Budget Suspension?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,290
Likes: 1,055
From: NM
I can't imagine how rebuilding a stock front end would cost more than $250 - 300 including all the steering wear parts and brakes, unless you have to buy new backing plates and drums. Doesn't include the steering box either. When you're discussing any IFS, you need to remember that the steering box and likely also the column need a fair amount of fabrication, you are getting disc brakes and need to re-plumb that, add various valves and hoses, etc. not to mention a new M/C.
The comment about Ford vs Chevy is right on; Ford used some form of beam axles (incl. the twin I-beams) thru the 70's, while Chev went with A-arms in the '50's. Beam axles aren't as smooth or plush, but they are more appropriate to actual use as a truck....
The comment about Ford vs Chevy is right on; Ford used some form of beam axles (incl. the twin I-beams) thru the 70's, while Chev went with A-arms in the '50's. Beam axles aren't as smooth or plush, but they are more appropriate to actual use as a truck....
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
The advantage to using the original FS is that no significant fabbing is required, you can upgrade it a part at a time, so it will get you on the road the quickest. If I was choosing a salvage IFS IMHO the Jag is far superior to the Volare especially if you can find an entire donor car and use the IRS as well. I'd much rather use something designed for a sports touring sedan of a similar weight than one designed for a low end econobox (in the lowest period of Chrysler's history) weighing 1K# less, but then I'm all about handling. If choosing an aftermarket unit my choice would lean towards Heidt or Art Morrison for the same reason.
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 741
Likes: 0
From: Katy(Houston), Texas
Originally Posted by mymerc
If you are decent at welding it is simple to fabricate with only a few minor pieces of mild steel to box in and make a bracket or two. Can be done with out cutting the frame at all for a 4 inch drop at least and with cutting you can take it lower. Mymerc
Ax, with the Jag there is no need to offset the engine and you get power r&p which to me seem's like a big plus. Are there any negative sides to the Jag IFS?
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
The only neg is finding a donor. The required years had bodies made of compressed rust and were primarily purchased by $$$ Old F**ts. They are scarce where the retirees tend to not gather. When you do find one they are cheap tho. They require very little metal work, nearly a bolt in.
here's some good info: (oops new link)
http://www.uk-hotrods.co.uk/v2/garag.../me/page_1.php
here's some good info: (oops new link)
http://www.uk-hotrods.co.uk/v2/garag.../me/page_1.php
Last edited by AXracer; Aug 17, 2007 at 06:11 PM.
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 741
Likes: 0
From: Katy(Houston), Texas
I'm leaning towards the Jag. I only wish I could get a whole car and strip what I need but I don't have anywhere to store it so I will end up having to go the junk yard route. It will cost a little more but that's the way I will have to go.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,337
Likes: 165
From: Harpswell Maine
I went the Jag route with a 350/700R4. It is a bit tight fit for drivers side manifold or headers with the positioning of the pinion of the Jag R&P. If I was to do another truck I would offset the engine an inch toward the passenger side. I would have liked to run ss block huggers (low $ and nice from Summit). A one inch offset would have made the difference. I am using the curved rams horn. See my gallery for some pix.
I'll have the Roast Duck
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 109
From: Northshore, MN
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/2...light=aerostar
Scott Hurley has nice pics of the Aerostar install in his gallery.
Scott Hurley has nice pics of the Aerostar install in his gallery.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,290
Likes: 1,055
From: NM
Originally Posted by AXracer
The advantage to using the original FS is that no significant fabbing is required, you can upgrade it a part at a time, so it will get you on the road the quickest. If I was choosing a salvage IFS IMHO the Jag is far superior to the Volare especially if you can find an entire donor car and use the IRS as well. I'd much rather use something designed for a sports touring sedan of a similar weight than one designed for a low end econobox (in the lowest period of Chrysler's history) weighing 1K# less, but then I'm all about handling. If choosing an aftermarket unit my choice would lean towards Heidt or Art Morrison for the same reason.
http://www.allpar.com/model/aspen.html
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Originally Posted by ALBUQ F-1
While I don't disagree with you on the choice, Volares were not a low-end econobox; they were the same car as the Dodge Aspens that thousands of police departments used. They came with engines up to the 360 V8, disc brakes to 11", and weighed as much or more in the V8 versions as any Jag. Check this page; you'll see it is a reasonable donor, but of course I can be counted on the Right Sider (stocker) side of this board and would not do either...
http://www.allpar.com/model/aspen.html
http://www.allpar.com/model/aspen.html
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
Originally Posted by GreatNorthWoods
Ross, I agree. Many were used as taxi cabs too. Any vehicle which can stand up to the abuse handed out by police and taxi use must be pretty tough!
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Originally Posted by AXracer
Again it depends on your needs and desires which is the better choice for you.
