Another IFS/4 link Question

[Wvgearhead]

Hey guys, Great site!
I have been reading this site for a while now, and hope you guys can give me some good opinions. I am building a 53 3100 truck and want to put IFS under the front. I know this has probably been beat to death but just had to bring it up again. I would like to see what kits you like and why. I have looked at no limit, scotts, tci, hiedts, and jim wiemer. Oh, I am planning to put her on air also. Also what 4 link do you recommend.
Thanks
Aaron

[dwcsr]

I'm not a fan of pinto/MII setups I would go for one thats made by Scott Danforth
http://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/...=495842&page=1 is the link to a rather long post on it. It uses suspension parts that are more in the weight range as our trucks.
Here is a picture
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_lLFV3-Ln_Fs/SQ...0/IMG_2221.JPG

[Steve@OldSub.com]

^^^^^ x2!

[Atomsplitter]

I have an older Mustang II "Economy" Kit in my '48. They work fine and are cheaper but don't buy one! The economy kits require the use of a stabilizer on the lower a-arm! Scott Danforths kit lets you use stock S-10 parts on his cross member to help keep costs down as well you can use other off the shelf components like the rack, etc. It looks very sturdy!
Don't let anyone fool you about the newer MII kits not being capeable to use in our '47-55 trucks. From what I have read the big issue is some companies make crap and some have better quality control/design/materials. These kits only use the MII geometry and they now have plate steel cross members where the originals were weaker stamped pieces. The tubular components they sell are a big step up from the stamped originals and are plenty strong to work with our trucks.
Do a search using the name from each manufacturer your considering and read up if people liked the kit, what they didn't like about it and what problems they had putting it in as well as how the manufacturer support worked. If you do a search strickly on "IFS" there are way too many posts to filter through.
Good Luck.

[solidaxel]

>>>>>>>>>>>>> First Welcome to the "fun" section !!! <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Over the years and miles I have had a IFS on my 55 1st series and it has 20+ years of service as a daily driver and works great.

There a few things that I have noticed and changed on the second build (53) still a IFS but from a Dodge Dakota 89.

The 55 has Mll components BUT has a homemade crossmember which is WIDER than the Pinto by 1 1/2" which puts the wheels in the same track position as the stock solidaxle I beam, so when you are looking at IFS be sure and check the track width.
This does make a difference on the rack as the T-bird rack will need a rack extender on one side to make up for the different width.

The other item I have noticed after driving my truck on a daily basis, is the feel of the R&P Vs. the Recirculating ball type, is it is MUCH quicker, so you need to get used to it especially at speed!

The next item is springs and shocks, yes they all look the same BUT there is a VERY big difference in they the way they perform.

I did try 3 different spring rates and used the softest one of the three and two different shocks, and WOW do the shocks make a difference. The final shocks on the front and back are Bilstine. I replaced the fronts first and it made such a great difference in the way it rode and felt I changed the rears and thought I had a different truck. The rear still has the paralell leaf springs with 3 leafs removed. The only thing I have had in the bed is a few folding chairs so the spring rate is fine!

The new truck I am building is a 53, I have changed the IFS to the Dodge Dakota on the recommendation of Steve at Industrial Chassis in Phoenix. He DID make a crossmember for our trucks that fit like a glove and accepted all the Dodge bolt on components. this was MUCH heaver built crossmember for a truck instead of a Pinto which made great sence, but he is no longer building these. The components are heavy duty ball joints wheel bearings, bigger bushings and a 1 1/8" sway bar, disc brakes, heaver coil springs, and there is a 2" drop spindle available plus it has a R&P which uses a Chevy power steering pump with NO changes to the pressure., There is also a rubber mounted stock vibration damper, stock, at the rack. These parts were very inexpensive to buy from the wrecking yard and replace all the moving parts and bearings, bushing,s R&P rebuilt was less than $100.00 exchange, calipers were 30.00 exchange!!.................................................BUT I have not driven this truck yet, still have another month of completion to go, so I can not compare the difference in the ride or handeling.

