Thunderbird IRS in an AD Truck - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Coach529 · 04-10-2015, 01:13 PM

I am still in the planning stages for this project, but I figured I might as well document all the info I am digging up!!

I know this has been done before, but I could find very little documented in regards to a Chevy install.

ol' chebby over at Classic Parts Forum has one in his 3600 and I have spoke with him numerous time about it. Below is his truck....and another truck he built.

Good donors are 1989- 1997 Thunderbird/ Cougars and 1993 - 1998 Lincoln Mark 8. The Fords were on coil springs, the Lincolns are all on bags. Fords are available in 7.5" and 8.8" with drums and discs available. The Lincolns were 8.8 only, and only disc brakes. Depending on your location, they can be bought pretty cheap. I found a 8.8" in 3.23 ratio with discs locally for $250.00.

My plan is to put it on air. With this set up, you can lay frame without a huge notch, or relocating the height of the bed floor.

Below is a picture of the IRS in a TF truck.

more later..........

Coach529 · 04-10-2015, 01:46 PM

A few more pictures of them installed.

Ol' Chebby's 3600.

Ford Install

Team 321 makes mounting brackets for the Ford IRS system to mount to Ford trucks. A link to their website is below. Dave at Team 321 is a great resource for IRS info.

http://team321.com/truckirs/truckirs.html

Below is a picture of a 56 Ford installed with the Team 321 kit.

Another Ford Install

Coach529 · 04-10-2015, 01:52 PM

Below is a great build thread on step by step install in a 1951 F1

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/81...ll-how-to.html

T Hilde · 04-10-2015, 01:58 PM

I had looked into that once because I have one those rear ends. My plan was to leave it as a bolt in unit. But didn't when I became disillusioned with the Danforth kit and went to the dakota chassis.

Coach529 · 04-10-2015, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T Hilde

I had looked into that once because I have one those rear ends. My plan was to leave it as a bolt in unit. But didn't when I became disillusioned with the Danforth kit and went to the dakota chassis.

I have my heels dug in on staying with the stock frame, so I really like this option.

fourspeedwagon · 04-10-2015, 03:30 PM

Not sure if titles can be modified, but looks like all Rear installs instead of ifs right? Or are you going to do the front as well?

Coach529 · 04-10-2015, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fourspeedwagon

Not sure if titles can be modified, but looks like all Rear installs instead of ifs right? Or are you going to do the front as well?

Darnit......should be IRS. I sent a message to the Moderator.

Thanks for the heads up.

I have not decided on IFS yet.

T Hilde · 04-10-2015, 05:20 PM

Had I kept the stock frame I would have used the T-bird rear. The dakota was sitting there, my son quit driving it.

**mr48chev** · 04-10-2015, 07:38 PM

That looks interesting and you had me wondering with that Thunderbird IFS in that I was trying to figure out what you were going to do with the struts.

Coach529 · 04-11-2015, 01:01 PM

Obstacles:

Rear end bolt pattern is 5 x 4-1/4. New hubs can be bought for 5 x 4-1/2 which would allow a much better wheel selection. Redrilling the stud holes is also an option. I am hoping there is enough room to redrill them 5 x 4-3/4 so I can keep my existing wheels. I won't be able to determine that until I pick up the rear end.

solidaxel · 04-11-2015, 01:21 PM

My neighbor just finished a 52 Chevy AD truck and he installed a 300 ZX IRS and it fits great and rides great the bolt pattern is a 4 1/2 Ford, this is the only pic I have.

There is a rod builder in Washington that is all he uses is 300 ZX

Just as a thought, have you heard about these?

solidaxel · 04-11-2015, 01:24 PM

Found another one !

Coach529 · 04-11-2015, 02:50 PM

Awesome truck. I have heard of the 300z IRS....but have never seen one installed.

iowaboynca · 04-11-2015, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coach529

Obstacles:

Rear end bolt pattern is 5 x 4-1/4...

Wonder why ford did that? Figure it would have been cheaper to have everything 5 x 4.5...

Coach529 · 04-11-2015, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iowaboynca

Wonder why ford did that? Figure it would have been cheaper to have everything 5 x 4.5...

Very good question.

iowaboynca · 04-11-2015, 03:12 PM

LOL...cuz its ford...
I've owned a few in the day and I have caught myself asking myself, usually when under the hood, "why'd they do that? What where they thinking..."

Coach529 · 04-11-2015, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iowaboynca

LOL...cuz its ford...
I've owned a few in the day and I have caught myself asking myself, usually when under the hood, "why'd they do that? What where they thinking..."

Making it even more stupid..........the Lincoln version of this has 5 x 4-1/2.

