mustang II

[thump16]

has anybody here used the welders series mustang II set ups from Paul Horton? http://www.welderseries.com/blog/online-store/21906/

[mr48chev]

I looked at them pretty hard before I bought a different brand. Being "universal" you have to be up to trimming and fitting to get things setup rather than just measure, mark and weld.
If you haven't done so download their installation instructions and study them.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Not to hijack but what is the progression in IFS for Task Fotce trucks from cheapest to most expensive?

I'm guessing on the low dollar end it would start with a GM clip graft(?)

- Then go to something like this universal Mustang II crossmember.

- And on the high end I'm guessing the new Porterbuilt bolt on setup that Delmo is piloting

But what's the progression in between? Heidt's, TCI, No Limit, yada, yada. What does everyone think (for a non show truck driver that might tow lightly like a pair of jetski's) could be best value vs ease of installation, etc?

(FYI, I'd pretty much decided on Posey's Super Slide 2" lowering springs with or without a dropped axle or dropped spindles but it's obvious the prices stack up quick and worse, I'm hearing/reading too many bumpsteer concerns that there doesn't seen like there's a great fix for)
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[Kabwe]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

Not to hijack but what is the progression in IFS for Task Fotce trucks from cheapest to most expensive?

I'm guessing on the low dollar end it would start with a GM clip graft(?)

- Then go to something like this universal Mustang II crossmember.

- And on the high end I'm guessing the new Porterbuilt bolt on setup that Delmo is piloting

But what's the progression in between? Heidt's, TCI, No Limit, yada, yada. What does everyone think (for a non show truck driver that might tow lightly like a pair of jetski's) could be best value vs ease of installation, etc?

(FYI, I'd pretty much decided on Posey's Super Slide 2" lowering springs with or without a dropped axle or dropped spindles but it's obvious the prices stack up quick and worse, I'm hearing/reading too many bumpsteer concerns that there doesn't seen like there's a great fix for)
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In my opinion the progression go would as follows.

A grafted clip such as a camaro, monte carlo etc. would be the lowest cost, but were you to figure in rebuilding a 20 year old clip you could spend more than you thought.

The next lowest cost would be a Mustang 2 unit. You can get them for 1200-1700 hundred depending on where you shop. I like Heidts and TCI if I were buying a Mustang 2, but that's only because I used those units.

Next you can get a Flatout Engeering crossmember for 795. and depending on the price that you find a corvette IFS ( I see them on ebay for 400-500 all the time) you can easily have that setup for the same price as a Mustang 2 and maybe even less. If I had to choice to do it again I would probably go that route.

Next up are your really nice setups such as Scotts, Heidts Superrides, Fatman stage 2, Jim Meyers, Art Morrison bikini clip, TCI custom IFS, No Limit, ect. I'm sure I missed some units but you get the picture. All are really, really nice and you can't go wrong. But we are talking over the 2 grand mark.

Its all about what your wallet will let you do. The cool thing about the GM Clip, Mustang 2, and Flatout Engineering is you don't have to do it all at one time. You can buy a GM Clip that is in pretty good condition and it may not need to be rebuilt and of course you can rebuild it later. You can buy the Mustang 2 crossmember or the Flatout Engineering crossmember and buy the suspension parts later. Some times if you are like me you don't have all your funds at one time.lol

[parkwood]

Originally Posted by Kabwe

In my opinion the progression go would as follows.

A grafted clip such as a camaro, monte carlo etc. would be the lowest cost, but was you figure in rebuilding a 20 year old clip you could spend more than you thought.

The next lowest cost would be a Mustang 2 unit. You can get them for 1200-1700 hundred depending on where you shop. I like Heidts and TCI if I were buying a Mustang 2, but that's only because I used those units.

Next you can get a Flatout Engeering crossmember for 795. and depending on the price that you find a corvette IFS ( I see them on ebay for 400-500 all the time) you can easily have that setup for the same price as a Mustang 2 and maybe even less. If I had to choice to do it again I would probably go that route.