Getting back to the Scott Danforth crossmember I think this would be a very good compareson to the Dodge in size and weight of our AD trucks so I think it worth looking at. For my next build I will be looking for some comapresions with his components Vs. the market Mll crossmembers.

I do like the fact that it uses a R&P and the spring weight is right for a TRUCK and has been proven with many years + I think the parts will be in expensive and available!

Lets hear from someone who has one on the road and some cost comparisions,
and the ride.
Lets compare TOTAL cost, not just the used parts without being rebuilt, against the Mll's on the market (complete, installed, and welded.)

Lets face it we want to drive these trucks, and at highway speeds so they must be good handeling and stop on a dime. (LS engine) and get good gas mileage !!

I hope your budget will let you build a truck of your dreams!

There is all the help you need at your finger tips right here, just ask, someone has run across it !!

[Scottshotrods]

look at Scotts Hotrods again,Ours is not a mustang two and our suspension
is a one piece style crossmember for a easier install.For support we are on this
board 7 days a week to help out and post things we are doing.
www.scottshotrods.com
justin@scottshotrods.com

[solidaxel]

[QUOTE=Scottshotrods;4027329]look at Scotts Hotrods again,Ours is not a mustang two and our suspension
is a one piece style crossmember for a easier install.



So the completed cost of ALL components up to the wheels and the U joint at the R&P cost how much?

[Wvgearhead]

Thanks Solidaxle.
I like the looks of the scotts set up, but I am also looking at cost. I want a good set up, so I am not looking at the cheapest IFS. That being said I would like to get the best bang for the buck. Looks like I can get one on air from $1780 right on up to $2500, depending on brand. I would also like to here more about the metric Xmember from somebody running it, cost and quality. This is a great website, and any help is greatly appreciated. Looks like the best way to go on the 4 link cost wise, is a unversal weld up kit and just make brackets for bags and buy the seperate. I cant see $1000 for a 4 link, when one of these kits are around upper $300 range and bags are $150. There are some great builds on this forum.
Thanks
Aaron

[Scottshotrods]

[quote=solidaxel;4027350]

Originally Posted by Scottshotrods

look at Scotts Hotrods again,Ours is not a mustang two and our suspension
is a one piece style crossmember for a easier install.



So the completed cost of ALL components up to the wheels and the U joint at the R&P cost how much?

On our Scotts Superslam ifs the retail price is $2395.00 add $100.00 for
power total is $2495.00 for board members we will do 15% off this will bring it
to $2120.75 and this is for the superslam or coil-overs.If you compare our
ifs with others you are talking about you will see our quality is very well.
For u-joints we sell them for $60.00 each and they are polished s/s and
the s/s 3/4 shaft is $70.00 and the 3/4 hime is $25.00.We will throw in
a pair of braided s/s lines for the calipers at no cost.
Looks like we are in the ball park on price so if you are looking for the
best built ifs as well as a very good package price you cannot go wrong
with our ifs.
Justin
www.scottshotrods.com

[Wvgearhead]

Does that include shipping justin.

[Scottshotrods]

Originally Posted by Wvgearhead

Does that include shipping justin.

Shipping is normally $190.00 I will ship it to you for $100.00
and to add to the deal I will throw in a pair of our Motor mounts
for FREE.That is a $150.00 value.Where else are you going to get
this kind of a response from a manufacture on sat!!!
Justin
www.scottshotrods.com

[solidaxel]

What kind of power steering lines are required for his "kit".

[Scottshotrods]

Originally Posted by solidaxel

What kind of power steering lines are required for his "kit".

The power rack we use is a 88-91 t-bird we carry braided s/s lines
at our shop they are $140.00 retail I can sell them for $120.00.There are rubber lines you can get for around $70.00 -$80.00 I belive summit carries them.
Justin
www.scottshotrods.com

[sgtusmc]

Would you be willing to weld it on for free if we're local? Sorry, I had to ask. I'm also in the market for my 59 and the deal just keeps getting better and better.

