Scott's IFS vs No Limit

[fatman]

I would first like to say thank you to everyone on this site, so much information.
I have a 1952 GMC and I am wanting to put an IFS with airbags so the question I have is Scott's vs No limit? I have narrowed it down to these two because they seem, in my opinion to be two of the best ones. I have done a search and couldn't really find anything for an AD truck. Please help me out with your thoughts on the two and any thoughts from anyone who have used either of them.


Thanks
Ken

[Root2812]

Not one you listed but I used a Fatman kit and I really liked it.

[mr48chev]

Both Scott and Rob from No limit frequent the board from time to time. Both shops have a reputation for excellent products and great customer service. I think if they were within our budgets most of us here would be happy with either one.

[fatman]

Thanks Root I will for sure look into fatman. Mr48 that's why I was leaning towards one of them because I always see them replying to members on questions like this.

[solidaxel]

Take a look at the adjustments on both, or for that manner on all of them.
If you are a welder there are many different ones to chose from.

[lolife99]

Another choice would be the new Porterbuilt front suspension for the AD trucks.
I know it's in the works,... but not sure it's production ready yet.
www.porterbuiltfabrication.com

[fatman]

I have been looking around but these two seem the best. I thought that porter build did only IFS for C10's but I will contact them!

[Scottshotrods]

We have a ton of options with our kits for your truck.The main plus with ours you do not have to cut off your frame to install our ifs.You can call us on our dime at 1 (800)273-5195
we can help you out with any questions you might have.

[STOCKISH]

Also look into Flat Out engineering or progressive for the C4 Corvette front IFS swap. They have shockwaves air struts available for them as well.

[fatman]

Thanks Guys. Now my head is spinning even more!!!!!

[mr48chev]

One thing and it may not be a real issue is that Scott's front ends that I see photos of have to be partially disassembled to adjust the caster and camber while the No limit front end uses shims behind the control arm shaft in a more traditional manner. It isn't a big deal but the front end man you go to may teach you a few new phrases of profanity while working on one of Scott's front end. The good thing is that once it is set, that's it, it isn't going to change unless a guy gets stupid and tears it up.

[fatman]

Thanks Mr48 That's something that I never would have looked at until I took it in!!!

[mr48chev]

Originally Posted by fatman

Thanks Mr48 That's something that I never would have looked at until I took it in!!!

I did front end alignment and repair for a number of years and it is alwa't ays something I consider.
ol
It isn't any more difficult than the Jag XJS front suspension I just bought though. To set the caster on those you take out or loosen the two horizontal bolts that hold the upper ball joint in place and move shims on the side of the ball joint.

It's just more tedious as far as the tech is concerned and that means it will most likely take longer to set than Lets say a mid 70's Trans Am subframe under a TF truck which is a piece of cake to set. Read the gauge, move shims bounce the truck read gauge again and move more shims or you are done as on those you usually know that a certain thickness shim will make a certain change.

[fabguy]

Originally Posted by STOCKISH

Also look into Flat Out engineering or progressive for the C4 Corvette front IFS swap. They have shockwaves air struts available for them as well.

I agree, I did a lot of research and went this route also. Plus a huge advantage IMO is that I can go to any parts house and buy parts over the counter, I am not saying that you can not with these other front ends, but if you had to go to your local pick a part the chances of finding a corvette front end part is easier.

[mr48chev]

Being able to buy critical replacement parts through normal sources is one thing that one should consider in all phases of a build. On something like a front end wheel bearings, seals, brake pads, the caliper or caliper repair kit and/ or brake hoses would be critical parts that might wear out or fail on the road. Routine maintenance should take care of the brake pads on any road trip as well as checking suspension components to make sure they aren't worn before a trip. Worst case for most of us would be loosing a wheel bearing on a trip or having a caliper or hose leak. Rebuilding a front end with new bushings, rod ends and ball joints might take a wait for parts in some cases but that is usually something we do at home base on any vehicle unless the part is damaged by hitting something in the road such as a pot hole.

