IFS in my 55 project-start

[vjjack04]

Took the front end off last weekend and this weekend I will be getting the front suspension out of the way. I have ordered a Scotts IFS; should be here next week. This is my first time doing this, so if you have experience and tips, they are welcome.

Johnny Jackson
Hereford, AZ

[46deluxe]

Is the rear suspension at your desired ride height?
Cover the windshield up where the sparks don't ruin it.
Brace the frame with a bar welded across it.
Have fun grinding, cutting or drilling all those rivits that want to stay.
At some point when you are getting PO's get the torch or sawzall out and cut the crossmember into little pieces.
Save the front shocks, If you lower the rear they are shorter and are a cheap solution.
If your going lower the truck make sure you have the wheels centered in the wheel well. I see this as biggest problem on most of the 55-57 I've seen. You can tack the new IFS crossmember in, mock it up, set the fenders on to check it. If its wrong its easy to adjust and tack it again. Have fun.

[vjjack04]

Originally Posted by 46deluxe

Is the rear suspension at your desired ride height?
Cover the windshield up where the sparks don't ruin it.
Brace the frame with a bar welded across it.
Have fun grinding, cutting or drilling all those rivits that want to stay.
At some point when you are getting PO's get the torch or sawzall out and cut the crossmember into little pieces.
Save the front shocks, If you lower the rear they are shorter and are a cheap solution.
If your going lower the truck make sure you have the wheels centered in the wheel well. I see this as biggest problem on most of the 55-57 I've seen. You can tack the new IFS crossmember in, mock it up, set the fenders on to check it. If its wrong its easy to adjust and tack it again. Have fun.

Thanks. Why will the crossmember be a problem?

[46deluxe]

All rivets are not created equal. I just took out the crossmember behind the cab and the bottom four ground down easy but they wouldn't come out until I cut CM in two and that 10 lb sledge knocked both sides out easy.

[waybad]

looks like a sweet truck you have there!! keep posting!!

[vjjack04]

Originally Posted by waybad

looks like a sweet truck you have there!! keep posting!!

Thanks, I will.

[vjjack04]

Originally Posted by 46deluxe

All rivets are not created equal. I just took out the crossmember behind the cab and the bottom four ground down easy but they wouldn't come out until I cut CM in two and that 10 lb sledge knocked both sides out easy.

I understand. But as for the front crossmember, I plan to keep that in place....We are going to box the frame behind it then fit the cross member for the IFS....I know it is easier said than done...

[GRIMSS]

The crossmember will have to go or be chopped up big time to fit the rack.

[vjjack04]

Originally Posted by GRIMSS

The crossmember will have to go or be chopped up big time to fit the rack.

Hum, well I can well a brace up front and cut out the front crossmember, but I was hoping to keep it......not a big deal....considering the bigger picture.

[GRIMSS]

Originally Posted by vjjack04

Hum, well I can well a brace up front and cut out the front crossmember, but I was hoping to keep it......not a big deal....considering the bigger picture.

Check out the pic on the bottom of page 5 in my build, and you can see how close the new goes to the old.

[5264chevytrucks]

There is so much useful information! When I get back from Afghanistan, I am planning on doing the same to my 52 c-10.

[vjjack04]

Originally Posted by GRIMSS

The crossmember will have to go or be chopped up big time to fit the rack.

I looked at you pictures and I see.....Looks like I will be cutting the cross-member out.

[vjjack04]

I got my kit from Scott's Hot Rods this week. Looks very good. I have not gotten as far as I would have liked due to some other chores....I should have everything cut off next week.

[ChuckDriver]

Nice looking truck! Good luck and keep the updates coming!

[candyx]

Nice clear photos please keep posting them during the install.I'm about to do mine , so what do you think about that kit is it heavy duty well contructed?Did the engine mounts come with the kit?

[52 Rat]

Nice ride! You will like the IFS. I have installed a few IFS kits over several different projects.

[candyx]

Johnny are you running the stock rear and suspension or did you change it? If its stock will it have alot of rake after you install the new front end?

[vjjack04]

Originally Posted by candyx

Johnny are you running the stock rear and suspension or did you change it? If its stock will it have alot of rake after you install the new front end?

I do have a stock leaf spring set up in the rear......so it will be more "rake" than I want.....Justin at Scotts told me the front would be about a 4 inch drop...I hope to do the rear not long after the front.....

[vjjack04]

Originally Posted by candyx

Nice clear photos please keep posting them during the install.I'm about to do mine , so what do you think about that kit is it heavy duty well contructed?Did the engine mounts come with the kit?

It is high quality....I like it but this is my first experience with this....once installed the ride quality should tell the tell.....though this seem really positive...motor mounts were extra....

[ratty 46]

I'm in on this build up .... nice truck. Nice project.

Ratty 46

[Scottshotrods]

John,
You should tell them what you paid for the ifs and motor mounts
Justin
www.scottshotrods.com

[55dude]

subscribed!

[ChuckDriver]

Should the rear be set the planned ride height before you install the front crossmember? I just think it will change the A-Arm angles/anti-dive angle if you install the front without taking into consideration the overall down slope of the frame.

[Panelman55]

I like the looks of the Scotts IFS, and I noticed if you cut out the crossmember you will have to weld in engine brackets. Are you installing a V8 or inline 6. Will that set up work for a 6 cyl? Nice looking truck keep up the good work.

[Scottshotrods]

Originally Posted by Panelman55

I like the looks of the Scotts IFS, and I noticed if you cut out the crossmember you will have to weld in engine brackets. Are you installing a V8 or inline 6. Will that set up work for a 6 cyl? Nice looking truck keep up the good work.

Our frontends will work with a 6 cyl.
Justin
www.scottshotrods.com