'51 new IFS installation - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bmacdona · 03-20-2010, 12:13 PM

My first real post, I'm pretty excited about the new front suspension kit I put into my truck over the past couple of weeks. My truck had an old, worn out Pacer suspension. While looking at all the Mustang II options, I found Flat Out Engineering's Corvette IFS kit. With a LOT of help from a friend, we got this installed early last week.

I've attached a few pictures, I'm really impressed with the kit and hoping that it'll handle as good as it looks. I'm off to Alaska for a month, so I won't be able to get the rest of the truck together until I return.

Thanks for looking!
Brian

NONHOG · 03-20-2010, 12:51 PM

Dang ! Looks like a 1/3 of the weight. And nice looking too !

blitz'd · 03-20-2010, 12:59 PM

Looks much better, that front end looks really wide though. Are the tire going to clear the fenders?

bmacdona · 03-20-2010, 01:06 PM

Thanks! I think it looks great!

The Pacer front end had a track width of 61 inches, the Vette is 59 1/2, so the fenders shouldn't be a problem.

entourageguy · 03-20-2010, 05:15 PM

looks like a nice clean setup ....

solidaxel · 03-20-2010, 10:46 PM

How about the offset of the front wheels, what size tire and wheel will you be using
what is the finished cost of parts x-member and replacement bearings bushings shocke coilovers ball joints and R&P ?
Will the motor mounts and headers clear everything, how many u-joints in the steering shaft. Is the Corvette the same track width as the AD. Does the bottom Arm bushing line up with the piviot on the tie rod of the R&P (bump steer)
We are getting ready to put a front end on the extended cab project and I like Aluminum Arms. and Rob has some nice equiptment !!

entourageguy · 03-21-2010, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solidaxel

How about the offset of the front wheels, what size tire and wheel will you be using
what is the finished cost of parts x-member and replacement bearings bushings shocke coilovers ball joints and R&P ?
Will the motor mounts and headers clear everything, how many u-joints in the steering shaft. Is the Corvette the same track width as the AD. Does the bottom Arm bushing line up with the piviot on the tie rod of the R&P (bump steer)
We are getting ready to put a front end on the extended cab project and I like Aluminum Arms. and Rob has some nice equiptment !!

Man you ask alot of questions ....

solidaxel · 08-31-2010, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by entourageguy

Man you ask alot of questions ....

That is what they taught me in Kitchener-Waterloo back in 1945 !!!

ratty 46 · 03-21-2010, 09:49 AM

Yes lots of GOOD questions .....

RAtty 46

solidaxel · 03-21-2010, 10:25 AM

I was hoping Brian colud answer a few of these as he is not selling these and would have a 1st person experience !!
I haven't purchased the next front suspension yet, and I have a few days to do some "homework".
I haven't used coilovers so I don't know the cost or how they ride on our pot hole streets!!!

bmacdona · 03-21-2010, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solidaxel

I was hoping Brian colud answer a few of these as he is not selling these and would have a 1st person experience !!
I haven't purchased the next front suspension yet, and I have a few days to do some "homework".
I haven't used coilovers so I don't know the cost or how they ride on our pot hole streets!!!

I'd be glad to answer any questions I can, however, I've not a lot of experience, this is/was my first big mod to anything. (that's why I'm so happy with the way it turned out).

I decided to go with the corvette front suspension rather than a mustang ii because:
A. it was a bit different
B. the initial cost seemed to be (surprisingly) a bit cheaper than the US made MII kits.

Flat Out and Progressive Automotive both make Corvette IFS kits, the major difference being that Flat Out requires a bit less welding and allows you to use the stock Corvette rack, where Progressive requires a shortened rack. I have no doubt that the Progressive kit is of similar quality.

entourageguy · 03-21-2010, 01:07 PM

Man that front end setup looks nice and clean.
The coil overs work great. I had them in the front of my truck for the first 6 years. Found the coils like to settle in and you have to adjust them. They were finally bottoming out end of last year and I replaces them with a set of shock waves.

