Ifs

[Francis Blake]

I have seen a few ts with an ifs of one kind or another under it and would like to know how most of you like or dislike them. I know many like the jag or corvet rearend. Just something to talk about on a cold day...Francis

 

[LKE]

So much of building a car for me is the visual look. And I don't think an ifs looks right on the front of a T. I think the suicide front end is just part of the "look". And the fact that most of the installs look very poorly done doesn't help...

 

[Duke]

I think IFS on a Bucket would be great, but how to make it a traditional T-bucket and with the right look is the problem. It would require someone creative, and good fab skills, and thinking out of the box. The other thing to remember is a bucket is pretty light, that would need to be considered when doing the IFS. A T-Bucket with IRS and IFS done right would be very hard to keep up with on a mountain road. I can hear the song " Thunder Road " in my mind.

 

[Lee_in_KC]

Somebody makes a front set-up that looks like a classic solid axle but is actually split, kinda like the Ford "Twin I-Beam" front end. I'll hafta do a little googling to see if I can find it. Probably ain't cheap!!

 

[fluidfloyd]

Lee_in_KC,

The twin I beam axle is really pretty simple to do yourself. Look at Fatmans site and you'll find his version. Basically you just cut a tube axle in half. Weld in bushing type pivots or threaded bungs and rodends and you're there. It is a good design due to the fact that it reduces torsional loads on the axle, radius arms and the frame. It is something I might consider for myself. If you wanted a traditional fabricated tube axle then I'm sure RPM could help you out. If you prefer the curved style tube axle then try Borgeson (www.borgeson.com). Their axle uses forged steel ends and I do like that. Some use cast iron and I don't feel that is the best choice. Hope this will give you something to think about.

Since you are in KC you might know of Nate Boyle of Kultured Kustoms. If so then go look at the Scarab cars he is now building. I built the proto car #1 for the company and he took on the production for them. It will give you something to think about as to IFS & IRS design. Very busy with lots of moving parts. In order to make cars work with these systems at both ends then the chassis has to be very stiff torsionally. That is tough to do in a traditional T Bucket. I have no problem with IRS systems in T cars. It is when you try to put them in the front that packaging and looks become a problem.

George

 

[T-Odd]

T Bucket IFS version

1. VW

2. Mustang II (or pinto)

3. Fatman Style (similar to Ford twin I- beam... similar, but different)

Not pictured, Actual Ford twin I beam (there are photos on hotroders.com) or Corvair IFS (like what Ben D had on his Pickup)

here I am trying to get the shot for you to enjoy... the things I do for yous guys...

 

[T-Odd]

Now the question... Is it worth it?

I've driven Dennis' car and it rides very nice. Al Carpenter liked the ride in his wife's car so much he changes HIS bucket to the same MII.

VW front ends can look a little bulky on the front of a T also. Ride any beter? don't know.

I've seen a few other style IFS buckets (a couple from back in the very early 70scoverage of NSRA Nats on Carnut.com. Some look VERY clean.

A good setup on tube or I Beam should ride as nice as a proper IFS setup. If you think it is what you want then GO for it. It can be done on the cheap.

It can be made to look clean, Once of the best I've ever seen was the Corvair Powered bucket I linked to last week sometime.

T-Odd

 

[Ted Brown]

I think IFS on a Bucket would be great, but how to make it a traditional T-bucket and with the right look is the problem. It would require someone creative, and good fab skills, and thinking out of the box. The other thing to remember is a bucket is pretty light, that would need to be considered when doing the IFS. A T-Bucket with IRS and IFS done right would be very hard to keep up with on a mountain road. I can hear the song " Thunder Road " in my mind.

A sprint car with a straight axle is the fastest thing going on any road that has fun sharp corners... (Pike's peak) With IFS one tire "in a turn", is out of control, Sorry to say.. unless the suspension has very little travel, like 1/2" max. like Grand prix, cars.... Fot a great Hotrod look, a dropped axel is very hard to beat!

 

[Francis Blake]

Thank for the comments guys, I probably use a tube when I finally get to my build just wanted to get some ideas I agree that an ibeam has the look that helps make atbucket look right. Another ifs that I kike is the one by flaming river(big bucks) but it would look beter on a later modle car..:lol:.. Francis

 

[LKE]

Thank for the comments guys, I probably use a tube when I finally get to my build just wanted to get some ideas I agree that an ibeam has the look that helps make atbucket look right. Another ifs that I kike is the one by flaming river(big bucks) but it would look beter on a later modle car..:lol:.. Francis

I was at sema the year flaming river brought that out. It is a sweet design, but made to fit under a crossmember, like under a model A, 32-34, etc. To put the mounting points out front to simulate a suicide front end would make it to busy. I am a firm believer that if you want your T to ride nice, pay attention to the rear suspension. Since you sit alomost right over the axle, make sure that end is "right".

 

[Francis Blake]

I was at sema the year flaming river brought that out. It is a sweet design, but made to fit under a crossmember, like under a model A, 32-34, etc. To put the mounting points out front to simulate a suicide front end would make it to busy. I am a firm believer that if you want your T to ride nice, pay attention to the rear suspension. Since you sit alomost right over the axle, make sure that end is "right".

Makes a lotta sence to me. Had not thought of it in that way but that seems right.