IFS too low? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ADBob · 02-23-2006, 01:06 PM

Looking at the front suspension options for my 1950 3100. Plans are to go with a 350 SBC and either a TH350 or TH700-R4 and replace the rear end to make a resto-rod daily driver.
Don't want a lowrider (don't get me wrong I like the way they look) but think a 2" drop would improve the stance of my truck. Will the Mustang II systems give me the drop I want or should I look at staying with the straight axle and look at options with the leaf springs? If I stay stock I will have to put in a p/s kit to get engine clearance.
Bob

Phatt47 · 02-25-2006, 08:29 AM

You can use the Mustang IFS and leave it stock. Just attach it to the frame with whatever drop you want. You get the drop you want with out changing any of the geometry of the unit and alignment will be by the book=stock By installing air bags you can have all the looks any time you want. Up for speed bumps and steep angle driveways. Mild 2" for cruising, and down to enjoy the low rider look. I love my air bagged 47 pu , rides good and looks good. Installation is not hard , I would recommend the shock wave , bag and shock in one unit , dont compromise on front end , if it dont ride good all else is in vain.

**Hart_Rod** · 02-25-2006, 10:54 AM

Here are some pictures of mine with a Heidt's Mustang II. It's got stock spindles and springs with a 25 inch tall tire.

51panel · 02-25-2006, 01:24 PM

PHATT47 - Are you saying that you can have all three High, Medium & Low ride with bags and the aignment will be good & work for all, or that you can set-up for one hieght and still go back to others with some effect on alignment?

ADBob · 02-25-2006, 03:51 PM

Wow! Excellent job on the truck, especially like the flames. Gives me lots to think about. What height tire do you have in the back?

Bowtie67 · 02-25-2006, 10:07 PM

I can't see where air suspensions would keep all alignments regardless of height, Aftermarket suspensions from all I have seen drop the frontend a minamum of 4+ inches and this is with standard spindles. You could alter part of this to compensate by adding in a spacer or 2 to help lift the truck if your not wanting to lower that much, the other issue with IFS setups in these older trucks as well as mine is dealing with the Rack & Pinion steering shaft setup, it's doable but in most cases a little bit of a PIA. I certainly wont say anything bad for the rack & pinion compared to that of the stock steering because it is far superior in handling over the old setup. I like the old straight axles and have driven old trucks many years and long distances with them and never had any issues. But anyways here is an article in classic truck I found a while back.

http://www.classictrucksweb.com/tech...traightxxlebb/

Phatt47 · 02-28-2006, 07:45 AM

You have to pick a ride height , mine is 41/2 inches of clearance under my cross member. All alignment is done at this height and is where I ride around.After raising it to clear something it goes back down for riding. Also after dropping it down(dropped down to bottom out will not hurt bags)to be low at shows etc. I raise it back to ride height for on the road.If you ride at other than ride height you will wear out your tires prematuraly. I know I did it.

ADBob · 02-28-2006, 12:59 PM

I actually don't mind how a straight axle truck rides although it's nowhere as smooth as an IFS. My original plan was to stay with the straight axle and use monoleafs to bring the front down. I read on the Detroit Spring website that they don't recommend monoleafs for safety reasons though. Could go with multi-leaf and a dropped axle but that's starting to get close to the same cost as Mustang II IFS.

Phat · 02-28-2006, 01:59 PM

If monoleafs are a problem than there are a lot of new stuff out there thats dangerous. Its just Detroit Spring running there mouth. I run and axle but the IFS is a lot better deal if you want too spend the money. The mono doesnt lower the truck that much at all. If you use the right IFS steering shafts are not a problem...fatmans stuff most times is junk.

Phat · 02-28-2006, 02:01 PM

I have driven this one with a stock axle with some mods for over 15 years and plenty low

gentry69 · 02-28-2006, 02:29 PM

u can get a 3in drop axle and use original springs. drop axle runs about 490 also if anyone finds them cheaper let me no i plan on doin a dropaxle and pullin 2 leafs out

ADBob · 02-28-2006, 05:19 PM

3" drop axle from CPP is $419.
www.classicperform.com
Lowered leaf springs from Detroit Spring cost $369 (plus shipping).

ADBob · 02-28-2006, 09:03 PM

Hey Phat, what is your steering setup in that truck?

bowtiehotrodder · 02-28-2006, 10:22 PM

I thank iam going with the S10 frame swap and sell my other stuff

02-23-2006, 01:06 PM	#1
ADBob Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada Posts: 20	IFS too low? Looking at the front suspension options for my 1950 3100. Plans are to go with a 350 SBC and either a TH350 or TH700-R4 and replace the rear end to make a resto-rod daily driver. Don't want a lowrider (don't get me wrong I like the way they look) but think a 2" drop would improve the stance of my truck. Will the Mustang II systems give me the drop I want or should I look at staying with the straight axle and look at options with the leaf springs? If I stay stock I will have to put in a p/s kit to get engine clearance. Bob

02-25-2006, 08:29 AM	#2
Phatt47 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Dover De Posts: 67	Re: IFS too low? You can use the Mustang IFS and leave it stock. Just attach it to the frame with whatever drop you want. You get the drop you want with out changing any of the geometry of the unit and alignment will be by the book=stock By installing air bags you can have all the looks any time you want. Up for speed bumps and steep angle driveways. Mild 2" for cruising, and down to enjoy the low rider look. I love my air bagged 47 pu , rides good and looks good. Installation is not hard , I would recommend the shock wave , bag and shock in one unit , dont compromise on front end , if it dont ride good all else is in vain.