BigSix302 · 03-21-2010, 10:33 AM

Nice looking setup! I have a Pacer I am installing soon. You want to part with any of the old parts?

bmacdona · 03-21-2010, 11:59 AM

The Pacer pieces are long gone, I'm afraid....Sorry.

bmacdona · 03-21-2010, 11:55 AM

I don't have the receipts close by, but, these should be pretty close:

Donor Corvette suspension $500 (control arms, spindles, R&P, etc)
IFS kit from Flat Out was $795
Shocks were an additional $399
Urethane bushings, ball joints, etc (IIRC) approx $375
New motor mounts - $125

The motor mounts will install just behind the X-member (you can see the masked off portion on the frame in the attached pic).

I didn't have time to get the steering installed, I'm hoping to get away with 2 u-joints. The rack lines up pretty well (again, in the attached pic).

Track width for the AD is 59.5, on the '86 Vette it's 59.6

No decision yet on final tire size, what's on the truck now are 225/60-15's on the front, 225/75-15's on the rear

solidaxel · 01-12-2011, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmacdona

I don't have the receipts close by, but, these should be pretty close:

Donor Corvette suspension $500 (control arms, spindles, R&P, etc)
IFS kit from Flat Out was $795
Shocks were an additional $399
Urethane bushings, ball joints, etc (IIRC) approx $375
New motor mounts - $125

The motor mounts will install just behind the X-member (you can see the masked off portion on the frame in the attached pic).

I didn't have time to get the steering installed, I'm hoping to get away with 2 u-joints. The rack lines up pretty well (again, in the attached pic).

Track width for the AD is 59.5, on the '86 Vette it's 59.6

No decision yet on final tire size, what's on the truck now are 225/60-15's on the front, 225/75-15's on the rear

Here is what we ended up with after doing a lot of homework, it is from Scotts Hot Rod.
Thanks for your help with this decision process

nebdrummer · 04-25-2011, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solidaxel

Here is what we ended up with after doing a lot of homework, it is from Scotts Hot Rod.
Thanks for your help with this decision process

How much did scotts kit cost after everything. That looks even better!

entourageguy · 04-25-2011, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nebdrummer

How much did scotts kit cost after everything. That looks even better!

go up about 4 posts from yours and he has a price list.....

nebdrummer · 04-25-2011, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by entourageguy

go up about 4 posts from yours and he has a price list.....

Thanks but the prices listed is for the Flat out kit. Scotts kit is different. full adjustable control arms and a sway bar.

Kabwe · 03-21-2010, 01:15 PM

The IFS looks great.

solidaxel · 03-21-2010, 09:44 PM

Thank You for answering my questions. Keep us posted on your build and any surprises !!
Did you not have to replace the rack from the donor, do you know how much a rebuilt Corvette rack goes for

bmacdona · 03-22-2010, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solidaxel

Thank You for answering my questions. Keep us posted on your build and any surprises !!
Did you not have to replace the rack from the donor, do you know how much a rebuilt Corvette rack goes for

The Corvette ifs (including the rack) had been recently rebuilt by the previous owner.

A new rack is available from Flat Out for around $500. I've seen rebuilt ones advertised for around $250.

mobileortho · 03-21-2010, 09:59 PM

Awesome looking setup. Clean & simple.

blu52 · 08-30-2010, 09:06 PM

any progress? I have a front and rear kit from flat out waiting in the garage. What are the part numbers for the front coilovers?
thanks
Rafael

Coronas56 · 08-30-2010, 11:20 PM

Nice..The motor will sit higher due to the rack ......I made custom motor mounts for mine.

03-20-2010, 12:13 PM	#1
bmacdona Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Olympia, WA Posts: 28	'51 new IFS installation My first real post, I'm pretty excited about the new front suspension kit I put into my truck over the past couple of weeks. My truck had an old, worn out Pacer suspension. While looking at all the Mustang II options, I found Flat Out Engineering's Corvette IFS kit. With a LOT of help from a friend, we got this installed early last week. I've attached a few pictures, I'm really impressed with the kit and hoping that it'll handle as good as it looks. I'm off to Alaska for a month, so I won't be able to get the rest of the truck together until I return. Thanks for looking! Brian Attached Images

03-20-2010, 12:51 PM	#2
NONHOG Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Marana, Arizona Posts: 3,458	Re: '51 new IFS installation Dang ! Looks like a 1/3 of the weight. And nice looking too ! __________________ "I feel the need for speed!"... as soon as I am done with my nap.

