Front Coilovers from FatMan
 

I just finished putting on my IFS kit w/coilovers that I got from FatMan Fabrications. I have to say I love the polished stainless upper and lower tubular arms. Next weekend I'm going to install the rack and pinion steering so more pics to come.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member...17_18_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member...17_17_full.jpg

That is very sweet. Does the fat man kit have provisions for the rack and pinion?

Got a link to this?

Yeah it all came together. Their website is www.fatmanfab.com They always have adds in classis trucks magazine.

whats the deal with the crossmember? is it a direct bolt in? or weld in?

Looks sweet though! :metal:

It bolted right in. Just had to drill a few more holes in the frame.

That is really cool I thought about using corvette front suspension but I like that bolt on idea alot more

what kind of drop in the front are you lookin at getting out of that? What is the $$$$ of that bad boy???

Do you use stock motor mounts ?

It should be between 4-5 inches but you can go lower if you get dropped spindles. The whole kit with s/h was $2800. A little more than I wanted to spend on my suspension but I really like the look. I just have to save a bit longer for my engine now.
You can use the stock mounts but you have to fab a spacer for them to work cause the new crossmember sits lower. They have tubular mounts available but they are weld in so I'm not sure if I can use them since I don't know how to weld.

Looks good, raidermanny. I too have the Stage III kit (couple pictures in link in sig). Interested to see how yours sits with the weight on the front end. I think I'm going to need different springs with the LS1 and fiberglass front end.

68LSS1 I'm glad I found someone else with this kit. I'm gonna be PMing you with some questions if you dont mind. I wanted the same rear kit that you have but thought it was a little to advanced for my skills.

Feel free. My email address is listed also. Is Fatman now welding the brace on the rear of the crossmember? The one that the bolt for the lower a-arm goes through? On mine it didn't come welded but it sounds like yours did.

Looks awesome Raidermanny!
68LSS1. Are you installing buckets on your truck? I want to do the T-56 upgrade but would like to retain my bench seat. The shifter linkage location might change my plans though... I didn't realize it was that far towards the rear of the cab. Doug

Yes I'm using buckets, benches don't work well with 5 point harnesses. Note that I have moved the engine as far back as I can and also it is possible to get a T56 with the shifter mounted on one of the forward pads (they actually have three different spots where it can be). Unfortunately as of now there are no kits to move the shifter, so you must buy the tranny with the shifter in the location you desire from someone like 5speedtransmissions.com (they sell 6 speeds also).

^ Very cool! I noticed in the pic there was a square block off plate on top of the tranny (roughly in the center), that must be for the shifter if you decide to have it more forward. Thanks! That makes this upgrade a little easier. Doug

Any idea how much weight you are saving with that front end?

No, we had a thread around the time when I first joined this forum with me weighing the Fatman stuff and others weighing the stock stuff but I never saved it.

Very nice set-up ...

I would guess it saves about 175 lbs

sure seems like alot. I guess it's possible though.

That looks great!!! :cool:

I would of guessed about the same. I can pick up the crossmember with the a-arms and brakes on. Plus you loose the gear box or actually I guess it would be more correct to say that the rack and tie rods weigh less than the gearbox, tie rods and idler/pitman arm. Plus you should get about 5" of drop without dropped spindles.

Here it is with the rack and pinion and sway bar on.
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member...17_19_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member...17_20_full.jpg

Any idea what the rack is from? Mustang II or something else? Looks good. How bout the spindles and brakes? Thanks


Also, what size bolt is that going through the lower a-arm bushing? I wouldnt think a single-shear setup would work right there, wouldn't figure it would be strong enough. Must be though, or they would be breaking and Fatman would be in some trouble.

man that setup looks sweet, worth every cent. so clean easy to work on. are they adjustable coil-overs?