Comparing IFS options
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: South St. Paul, MN
Comparing IFS options
I have found an original frame for my 53 f100 but am now trying to figure out what IFS setup to use. I am working on a VERY small budget. I am considering either the volare or a mustang II set up. I've heard the volare is now concidered to be the "old" way of doing things but I have also heard that there are concerns that the mustang II is to light to handle the weight of a truck. I can't afford a custom IFS setup so that option is out for me. Just looking for others opinions on the subject and any problems anyone has had with either setup. Are there any other reasonably priced alternatives I should be considering. And are regular maintinance parts such as brake pads and rotors still readilly available for the volare. This is my first truck so all this is pretty new to me.
Thanks in advance for all the help!
Thanks in advance for all the help!
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 1
From: Earth
While the MII and Volare IFS setups have been around for a long time, "Old" way of doing things is pretty much one's opinion. If you are on a budget, and just looking for a comfortable ride, then either the Volare or MII would be fine. The other thing you need to consider is which engine swap you are going to go with. The Volare's steering box can be a bit troublesome to build an exhaust around with larger engines. Also a bigger engine will weigh more and might have the tendency to make the front suspension feel a bit soft. To my knowledge, the Volare's typically had 318's and the MII's had 302 engines (just to give you an idea of the stock engine weight). Parts are still available for Volare IFS setups. I'm running a Volare front clip in my '53 with a 400 Ford. I've seen some with even bigger engines. Hopefully someone will chime in here that has more experience with MII's. Good luck 
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,190
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From: Riverside, So Cal
The Jag IFS is becoming very popular in the US, but has been used for years in Australia, where they used to be most available. The whole car can cost less than a junk yard front end. The MII kits, which I am running, are very spendy, but beefed up over the stock issue to handle our truck weights very well.
John Niolon's website has excellent writeups on both the Volare and Mustang II installs. (John does most everything twice).
http://www.clubfte.com/users/jniolon/
There are many other alternatives using full size car suspensions. These were beautifully detailed some time ago in a 9-part article written by our members. See the link below.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/idx/10/0/
Enjoy!
John Niolon's website has excellent writeups on both the Volare and Mustang II installs. (John does most everything twice).
http://www.clubfte.com/users/jniolon/
There are many other alternatives using full size car suspensions. These were beautifully detailed some time ago in a 9-part article written by our members. See the link below.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/idx/10/0/
Enjoy!
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We provide a Dakota based front and drop axle service to front straight axles.
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2003
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From: Earth
Originally Posted by CIAF
Branden, How does your truck ride and handle?? Any mods to the Volare?? What shock??
Jon
Jon
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,337
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From: Harpswell Maine
Originally Posted by 53fatfndr
It rides pretty smooth actually. As far as just cruising goes, I can't complain. I wouldn't take any fast corners with it though. If I ever figure out how to tune my rear 4-link suspension, I think the truck as a whole would handle the corners at higher speeds. The only mods I did to the Volare were to add a power steering cooler and run KYB Gas-a-Just Shocks. I initially had Sears gas shocks on there and it felt way too soft. I put the KYB shocks on there last summer and it did stiffen up the ride. But, it still feels a tad soft for my liking. I think it is mostly due to the weight of my 400 engine I'm running in there. The KYB shocks I'm running are part number: KYB-KG4528.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
If you have narrowed the choices to either Volare or MII and you are on a budget go with the Volare. I bought an 87 Chrysler 5th Avenue for 150 bucks and used the front suspension, rear end and springs, wiring, brake booster and MC, steering column, gas pedal, and driveshaft. You will pay more than twice that for the MII crossmember alone. Also, you will have to experiment with coil springs to get the right ride height with the MII whereas the Chrysler suspension has adjustable torsion bars which will handle the weight of any power plant. The Volare is a soft ride but I like it that way. The RWD Chryslers were made up to 1989 so they are not too old to consider.
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