03-20-2010, 12:59 PM	#3
blitz'd vintage car junkie Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Posts: 217	Re: '51 new IFS installation Looks much better, that front end looks really wide though. Are the tire going to clear the fenders? __________________ 1950 chevy truck, s10 swap, bagged, v8, 18s My build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=392761

03-20-2010, 01:06 PM	#4
bmacdona Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Olympia, WA Posts: 28	Re: '51 new IFS installation Thanks! I think it looks great! The Pacer front end had a track width of 61 inches, the Vette is 59 1/2, so the fenders shouldn't be a problem.

03-20-2010, 05:15 PM	#5
entourageguy Yellow truck club Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Barrie Ontario Posts: 2,080	Re: '51 new IFS installation looks like a nice clean setup .... __________________ ................................................................ Brian ...... My hub garage address http://www.hubgarage.com/mygarage/59apache I gue$$ everything has it'$ price ALL GONE NOW *59 Chev Apache* *PRAISE THE LOWERED* 350 700r lokar shifter power MII front end, shockwaves tilt, 4 wheel discs 4-link and bags 10 bolt limited

03-20-2010, 10:46 PM	#6
solidaxel Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Cactus Patch So. Az Posts: 4,749	Re: '51 new IFS installation How about the offset of the front wheels, what size tire and wheel will you be using what is the finished cost of parts x-member and replacement bearings bushings shocke coilovers ball joints and R&P ? Will the motor mounts and headers clear everything, how many u-joints in the steering shaft. Is the Corvette the same track width as the AD. Does the bottom Arm bushing line up with the piviot on the tie rod of the R&P (bump steer) We are getting ready to put a front end on the extended cab project and I like Aluminum Arms. and Rob has some nice equiptment !! __________________ 53 TuTone Extended Cab 350 4-Spd 3:08 (SOLD) 53 Chevy Moldy pearl green ZZ-4 4L60E 9" 3:25 55 GMC 1st Black Mll (ZZ4) ZZ6 TKO 600 5 sp 3:73 62 Solidaxle Corvette Roman Red (327 340hp 4spd 3:36) C4 & C5 suspension tube chassis LS 3 4L70E 65 Corvette Coupe 327 350hp 4spd 4:11 78 Black Silverado SWB (350/350) 5.3 & 4L60E 3:42 2000 S-Type 3.0 (wife cruiser) 2003 GMC SCSB 5.3 4L60E 3:42

03-21-2010, 09:49 AM	#9
ratty 46 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Atlanta, Ga. Posts: 1,104	Re: '51 new IFS installation Yes lots of GOOD questions ..... RAtty 46

03-21-2010, 10:25 AM	#10
solidaxel Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Cactus Patch So. Az Posts: 4,749	Re: '51 new IFS installation I was hoping Brian colud answer a few of these as he is not selling these and would have a 1st person experience !! I haven't purchased the next front suspension yet, and I have a few days to do some "homework". I haven't used coilovers so I don't know the cost or how they ride on our pot hole streets!!! __________________ 53 TuTone Extended Cab 350 4-Spd 3:08 (SOLD) 53 Chevy Moldy pearl green ZZ-4 4L60E 9" 3:25 55 GMC 1st Black Mll (ZZ4) ZZ6 TKO 600 5 sp 3:73 62 Solidaxle Corvette Roman Red (327 340hp 4spd 3:36) C4 & C5 suspension tube chassis LS 3 4L70E 65 Corvette Coupe 327 350hp 4spd 4:11 78 Black Silverado SWB (350/350) 5.3 & 4L60E 3:42 2000 S-Type 3.0 (wife cruiser) 2003 GMC SCSB 5.3 4L60E 3:42