I spoke with two people regarding re drilling the hubs 5 x 4-3/4". One person said it is not possible....the other said it is.

I guess I will take the hubs to a local machinist and ask.

BIGglaSS · 04-12-2015, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coach529

I spoke with two people regarding re drilling the hubs 5 x 4-3/4". One person said it is not possible....the other said it is.

I looked at some in the junkyard. With a quick look and a tape measure, I didn't think there was a big enough flange to re-drill to 4-3/4". I know that a lot of people have successfully re-drilled to 4-1/2". Some people buy the cobra 4-1/2" hubs to swap. But, they are expensive. I think there are a lot more wheel choices in 4-1/2" vs. 4-3/4", especially positive offset that you will need with the wide rear end.

Coach529 · 04-12-2015, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIGglaSS

I looked at some in the junkyard. With a quick look and a tape measure, I didn't think there was a big enough flange to re-drill to 4-3/4". I know that a lot of people have successfully re-drilled to 4-1/2". Some people buy the cobra 4-1/2" hubs to swap. But, they are expensive. I think there are a lot more wheel choices in 4-1/2" vs. 4-3/4", especially positive offset that you will need with the wide rear end.

I did some checking and Cobra (or Lincoln) hubs are about $95.00 each......and brake rotors are cheap. From $18.00 to $100.00 depending on what you want.

Cragar wheels like I am running now are available on 4-1/2". Just need to figure out what offset I will need. I think this rear end is 63" wide.

fourspeedwagon · 04-12-2015, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coach529

Awesome truck. I have heard of the 300z IRS....but have never seen one installed.

A friend is using one in a Street Rod 29 Essex. He likes it and hasn't blown it up yet- 351w and automatic.

Coach529 · 04-14-2015, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fourspeedwagon

A friend is using one in a Street Rod 29 Essex. He likes it and hasn't blown it up yet- 351w and automatic.

That is good to know!!

Coach529 · 04-14-2015, 05:47 PM

T-Bird Install in a Ford F100.

http://forums.truckinweb.com/70/8877...0-irs-install/

**Advanced Design** · 04-14-2015, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coach529

T-Bird Install in a Ford F100.

http://forums.truckinweb.com/70/8877...0-irs-install/

Thanks for the link. A friend has one to build and this is very helpful.

Coach529 · 04-14-2015, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Advanced Design

Thanks for the link. A friend has one to build and this is very helpful.

Your welcome!!

wwbill617 · 12-11-2015, 05:11 PM

Any updates? been a while.

Bill

04-10-2015, 01:13 PM	#1
Coach529 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Post Falls, Idaho Posts: 1,757	Thunderbird IRS in an AD Truck I am still in the planning stages for this project, but I figured I might as well document all the info I am digging up!! I know this has been done before, but I could find very little documented in regards to a Chevy install. ol' chebby over at Classic Parts Forum has one in his 3600 and I have spoke with him numerous time about it. Below is his truck....and another truck he built. Good donors are 1989- 1997 Thunderbird/ Cougars and 1993 - 1998 Lincoln Mark 8. The Fords were on coil springs, the Lincolns are all on bags. Fords are available in 7.5" and 8.8" with drums and discs available. The Lincolns were 8.8 only, and only disc brakes. Depending on your location, they can be bought pretty cheap. I found a 8.8" in 3.23 ratio with discs locally for $250.00. My plan is to put it on air. With this set up, you can lay frame without a huge notch, or relocating the height of the bed floor. Below is a picture of the IRS in a TF truck. more later.......... __________________ 1949 Chevy 3600 "Adventures of Henry" http://smu.gs/QOlhWY

04-10-2015, 01:46 PM	#2
Coach529 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Post Falls, Idaho Posts: 1,757	Re: Thunderbird IFS in an AD Truck A few more pictures of them installed. Ol' Chebby's 3600. Ford Install Team 321 makes mounting brackets for the Ford IRS system to mount to Ford trucks. A link to their website is below. Dave at Team 321 is a great resource for IRS info. http://team321.com/truckirs/truckirs.html Below is a picture of a 56 Ford installed with the Team 321 kit. Another Ford Install __________________ 1949 Chevy 3600 "Adventures of Henry" http://smu.gs/QOlhWY

04-10-2015, 01:52 PM	#3
Coach529 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Post Falls, Idaho Posts: 1,757	Re: Thunderbird IFS in an AD Truck Below is a great build thread on step by step install in a 1951 F1 http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/81...ll-how-to.html __________________ 1949 Chevy 3600 "Adventures of Henry" http://smu.gs/QOlhWY

04-10-2015, 01:58 PM	#4
T Hilde Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Faribault, MN Posts: 385	Re: Thunderbird IFS in an AD Truck I had looked into that once because I have one those rear ends. My plan was to leave it as a bolt in unit. But didn't when I became disillusioned with the Danforth kit and went to the dakota chassis. __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=414646

04-10-2015, 03:30 PM	#6
fourspeedwagon Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Yakima Valley, Washington Posts: 580	Re: Thunderbird IFS in an AD Truck Not sure if titles can be modified, but looks like all Rear installs instead of ifs right? Or are you going to do the front as well?