[solidaxel]

Originally Posted by Scottshotrods

The power rack we use is a 88-91 t-bird we carry braided s/s lines
at our shop they are $140.00 retail I can sell them for $120.00.There are rubber lines you can get for around $70.00 -$80.00 I belive summit carries them.
Justin
www.scottshotrods.com

Thanks Justin,
Do your racks (and Arms) have extenders for a wider stance to bring them to the same width as the stock AD?

[Scottshotrods]

Originally Posted by solidaxel

Thanks Justin,
Do your racks (and Arms) have extenders for a wider stance to bring them to the same width as the stock AD?

All of our frontends are built to frame specs on all cars and trucks and
we do install rack extension when needed in our frontends.
Justin

[Scottshotrods]

Originally Posted by sgtusmc

Would you be willing to weld it on for free if we're local? Sorry, I had to ask. I'm also in the market for my 59 and the deal just keeps getting better and better.

Better deal than that I will give you a brand new truck and trailer with the
purchase of our frontend. Just joking!

We do have very affordable install prices and if you are intrested e-mail
justin@scottshotrods.com
Justin
www.scottshotrods.com

[sgtusmc]

Originally Posted by Scottshotrods

Better deal than that I will give you a brand new truck and trailer with the
purchase of our frontend. Just joking!

We do have very affordable install prices and if you are intrested e-mail
justin@scottshotrods.com
Justin
www.scottshotrods.com

haha...good stuff man. I already have a trailer, so can I trade it in for a T-shirt and water bottle?
All B/S aside, you've put a nice deal out there for us. Your name is on my who to buy from chalkboard.

[Scottshotrods]

Originally Posted by sgtusmc

haha...good stuff man. I already have a trailer, so can I trade it in for a T-shirt and water bottle?
All B/S aside, you've put a nice deal out there for us. Your name is on my who to buy from chalkboard.

Give us a call when you are ready and after you order I will send you your
shirt.
Justin

[Wvgearhead]

Thanks for the response justin, and even on a weekend! I cant believe there is nobody chiming in with some competition.

[Scottshotrods]

Originally Posted by Wvgearhead

Thanks for the response justin, and even on a weekend! I cant believe there is nobody chiming in with some competition.

No problem,If you are looking for a very good quality product at a fair price
give us a call or e-mail you will not be let down.
Justin
www.scottshotrods.com
justin@scottshotrods.com

[Wvgearhead]

I am going to order something in the next week or so. Just looking at all my options. A buddy of mine popped for a cheap set up through rod parts wharehouse and they sent him the wrong a-arms. lol I appreciate your quick response and will consider your IFS.
Thanks
Aaron

[solidaxel]

Wv, FWIW I have seen Justins products and they were high quality but they seemed to be a bit high, BUT with his offers on here he is in the ball park.
Ask him how long it takes to receive all the parts once he gets a deposit

[Scottshotrods]

Originally Posted by solidaxel

Wv, FWIW I have seen Justins products and they were high quality but they seemed to be a bit high, BUT with his offers on here he is in the ball park.
Ask him how long it takes to receive all the parts once he gets a deposit

The best thing about this question is we have
10 55-59 chevy or gmc superslam ifs kits in stock
10 55-59 chevy or gmc standard ifs kits in stock
10 48-54 chevy or gmc superslam & standard ifs kits in stock.
On top of that we can build any other ifs kits in less than 72 hrs and
have shipped out.
We have really geared things up in our shop over tha last 5 years and have
built up a HUGE INVENTORY to service all of our customers alot better around
the country.
Justin

[CHIZZLER]

Hey justin thanks for the reply. I did not mark my centerline before i rolled the front out.anyone know from front of frame to center of wheel.