Next up are your really nice setups such as Scotts, Heidts Superrides, Fatman stage 2, Jim Meyers, Art Morrison bikini clip, TCI custom IFS, No Limit, ect. I'm sure I missed some units but you get the picture. All are really, really nice and you can't go wrong. But we are talking over the 2 grand mark.

Its all about what you wallet will let you do. The cool thing about the GM Clip, Mustang 2, and Flatout Engineering is you don't have to do it all at one time. You can buy a GM Clip that is in pretty good condition and it may not need to be rebuild and of course you can rebuild it later. You can buy the Mustang 2 crossmember or the Flatout Engineering crossmember and buy the suspension parts later. Some times if you are like me you don't have all your funds at one time.lol

Kabwe just about said it all, the order he put them in is how i would rate them too.. I've used Fatman, but have always had great luck with TCI.. do not worry about bump steer with one of the after market set up's unless you change the set up..

[Dan in Pasadena]

My concern about bump steer is ONLY related to staying with a solid axle but lowering it in any way.

I forgot about the Flat Out Engineering Corvette based system. Anyone know if there'd be a concern using that if I want to occasionally tow my Jetski's? With a Corvette front end I'd almost feel compelled to use a Corvette IRS system. (I'd want to be able to say its an old Corvette w/a '55 truck body on top. Not that that would be accurate, but who - that I'd tell - would know, lol?!)
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[Dan in Pasadena]

Oh and PS: What about the old rhubarb that the Mustang II systems are too light duty for a pickup? Any truth to that or just alarmism? (Which is frankly what I suspect)
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[not2oldchevy]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

Oh and PS: What about the old rhubarb that the Mustang II systems are too light duty for a pickup? Any truth to that or just alarmism? (Which is frankly what I suspect)
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Doing a flatout on a AD, to me it is a lot more sturdy than the other MII. Don't have but about $1700 in it.

[entourageguy]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

Oh and PS: What about the old rhubarb that the Mustang II systems are too light duty for a pickup? Any truth to that or just alarmism? (Which is frankly what I suspect)
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The only part that is Mustang II is the geometry.
My truck had a Horton evolution front end.
They do make nice stuff for north of the border.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Thanks guys. I was wondering what Bam used and went back to read his thread. Mustang II, natch. Doesn't mention what company though. If its good enough for him I'll seriously consider it.
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[Kabwe]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

Thanks guys. I was wondering what Bam used and went back to read his thread. Mustang II, natch. Doesn't mention what company though. If its good enough for him I'll seriously consider it.
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For those that don't know I'm BAM thats why I'm answering Dan's question.

Dan I put together the Mustang 2 on my truck with components from TCI and Heidts. I have a TCI crossmember and Heidts upper and lower control arms, and a t-bird rack and pinion. I have used TCI and Heidts units on others peoples rides and like them.

Also as entourageguy said there is nothing from the mustang 2 car in a mustang 2 aftermarket kit other than the geometry. The name stuck because back in the day people use to use the suspension from the actual car on their trucks and streetrods. So of course companies started designing kits to make life easier base on that geometry. Anybody that tells you different does not know what they are talking about or are trying to sell you something. Are there better options? Yes but that comes with a bigger price tag. Thats why I like the flat out engineering kit because you can do it for about the same price as a mustang to kit if you shop carefully. I installed a couple of the crossmembers in some rides and I liked for the vette components. I do not see anything that makes the crossmember more sturdier than a mustang 2 crossmember. Same metal thickness and bascally the same weld area.

By the way you don't need a flat out engineering crossmember to install the vette suspension. You can use the vette ifs only, but the flat out kits make it easier and in my opinion looks cleaner.

coralhead,

I include that with clips when I said etc. There are too many clips to mention. People also used volare and pacers. I have no personal experience with the installation of a Jag clip so I really can't speak on it. I don't speak on things I don't know about. I have talk to guys who have them and seen their installations. They seem to be happy with them.