[Root2812]

Originally Posted by fabguy

IPlus a huge advantage IMO is that I can go to any parts house and buy parts over the counter

This was one of the reasons I went with the Fatman kit. They give you a list of where the parts come from. For example, my rotors are 70's ford Granada. I needed lug nuts so I went and asked for lug nuts to fit a Granada and it was fine. The list they gave me has every part except the cross member on it. I'll be able to get parts anywhere.

[solidaxel]

Originally Posted by Root2812

This was one of the reasons I went with the Fatman kit. They give you a list of where the parts come from. For example, my rotors are 70's ford Granada. I needed lug nuts so I went and asked for lug nuts to fit a Granada and it was fine. The list they gave me has every part except the cross member on it. I'll be able to get parts anywhere.

That is a great idea, how many of the others include ball joint and rack and pinion part numbers for replacement, along with the other hard parts.
You are right you may hit a pot hole and brake a few items, would be nice to have a written parts list included in the "instructions"

[fatman]

Awesome! Thanks everyone for the advise. Lots of stuff that I never thought off or knew!!!

[torchlight]

I think we are all fortunate to be in this hobby these days, because there's a lot of great options for good quality parts at a range of price points. There's truly something for everyone, it seems. Honestly, I doubt you'd go wrong with any of the front ends you've listed - a lot of good companies out there. I only have experience with one vendor - Scott's. I will probably never do another truck, but if I did, I would absolutely use Scott's again. The parts are very high quality and built with a top level of craftsmanship. Haven't driven on it yet - truck is at the paint shop now, but I'm expecting a great ride!

[fatman]

Thanks for the picture and insight torchlight! I'm still not sure who I will use but I think I should be good with any of them. I also see that Art Morrison Has an IFS as well but very expensive!

[55dude]

i finally pulled the jaguar IFS out of donor car and they drop out easy even with engine still in place! been 30 years since i dropped one out and these are cheap,parts are available,gives you R&P,disc brakes with 5 on 4.75" (chevy car) so what more do you need? most guys that purchase $$ big dollar aftermarket parts are very reluctant to share when their is hidden B.S in installing the part or if customer service can't help and i met some guys in Socal that were wishing they hadn't spent their money! Bigtime buyers remorse!

[fatman]

Thanks 55dude. I was thinking about the jag swap, but up here in the great white north jags and vette suspensions are like gold and people want a fortune for them. I am going to Coeur d'Alene in July so I may look around there for something if I don't pull the trigger on an IFS.

[gag1025]

I am not trying to put down anyones products but I have heard a lot of things in reference to Fatman. I have heard that their full frame system is top notch but I have also talked to many people who used their IFS and they were not happy with it. I am about 1 1/2 hours from them and decided against them. The main reason was because they did not have a bolt on kit. Had I known about Scott's, I would have bought one of their bolt on IFS kits. Instead I bought a bolt on kit from Chassis Engineering. The good thing about this kit is that I do not have to box my frame. Their kit and Scott's are very similar. Their instructions ( I am certain Scott's kit is the same way) were very specific and if you follow them there is no way you can mess the installation up. After I installed mine, I saw in one of my catalogs that a rack and pinion steering system is now available. Had this been available I may have gone that route and simply bagged the front end to make the truck ride better. After all my 2005 Chevy truck uses a straight axle. I do plan on attaching front and rear torsion bars. We are very close to wiring it and hopefully will have it in the upholstery shop in a month. Then the wood bed and the 2 year project will be over. Then pictures for you guys.

[TNACUSTOM]

Originally Posted by fatman

Thanks 55dude. I was thinking about the jag swap, but up here in the great white north jags and vette suspensions are like gold and people want a fortune for them. I am going to Coeur d'Alene in July so I may look around there for something if I don't pull the trigger on an IFS.

If you are going to be in Coeur d'Alene Spokane WA is close and Spadings is a big wrecking yard in Spokane if anyone has a Jag frontend they would. I put a Heidts Super rider front end in mine.

[fatman]

Thanks gag1025! Why did you want bolt on over weld on? Is it better or just a preference? Hope to see you truck pictures soon.