you want a Mustang type IFS then a Heidts or TCI are used alot and have good reputations. Several have used Volare, Camaro, or LTD frontends. Others have used Aerostar. Still others rebuild the straight axle, add PS, and front disk brakes as Axracer noted. Look in the tech articles under suspension and you will find a writeup on several of those mentioned. My current 56 which is for sale has a Volare. My new project has Corvette C4 IFS and IRS so it is really a matter of preference on your part. Have fun with your truck.
You have asked a question that will get as many opinions as the number of different options you can go with on your truck. In the end you have to go with what suits you best. If you want a Mustang type IFS then a Heidts or TCI are used alot and have good reputations. Several have used Volare, Camaro, or LTD frontends. Others have used Aerostar. Still others rebuild the straight axle, add PS, and front disk brakes as Axracer noted. Look in the tech articles under suspension and you will find a writeup on several of those mentioned. My current 56 which is for sale has a Volare. My new project has Corvette C4 IFS and IRS so it is really a matter of preference on your part. Have fun with your truck.
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New User
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Thanks guys! It sounds like I'm surrounded by some quality people on this site. I've been looking at TCI, and like what I see. I'd like to do an entire frame/ front end from them. Big Bucks tho. I'll stay in touch.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,730
Likes: 13
From: Waynesville, OH
Welcome Brian. 
Yes, you are surrounded now - by friendly people I mean. 
A lot of your questions have been discussed at length in the forum. That doesn't mean we won't hash 'em over again, though. You might want to spend a few hours with the search engine and going through old threads and posts.
Yes, you are surrounded now - by friendly people I mean. A lot of your questions have been discussed at length in the forum. That doesn't mean we won't hash 'em over again, though. You might want to spend a few hours with the search engine and going through old threads and posts.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 335
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From: IN.
I have aTCI in 1 truck and a 87 chevy in the other and if I do it again (with i will) the 87 chevy is the better ride .and it cost $200. for the motor ,trans, rear axle ,plus the front end. Much better deal
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,669
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From: San Jose, CA
Nice to hear from another fellow Panel owner. I have two Panels my self, a '51 and a '52. Both are original and stock. The '51 is getting a mild hot-rod treatment. I got lucky and was able to purchase a '49 parts Panel that already had a boxed frame with a FatMan Fab MII front end. Can't tell you anything about the ride, but it looks good. Also, (not pictured) I've since put in a 9" rear end from a '57 F100.
Ilya
Ilya
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New User
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Easton, Pa
Originally Posted by tomoto
I have aTCI in 1 truck and a 87 chevy in the other and if I do it again (with i will) the 87 chevy is the better ride .and it cost $200. for the motor ,trans, rear axle ,plus the front end. Much better deal
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,190
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From: Riverside, So Cal
SMier -
There is a great article on IFS choices for Effies in this forum. Go to the silver header bar at the forum front page, click on Articles/Specs, Suspension, the look at "Alternative suspensions for ..." (or something like that). The article used to be a sticky at the top of the forum. It is now in many sections. The Camaro IFS is listed there as one choice. All the alternatives have pros and cons. You'll enjoy it.
There is a great article on IFS choices for Effies in this forum. Go to the silver header bar at the forum front page, click on Articles/Specs, Suspension, the look at "Alternative suspensions for ..." (or something like that). The article used to be a sticky at the top of the forum. It is now in many sections. The Camaro IFS is listed there as one choice. All the alternatives have pros and cons. You'll enjoy it.
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