Hello,
New to the forum, thanks for all the info you guys are posting.

My question; Has anyone here attemted an IFS converion/clip on our trucks (2wd). In this month's (april) issue of Custom Classic Trucks, there is '77 that is clipped with an '02 for the IFS and 5.4l EFI motor. I was wondering if there was any other methods for IFS, and the difference in frame widths.
Thanks
Curt

 

Most folks dont bother chopping frames...instead Ive seen some people just do body swaps to newer frames w/ IFS...much easier to fab body mounts than to mess with frame widths and having to plate and gusset everything.
-Chris

 

I am planning to use an 82 GMC front frame section under my 78 but it is a lot of fabrication work. The GMC frame is narrower between the wheels because of the A-arms but aft of that it is a similar width. Dropping a body on a newer frame will also bring up titling issues and emissions regs that are based on the newest component. With just a short section of the GMC frame I think I can avoid those issues since the frame VIN number will be retained.

 

i got that issue to! I hope to one day have my truck look like that! I asked my cousin and friend hammer if we could do that, but they said it was just to much work, seeing as to how all they realy know how to do is bag a truck. But why would it bring up that much trouble if you just used the frame and kept the same motor and trans.

 

If you use the entire frame from say a 2004 for instance (not saying it wouldwork just an example)...drive train and all then it essentially all youd have to do is make sure that you make the body fit then fab the mounts. Much easier than chopping and rejoining frame safely...just measure twice and fab once. Ive seen it done with a 70's body swapped onto a late 80's frame.

As for smog issues that will vary by state..wether you have a 70's body on a diff frame or a diff motor in a 70's truck you'll run into issues. Point being find out before you build. In most states they'll let you have a transplanted motor w/o smog issues...like I said though check first.

Then when you register it all you should need is title to both trucks in your name still it varies once again. Either way you slice it it isnt gonna be a cakewalk but it can and has been done both ways.
-Chris

 

There are IFS kits made to specifically fit these trucks. I've installed a few of them, they work great....

 

Who makes them? I have seen Fat Man Fab has a kit, but I have heard bad things about the quality of the parts.

I am also hesitant to fit parts originaly designed for a 4 cylinder mustang under my truck (460+frame must wiegh more than a mustang II).

Curt

 

i wouls also like to kno this. i tried to search for fatman's site but couldnt find it.

 

Isnt a TTB suspension already an IFS?

 

TTB is on a 4 wheel drive truck. 2 wheel drives have Twin I-beams. But yes it is an IFS but alot of people don't like the I-beams and want something with better handling and ride quality.

 

TIB is tough but that is about the only thing it does right. I really would not classify it as an independent suspension, more like something designed by Fred Flintstone.

My truck is a F250 and I certainly would not want to put a lightweight Pinto suspension under it. That is why the GMC 3/4T suspension is used.

 

you sayt that you have installed a few of them do you have any furthere info on what you have installed please the info would be great

 

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Hope you find Answers to ANY Questions you may have!

 

I agree, Twin I-Beam is technically independent front suspension, and it can't be all that bad since Ford used it from the mid-60's up to '96 (maybe '97 on the F-250HD).

 

I didnt know they used it that long!