[youngsta]

@Dan.
Kabwe is dead on in his observations. This is the second task force truck I have owned with a camaro clip. The camaro clip gives the truck the heavier road manners of the 70's Gm cars. I have used my truck to carry heavy loads and tow. It gets the job done with confidence. If you want to feel how it rides and handles I will let drive my truck to help you make an informed decision. This is the clip job that no limit does in the "camaro clip no limit style thread".
Maybe others in the L.A. area with other style IFS front ends will let you try theirs out?
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[entourageguy]

For those that don't know I'm BAM thats why I'm answering Dan's question.

but he has been called a lot worse

[Kabwe]

Originally Posted by entourageguy

For those that don't know I'm BAM thats why I'm answering Dan's question.

but he has been called a lot worse

LOL. I've had pm asking if I was BAM, thats why I answered the question like that.lol

I want to change my username to BAM but I don't see the point in paying for the change when I'm already a paying member. I like this site alot, I think it is the best truck site so I pay to support it. I been think about the name change for a while because most of my buddy's call me Bam.

Sorry I was thinking out loud.lol

And yes I've been called way worst, I think you have a couple of choice words for me don't you.lol

[coralhead]

What about the Jaguar front end? I've heard of it being used and can be a bolt on.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Bam, thanks for filling in the rest of the story.

I HAD a Jag IFS and IRS in my '46 truck but whoever installed it never put in the upper shock mounts! I played with how to address that before something came up, I sold the trick and bought the '55 - which is my dream truck anyway.

For some reason it just doesn't sit right with me to cut my frame in half. For that same reason I had kinda thought of keeping the straight axle with discs, PS, etc but the more I look into it the more the costs stack up. And though it'd be an optimized original truck, it'd also be a total compromise. I like the idea of TCI, Heidts or Flatout just cause they've been around a long while. I need to look into what you get in their kits, dollar comparisons, and. customer service support!
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[Dan in Pasadena]

PS: The words I call Bam are: talented, helpful, nice guy, and friggin gorgeous '55 car owner - the car, not him!....ok, ok, he's not a bad looking man, ha ha. (I'm jealous as hell of him having both the car and truck too though)
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[entourageguy]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

PS: The words I call Bam are: talented, helpful, nice guy, and friggin gorgeous '55 car owner ...ok, ok, he's not a bad looking man, ha ha. (I'm jealous as hell of him having both the car and truck too though)
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Good one!

[Kabwe]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

PS: The words I call Bam are: talented, helpful, nice guy, and friggin gorgeous '55 car owner - the car, not him!....ok, ok, he's not a bad looking man, ha ha. (I'm jealous as hell of him having both the car and truck too though)
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There is never a need to be jealous my friend, you don't know what I go through having 2 rides that I want to build. Yes I want to redo the 55 210, its driving me nuts. No time and no money so don't be jealous of me.lol

I saw Scotts IFS for the 55-57 trifives at the LA Roadster show and man was it nice. Everytime I go to show it teaches me just how broke I am.lol

[thump16]

Okay so help me out fellas. I was planning on getting the welders series subframe but I had my heart set on the C4 set up which I happen to live ten mins from corvette shop that specializes in C4s. I can get the complete front end for $400 or front and back for a grand. the particular one I want is coming from a 95 C4.

Which set up should I get?

[Kabwe]

Originally Posted by thump16

Okay so help me out fellas. I was planning on getting the welders series subframe but I had my heart set on the C4 set up which I happen to live ten mins from corvette shop that specializes in C4s. I can get the complete front end for $400 or front and back for a grand. the particular one I want is coming from a 95 C4.

Which set up should I get?

If I were you I would do the vette suspension. To make things easier you could buy the Flatout Engineering crossmember for 850 (they charge 850 for the 88-96 kit) and your front end for 400 and be done for 1250. Sounds like a great deal to me.

http://www.flatout-engineering.com/

[beanyard]

How much lower than stock is the vette kit. With my long box truck I dont want to go too low.
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[thump16]

I actually went to the vette shop today and purchased a stock 85 set up complete with steering rack, lines swaybar, etc. and she is even throwing in the front half of subframe with the brackets.

[thump16]

Thanks Bam

[thump16]

well i scored big. I got a complete running 88 corvette for a grand. I can def take my time with this build now.