04-10-2015, 05:20 PM	#8
T Hilde Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Faribault, MN Posts: 385	Re: Thunderbird IFS in an AD Truck Had I kept the stock frame I would have used the T-bird rear. The dakota was sitting there, my son quit driving it. __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=414646

04-10-2015, 07:38 PM	#9
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,731	Re: Thunderbird IFS in an AD Truck That looks interesting and you had me wondering with that Thunderbird IFS in that I was trying to figure out what you were going to do with the struts. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.

04-11-2015, 01:01 PM	#10
Coach529 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Post Falls, Idaho Posts: 1,757	Re: Thunderbird IRS in an AD Truck Obstacles: Rear end bolt pattern is 5 x 4-1/4. New hubs can be bought for 5 x 4-1/2 which would allow a much better wheel selection. Redrilling the stud holes is also an option. I am hoping there is enough room to redrill them 5 x 4-3/4 so I can keep my existing wheels. I won't be able to determine that until I pick up the rear end. __________________ 1949 Chevy 3600 "Adventures of Henry" http://smu.gs/QOlhWY

04-11-2015, 01:21 PM	#11
solidaxel Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Cactus Patch So. Az Posts: 4,749	Re: Thunderbird IRS in an AD Truck My neighbor just finished a 52 Chevy AD truck and he installed a 300 ZX IRS and it fits great and rides great the bolt pattern is a 4 1/2 Ford, this is the only pic I have. There is a rod builder in Washington that is all he uses is 300 ZX Just as a thought, have you heard about these? Attached Images __________________ 53 TuTone Extended Cab 350 4-Spd 3:08 (SOLD) 53 Chevy Moldy pearl green ZZ-4 4L60E 9" 3:25 55 GMC 1st Black Mll (ZZ4) ZZ6 TKO 600 5 sp 3:73 62 Solidaxle Corvette Roman Red (327 340hp 4spd 3:36) C4 & C5 suspension tube chassis LS 3 4L70E 65 Corvette Coupe 327 350hp 4spd 4:11 78 Black Silverado SWB (350/350) 5.3 & 4L60E 3:42 2000 S-Type 3.0 (wife cruiser) 2003 GMC SCSB 5.3 4L60E 3:42

04-11-2015, 01:24 PM	#12
solidaxel Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Cactus Patch So. Az Posts: 4,749	Re: Thunderbird IRS in an AD Truck Found another one ! Attached Images __________________ 53 TuTone Extended Cab 350 4-Spd 3:08 (SOLD) 53 Chevy Moldy pearl green ZZ-4 4L60E 9" 3:25 55 GMC 1st Black Mll (ZZ4) ZZ6 TKO 600 5 sp 3:73 62 Solidaxle Corvette Roman Red (327 340hp 4spd 3:36) C4 & C5 suspension tube chassis LS 3 4L70E 65 Corvette Coupe 327 350hp 4spd 4:11 78 Black Silverado SWB (350/350) 5.3 & 4L60E 3:42 2000 S-Type 3.0 (wife cruiser) 2003 GMC SCSB 5.3 4L60E 3:42

04-11-2015, 02:50 PM	#13
Coach529 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Post Falls, Idaho Posts: 1,757	Re: Thunderbird IRS in an AD Truck Awesome truck. I have heard of the 300z IRS....but have never seen one installed. __________________ 1949 Chevy 3600 "Adventures of Henry" http://smu.gs/QOlhWY

04-11-2015, 03:12 PM	#16
iowaboynca Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: West Side of the valley, CA Posts: 878	Re: Thunderbird IRS in an AD Truck LOL...cuz its ford... I've owned a few in the day and I have caught myself asking myself, usually when under the hood, "why'd they do that? What where they thinking..." __________________ Build: "1950" GMC -Charlotte

04-14-2015, 05:47 PM	#22
Coach529 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Post Falls, Idaho Posts: 1,757	Re: Thunderbird IRS in an AD Truck T-Bird Install in a Ford F100. http://forums.truckinweb.com/70/8877...0-irs-install/ __________________ 1949 Chevy 3600 "Adventures of Henry" http://smu.gs/QOlhWY

12-11-2015, 05:11 PM	#25
wwbill617 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 10	Re: Thunderbird IRS in an AD Truck Any updates? been a while. Bill



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