03-21-2010, 01:07 PM	#12
entourageguy Yellow truck club Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Barrie Ontario Posts: 2,080	Re: '51 new IFS installation Man that front end setup looks nice and clean. The coil overs work great. I had them in the front of my truck for the first 6 years. Found the coils like to settle in and you have to adjust them. They were finally bottoming out end of last year and I replaces them with a set of shock waves. __________________ ................................................................ Brian ...... My hub garage address http://www.hubgarage.com/mygarage/59apache I gue$$ everything has it'$ price ALL GONE NOW *59 Chev Apache* *PRAISE THE LOWERED* 350 700r lokar shifter power MII front end, shockwaves tilt, 4 wheel discs 4-link and bags 10 bolt limited

03-21-2010, 10:33 AM	#13
BigSix302 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Posts: 65	Re: '51 new IFS installation Nice looking setup! I have a Pacer I am installing soon. You want to part with any of the old parts? __________________ AD's Rule!! 53 GMC Suburban--48 GMC 1/2 Ton project--49 Chevy Pick-up--52 Chevy Pick-up (my driver)

03-21-2010, 11:59 AM	#14
bmacdona Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Olympia, WA Posts: 28	Re: '51 new IFS installation The Pacer pieces are long gone, I'm afraid....Sorry.

03-21-2010, 11:55 AM	#15
bmacdona Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Olympia, WA Posts: 28	Re: '51 new IFS installation I don't have the receipts close by, but, these should be pretty close: Donor Corvette suspension $500 (control arms, spindles, R&P, etc) IFS kit from Flat Out was $795 Shocks were an additional $399 Urethane bushings, ball joints, etc (IIRC) approx $375 New motor mounts - $125 The motor mounts will install just behind the X-member (you can see the masked off portion on the frame in the attached pic). I didn't have time to get the steering installed, I'm hoping to get away with 2 u-joints. The rack lines up pretty well (again, in the attached pic). Track width for the AD is 59.5, on the '86 Vette it's 59.6 No decision yet on final tire size, what's on the truck now are 225/60-15's on the front, 225/75-15's on the rear Attached Images

03-21-2010, 01:15 PM	#20
Kabwe Certified Car Nut Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Inglewood, California Posts: 3,118	Re: '51 new IFS installation The IFS looks great.

03-21-2010, 09:44 PM	#21
solidaxel Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Cactus Patch So. Az Posts: 4,749	Re: '51 new IFS installation Thank You for answering my questions. Keep us posted on your build and any surprises !! Did you not have to replace the rack from the donor, do you know how much a rebuilt Corvette rack goes for __________________ 53 TuTone Extended Cab 350 4-Spd 3:08 (SOLD) 53 Chevy Moldy pearl green ZZ-4 4L60E 9" 3:25 55 GMC 1st Black Mll (ZZ4) ZZ6 TKO 600 5 sp 3:73 62 Solidaxle Corvette Roman Red (327 340hp 4spd 3:36) C4 & C5 suspension tube chassis LS 3 4L70E 65 Corvette Coupe 327 350hp 4spd 4:11 78 Black Silverado SWB (350/350) 5.3 & 4L60E 3:42 2000 S-Type 3.0 (wife cruiser) 2003 GMC SCSB 5.3 4L60E 3:42

03-21-2010, 09:59 PM	#23
mobileortho Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Hampton, VA Posts: 904	Re: '51 new IFS installation Awesome looking setup. Clean & simple. __________________ Robert C. 1950 3600 3600 re-do, shortening it up If it's true what they say, "You learn from your mistakes," I'm a Genius in the making.



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08-30-2010, 09:06 PM	#24
blu52 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: evans colorado Posts: 15	Re: '51 new IFS installation any progress? I have a front and rear kit from flat out waiting in the garage. What are the part numbers for the front coilovers? thanks Rafael

08-30-2010, 11:20 PM	#25
Coronas56 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Tropical Minnesota Posts: 282	Re: '51 new IFS installation Nice..The motor will sit higher due to the rack ......I made custom motor mounts for mine. __________________ Semper Fi!

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