Big kitty in the shop

[Steve@OldSub.com]

I've long thought Jag IFS and IRS would be perfect under my '55 1st GMC Suburban. I've even suggested it to others I like the idea so much.

Yesterday an '85 XJS fell into my lap. My cost was $120 in ferry rides (truck and trailer) plus less than half a tank of gas in the truck. Maybe $150 total and I haven't sold any of the parts I don't need yet.

So now I'm wondering if this is really something I can do.

Anyone have experience with this swap or links to posts where someone has done it?

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by Steve@OldSub.com

Anyone have... links to posts where someone has done it?

Here 'ya go:

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/a...p/t-77729.html

My '46 has a Jag IRS in it. I didn't install it, a previous owner did. He used the factory Jag sheet metal carrier - which is ok for a truck as it will not be seen. But most street rod guys jettison the carrier and use a tubular cross bar mount. I'm pretty sure there must be kits out there as this was the cat's azz mod on the 70's street rod scene. Please post a thread on whatever you decide to do.

[NONHOG]

Originally Posted by Steve@OldSub.com

I've long thought Jag IFS and IRS would be perfect under my '55 1st GMC Suburban.

Yesterday an '85 XJS fell into my lap.

So now I'm wondering if this is really something I can do.

Good going on the Jag find! Heck you could write a "How-to" book at the same time for the rest of us.

[Steve@OldSub.com]

Originally Posted by NONHOG

49 GMC panel....(4 sale)

Did I miss something?

[E-tek Restorations]

I've seen Fords AND CHEVS with that mod, so it can't be too exotic a swap. Google it.

[NONHOG]

Originally Posted by Steve@OldSub.com

Did I miss something?

Yup Steve I decided to let it go. Good (or bad) nobody has come to look it over. Maybe I'm asking too much? I know I'm telling the wrong guy this.
"I just have too many irons in the fire"
I love it, its also the one needing the most work. Every other guy who asks about it, just has to have it, then they talk to the wife? Crickets...... no more
replies to my e-mails.

Hey if nobody buys it maybe when I'm ready to do mine yours will be IFS/IRS. Never know!

[Steve@OldSub.com]

Too many irons in the fire? What does that mean?

[mr48chev]

It probably means life gets in the way or he finally figured out that he will be 105 before all his projects get finished at the current rate he is going. No need to ask how I know the answer to that one.
How do you rate Steve? everyone that has a dead Jag on this side of the Cascades tens to think they are made of gold. From what I have seen it is hard to get those front ends on some frames so that they look really clean. If a guy is worried about show points for a super sanitary looking chassis it may not be the best way to go but if he is wanting to build a truck that will be a real road burner that he can drive for hours on end in comfort and safety it looks like the real deal.

Most of my road trips are at least 150 miles one way just for a one day event and we plan to make more than one trip to Texas when the truck is done so we want it setup so that it will make miles without hassles.

[Steve@OldSub.com]

I know all about life getting in the way. Cancer has slowed me down for a year and as a result I've dropped some projects off my dream list. But thinking about truck projects is one of the things that has sustained me so I won't encourage others to give theirs up!

Some of the links people have offered make it clear that putting this IFS under my Suburban won't look as slick as some of the other options. The front mounts are in the wrong place. But I'm more about driving than showing. For me a show is an excuse to drive the truck some distance.

Most my old truck road trips have been less than 150 miles. The one exception was a 200 mile each way trip to Portland a while back. With the Jag suspension I hope to be comfortable with trips to Spokane and Boise and Redding and the like.

I suspect there are fewer Jags per person east of the mountains than there are here. While this was a screaming good deal for me, finding them under $1000 is pretty easy on this side of the mountains.

I thought about going with C4 Corvette stuff but have not found a parts car for a reasonable price so Jag it is. The Corvette swap does seem to have more aftermarket support and would be more show worthy.