Antny,
Thanks for the pointers to the IFS kits. But I plan on trying to make my own 'kit'.
Bob
Sounds great Bob. I wish I had the skills to do that level of work. I'm not trying to sway your decision, just trying to help in case you haven't thought this through. Before diving in, consider these issues;
1. You're installing 40-44 year-old suspension technology in a 51 year-old truck. Like my son asked me when we discussed this option for our truck: why bother?!
2. After replacing all the bushings, worn parts, upgrading the brakes and steering components, new rotors, bearings, shocks, etc. it's going to cost about the same as a new, modern IFS kit.
3. There's MUCH more work/fabrication involved than installing a new IFS kit. More things to go wrong/mess up the geometry.
4. An IFS kit is engineered to deliver enhanced performance; anti-dive, caster/camber control, bump-steer elimination, neutral wheel scrub, etc.
5. IFS kits are engineered for specific applications. Junk-yard clips are engineered only for the vehicle they came from.
6. Junk yard clips could be bent/twisted or have unseen damage (after all, they are in the junkyard for a reason!).
I went through the same decision making process last year for my 55.5 stepside. For me, and this is just me, a new modern IFS with big brakes, anti-sway bar, power steering, modern handling and performance was a no-brainer. Although my wife says I have brain damage, maybe that's why I don't understand why people use old front clips! Anyway, make sure you consider all the issues before making the plunge. Either way, have fun, and let us know how you are doing.
Antny
