softening ride

[eugrides]

i bought a 53 gmc 1/2 ton long bed with no front or bed , i removed three bottom leaves i liked the stance , put front on, got running with no bed on it, it was very bouncy and too slow deceided to go with v8 and auto trans got a 68 gto rear i would like to know is it worth it to go with ifs or try removing some rear leaves put on bed and try it again can i get a decent ride with out ifs dont want to do things twice
thanks

[Dan in Pasadena]

First, may I suggest SOME punctuation? A run-on 100 word sentence is difficult to even read much less understand.

Second, you can't accurately determine your stance or ride quality with the majority of the bodywork not on the truck (bed AND front sheet metal) and especially not yet having installed whatever drivetrain you'll install. You're asking questions we can't answer.

As for ifs, yes it will dramatically improve your ride but only you know how much the stock ride bothers you. Some guys find the stock suspension totally acceptable once the basics have been addressed: kingpins rebuilt, leaf spring pins and shackles new & properly lubricated, leaf spring action smoothed out with poly liner between them, etc.

[eugrides]

Thanks for info. i'll work on my grammer. if i put this all together, and don't like the ride can i inslall the ifs with motor in truck? thanks p.s. front is on truck

[47 Fasttoys]

Yes you can, as a matter of I did just that. Now that being said, before you install the V-8 box the frame and set up your engine mounting based on the frame not the later to come new front cross member. I swapped an AMC Pacer unit for a Fatmans Mustang II unit. Because in was all boxed when I installed the Pacer unit (10 years ago) it was a breeze, 2 days and I was back on the road. How about some picks?



Rob

[eugrides]

I deceided to go with a mustang 11 before i put motor in, what's my best value, my good friend has owns a iron shop so welding and fabrication is no problem thanks

[Dan in Pasadena]

Go cheap and you'll regret it is what I've always heard. Any of the major aftermarket Mustang II setups: Heidt's, No Limit, Fatman, TCI, Scotts, Porterbuilt, etc will likely make you happy. The Welder Series ones and lowest dollar ones on eBay I have always heard are either a pain to install correctly or the gage of metal is light and not really suitable for a truck - yes, even a truck that won't be treated like a truck.

[klutz51]

I removed 4 springs in the front and ran air bags with the stock I beam, and removed 2 leafs in rear with drop blocks rides awesome. I am on a super tight budget (kids), found all the stuff used.

[eugrides]

you can use air bags with straight axle ,how much, and where did you get them

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by eugrides

You can use air bags with a straight axle? How much and where did you get them?

[blue57]

If you want a real nice ride go with the mustang II ifs. Nothing else is going to compare. Just do it right the first time. I have the tci kit on my truck as well as there rear leaf spring kit. My truck rides great. Really smooth.

[klutz51]

I used a set of rear air bags off a truck that are for overload, got them at a swap meet,bags brackets, compressor ,gauge with the fill and release buttons and hoses for $20. Made my own lower brackets so the u bolts go through them and mount the springs. The top brackets mounted right to the frame.

[blue57]

Look in the for sale section. There is a guy selling a new heidts kit for 2000 and will help with shipping.