Vette IFS??

[siroadrnr]

Quite a few years back, a buddy had an entire Corvette IFS with the cradle, arms, and funky fiberglass spring. It looked like it wanted to jump into a rod really easily. My question is has anyone installed one of these into a truck, say a 1979 Blazer type? Any other input or opinions? Thanks!!

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

I have seen them in person, and looked heavily into buying one.

You have basically two ways to install it on to your truck. One is to mount the lower cradle, and fabricate upper A-arm mount points. Which will lead to some serious head scratching because the truck frame is wider then the cars. My guess is around 2 inches at least based on the 69 Camaro.

Or two fabricate a new center section which you could graft into your truck at what ever ride height you decide. Maybe you could take a slightly easy way out, and order a preformed sub-frame piece you need. Then save your self the geometry headaches.

I am sure someone has installed one as I seem to recall seeing it in a magazine, but decided on a CV swap for my F100 project. Since the fabricating was a lot less, complexity, cost, and the unit is stronger for a truck.

[franken]

What's the weight of the Vette, and same question on the truck.
Similar?

[siroadrnr]

Franken, I'm not certain of the actual weights of the two, but I am building a Blazer, which will only have passengers as payload, and as I've noticed, some aftermarket IFS kits use Mustang II spindles, which I would shy away from, as these cars were really flimsy. Drag racers like them, but only for straight line and in a weight saving sense. The Vette pieces don't seem to be too weak for my application. I'm open to opinions, though.

[66shortwide]

flat out engineering offers a crossmember that uses coilovers. I'm using it on my 66 truck, its not on the road yet so I can not comment on ride or handling yet.

[siroadrnr]

66, thanks for the input, I'll look into them!...post some pics!!

[66shortwide]

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=559296

hopefully that link worked

[franken]

Originally Posted by siroadrnr

Franken, I'm not certain of the actual weights of the two, but I am building a Blazer, which will only have passengers as payload, and as I've noticed, some aftermarket IFS kits use Mustang II spindles, which I would shy away from, as these cars were really flimsy. Drag racers like them, but only for straight line and in a weight saving sense. The Vette pieces don't seem to be too weak for my application. I'm open to opinions, though.

Just BSing, but I'd be concerned and google the info.
Late model vehicles are engineered more closely (for mileage) that those of our era. Doubling the load (assume a Blazer is 2x weight of a Vette) on an already marginally designed system at the very least is pushing the boundary of the design.

Or am I crazy? Maybe Vettes weigh 4kLB and are designed to run trails

[N2TRUX]

Lets clarify things. Your post reads "Vette IFS??" and I will assume you meant "Vette IRS??"

[siroadrnr]

Franken, you're right and I will certainly research more,
N2, no, I am referring to Independent Front Suspensions. The rear in my truck will be 4 link, coilovers, and panhard bar.

[BlackedOut67shorty]

I apologize in advance if i come off rude but why change out the front suspenion that is an ifs setup for one on a smaller sports car. Id always prefer suspension for a truck just for the fact it was engineered for said truck.

[N2TRUX]

Ok, I just read in to it wrong. No, I dont think its a good idea from the performance aspect. If you really want a truck that handles well take a look at the builds that are utilizing modified truck suspensions. They can be upgraded to handle a whole lot more than what you will ever need.

[siroadrnr]

hey, guys, no insults taken! I'm looking for opinions as well. and I want to lower it a bit, but not scraping. I know a weak spot is the clearance of the crossmember and lower control arms. They also weigh a TON!! This is a Blazer, and its components are the same across the board to a 1 ton pickup, save for the solid bushings. The most that will be carried will be some passengers. ..thanks for all you input!