02-25-2006, 10:54 AM	#3
Hart_Rod ************* Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 17,858	Re: IFS too low? Here are some pictures of mine with a Heidt's Mustang II. It's got stock spindles and springs with a 25 inch tall tire. Attached Images __________________ Rob - https://www.instagram.com/hart_rod_c10 As Iron Sharpens Iron, So One Man Sharpens Another. Proverbs 27:17 FOR SALE: DBW pedal bracket - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651123 FOR SALE: Hood Brackets http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=679945 1987 Silverado SWB - 34.5K original miles http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801834 1969 SuperBurb - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=200387 1968 Farm truck - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=358692 1968 SWB - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=551258 1948 Chevy - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=122164&page=3 Last edited by Hart_Rod; 02-25-2006 at 10:55 AM.

02-25-2006, 01:24 PM	#4
51panel Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 21	Re: IFS too low? PHATT47 - Are you saying that you can have all three High, Medium & Low ride with bags and the aignment will be good & work for all, or that you can set-up for one hieght and still go back to others with some effect on alignment?

02-25-2006, 03:51 PM	#5
ADBob Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada Posts: 20	Re: IFS too low? Wow! Excellent job on the truck, especially like the flames. Gives me lots to think about. What height tire do you have in the back? Last edited by ADBob; 02-25-2006 at 04:09 PM.

02-25-2006, 10:07 PM	#6
Bowtie67 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: NH Posts: 2,266	Re: IFS too low? I can't see where air suspensions would keep all alignments regardless of height, Aftermarket suspensions from all I have seen drop the frontend a minamum of 4+ inches and this is with standard spindles. You could alter part of this to compensate by adding in a spacer or 2 to help lift the truck if your not wanting to lower that much, the other issue with IFS setups in these older trucks as well as mine is dealing with the Rack & Pinion steering shaft setup, it's doable but in most cases a little bit of a PIA. I certainly wont say anything bad for the rack & pinion compared to that of the stock steering because it is far superior in handling over the old setup. I like the old straight axles and have driven old trucks many years and long distances with them and never had any issues. But anyways here is an article in classic truck I found a while back. http://www.classictrucksweb.com/tech...traightxxlebb/ __________________ 1967 C10 - SWBSS Pro Street 427sbc, 700R4 & 4.10 Gears 1948 Chevy FleetMaster Coupe, LS1, (almost done) 1950 Chevy StyleLine Coupe 250/6 3x2 Dueces 2009 Toyota Tundra 1996 Harley RoadKing "I maybe getting old, but I can still burn rubber with the best of them"

02-28-2006, 07:45 AM	#7
Phatt47 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Dover De Posts: 67	Re: IFS too low? You have to pick a ride height , mine is 41/2 inches of clearance under my cross member. All alignment is done at this height and is where I ride around.After raising it to clear something it goes back down for riding. Also after dropping it down(dropped down to bottom out will not hurt bags)to be low at shows etc. I raise it back to ride height for on the road.If you ride at other than ride height you will wear out your tires prematuraly. I know I did it.

02-28-2006, 12:59 PM	#8
ADBob Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada Posts: 20	Re: IFS too low? I actually don't mind how a straight axle truck rides although it's nowhere as smooth as an IFS. My original plan was to stay with the straight axle and use monoleafs to bring the front down. I read on the Detroit Spring website that they don't recommend monoleafs for safety reasons though. Could go with multi-leaf and a dropped axle but that's starting to get close to the same cost as Mustang II IFS.

02-28-2006, 01:59 PM	#9
Phat Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 105	Re: IFS too low? If monoleafs are a problem than there are a lot of new stuff out there thats dangerous. Its just Detroit Spring running there mouth. I run and axle but the IFS is a lot better deal if you want too spend the money. The mono doesnt lower the truck that much at all. If you use the right IFS steering shafts are not a problem...fatmans stuff most times is junk. __________________ The original PHAT!

02-28-2006, 02:01 PM	#10
Phat Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 105	Re: IFS too low? I have driven this one with a stock axle with some mods for over 15 years and plenty low __________________ The original PHAT!

02-28-2006, 02:29 PM	#11
gentry69 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: ottawa Posts: 87	Re: IFS too low? u can get a 3in drop axle and use original springs. drop axle runs about 490 also if anyone finds them cheaper let me no i plan on doin a dropaxle and pullin 2 leafs out

02-28-2006, 05:19 PM	#12
ADBob Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada Posts: 20	Re: IFS too low? 3" drop axle from CPP is $419. www.classicperform.com Lowered leaf springs from Detroit Spring cost $369 (plus shipping). Last edited by ADBob; 02-28-2006 at 05:26 PM.

02-28-2006, 09:03 PM	#13
ADBob Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada Posts: 20	Re: IFS too low? Hey Phat, what is your steering setup in that truck?

02-28-2006, 10:22 PM	#14
bowtiehotrodder SIX BANGER Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: NC Posts: 169	Re: IFS too low? I thank iam going with the S10 frame swap and sell my other stuff __________________ http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2597018(NN) 1979 chevy truck swb 454 w turbo400 with buckets 1977 chevy truck swb soon to be 454 1976 chevy dually 454 1969 chevy truck six shooter



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