The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Mustang II for 1.5 ton truck?

I've been reading the Disc brakes for 1.5 and 2 ton trucks thread for a while and thought I would join in. I'm looking for the same solution as everyone else for my 1947 1.5 ton. Has anyone considered using the Mustang II IFS? I spoke with street rod engineering and they said they can build an IFS based on the mustang II for the big trucks. The only down side appears to be that it will lower the front end about 3 inches and you would have to find a hub/rotor compatible with 10 lug wheels.

I have called at least 15 custom chassis and suspension fabricators and so far street rod engineering is the only one that offers anything close to a "bolt on kit". I haven't had any luck finding a p30 at a reasonable price. I'm thinking I could have something custom built close to the same price of finding a suitable donor vehicle.

Brandon,

A little bit of a long read. I'd be happy to speak to you about this kit. My number is listed below.

https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=708681

Thanks Randy. It was a long read, but well worth it. I'm interested and will give you a call next week.

There have been several articles here on putting disc brakes on the front, using modern P-30, etc. spindles; look through past articles.

Look at the Gross Weight of the systems one is considering using, to get an idea of what would work well, safely together.

Ed

Brandon

FatMan makes an IFS setup based on GM 3500 components. I don't know what you're working on or you're goals.

The modern "MII" kits are way better than what they used to be, but I wouldn't put one under a Big truck. 1/2 or 3/4 ton they're good for, but that's it.

Thanks Whitedog,

I'm working on a 1947 Chevy 1.5 ton. I want to keep the same look, but I would like to upgrade to disk brakes for better braking and simpler maintenance in the long run. I have just been wondering if an IFS would be worth considering. I don't really think the mustang II will get the job done for the big trucks, but I do like the idea of it. I think if an IFS can be done right, the drivability would be much better. I also like the idea of a "bolt on" kit because time is my least available resource right now. I'm just trying to decide which option will be the easiest and yield the best results for what I want. What I want...I want to drive the heck out of it.

I briefly looked at FatMan's site, but I didn't notice anything for the 1947 big trucks.

The truck's been in the family since new and in the barn for the last 45 years...It's time to get her back on the road! I appreciate any advice I get.

Read Grigg's notes on putting disc brakes/P-30 spindles on old axles.

Ed

Welcome to the Stovebolt

Don't do anything until you get it running and driving on the road. Adding all that fancy stuff the 1/2 ton truck get will most likely be a waste of time and money on your 1-1/2 ton, it will never handle like a sports car.

I've put over 30k miles on my 2-1/2 ton Fire Engine on stock suspension and my wife rides with me all the time, so it can't be that bad!

Mike B

If you look here on page 20-21 in the Fatman catalog, you'll see they call it the, "Extreme IFS," it's based on the 70's/80's GM truck suspension. Fatman.

I'll agree with what some others have stated. It may be worthwhile to get the truck running and driving before jumping into things. I didn't see what series you have, but it may be possible to swap components from other trucks get the ride and look you're after. The 4100 trucks share much of the same architecture with the 3800's, So swapping out front leaf spring packs, and or other suspension components may be possible. On the rear, you may be able to just take a few leaves out to get what you want.

The "Big Bolts" have wider front sheet metal than the 3100-3800 trucks. So, swapping out a complete chassis with a late model one is always a possibility. You see this done with early cab-over trucks and wreckers all the time.

Anyhow, it's you're truck, your decision. I hope we helped.

Chris

I spoke with Fatman and they said they can build an IFS for this truck. However, they said the IFS would not be appropriate if I want to keep the truck as a 1.5 ton. They said their designs are geared more towards street rods. I'm not really wanting a street rod, I want to be able to use the truck as a truck so I'm probably going to eliminate the IFS as an option.

I have read Grigg's notes on the P30 axles a few times. I think the P30 would be a good option or possibly one of Randy Domeck's kits.

Original is also good.
These trucks were new once and people were proud of them and their abilities.
Rebuild or repair as needed and be proud again, nothing really “wrong” with they way they were new.
Driving an original for a good while also puts into perspective what really matters to you. Helps figure out what you may or may not actually want to change.

It looks like you're wanting to stay with the 1.5 ton truck theme. Have you thought about a chassis swap with an Isuzu truck?

Big Bertha

Big Bertha build

Several years ago my dad got a deal on some NPR's from a mail delivery service. The price? FREE, just haul them away, which is what we did. Some had blown engines, others blown transmissions, etc.. In hind-sight we could've built a couple good trucks out of the lot. Instead, we parted out what we could, sold the boxes, and sent the rest to the chipper. Anyway, my point is, you may be able to get a good chassis with power steering, disc brakes, etc.. for little or no money. Just a thought.

No, I haven't considered that...not yet anyway. That is an interesting build!
I went to 5 salvage yards looking for ideas today and didn't find anything with a P30. I did see an Isuzu though and only a mile from the house; I might have to give it some thought.