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I am just starting a new project, a 1950 5-window Chevy pickup, and have some questions because this is the first vehicle I have restored. I want to install an IFS to allow me to drop in a V-8, but am unsure of what is the best option. I have researched some and found information on welding in a subframe, pacer swap, and a Dodge torsion set up. I don't want to chop the frame due to inexperience and the cost of farming the work out. Any information you could give me would be greatly appreciated!

Welcome to the board Francis. If the only reason you want IFS is to be able to drop in a V8, it's unecessary as aftermarket mounts are available to do this with the stock front end, and countless others have also done it so there is a plethora of information out there. If you still want IFS, I would suggest an aftermarket crossmember kit like the dakota or mustangII. These require very little if any hacking of the frame and are exponentially easier to install compared to grafting a whole front clip off another car. If you do a search of this site you will find that IFS has been discussed to death so there is a ton of info. Have fun, you have come to the right place.

I am restoring a 54 five window and have almost completed the cab.I did a complete frame off.This is my first project.I also wanted ifs with power steering and brakes.I tracked down a pinto which has the mustang 2 crossmember and suspension components and i will purchase a big brake kit later.I havent installed it yet but am told it will weld right in.This seemed to be the cheapest route for me.I paid 150.00 for complete front assembly and it is in mint shape.Its not easy to decide which route to go as every body has a different opinion on what they like.so good luck and keep us posted

I have a 51 with a Camaro subframe.At the time it seemed best but now I wish I would have went with the mustang II ,they have alot of reasonable kits out there and they are not too hard to put in.

Francis...I know exactly how you feel...I have a '52 Suburban with a stock frame and we put in a stock Bobcat(Pinto/Mustang II)IFS...it was relatively easy, inexpensive and there are tons of parts out there to improve the stock IFS where necessary (ie tubular A arms. Further, I think you will find if you research this site and others that the stock IFS (provided you install it properly)is as good or better than many of the aftermarket IFS offerings.

I took the Pacer front crossmember route and I found it to be a very cost effective way to get what I wanted in one package...disk brakes, IFS, rack and pinion power steering, stabilizer bar. Went in real nice with minimum complications. The fun part was locating a Pacer front end, because even though they made 100's of thousands of them from 1975 to 1980, they don't show up in your typical local junk yard. Dr. Mopar near Austin has some old Pacers and that is where I got mine for $225.

Welcome, RBS has the series that Street Rodder did which might give you some ideas. good luck!

http://www.rbsauto.com/dreamweaver_pages/project%20vehicles/prjct_main.html

Well here,s my 2%.I have a 51 and I used a 79 camaro clip.Cost of the clip in the bone yard was $50 Now I have front dis power brakes, powersteering using a 84 tilt steering column.the subframe is already for V-8 CHEVY.If it's a chevy KEEP IT ALL CHEVY.Parts are cheap everwhere.It took 6 hours to cut off the old and put the camaro subframe on.The pacer an mustang IFS I say set to low to the ground.Plus there a little tooooo light,for a big block.Boy will I get hell for that one.But it,s your $$$$$.Remmember a CHEVY is a CHEVY ,not a **** or pacer.Why are they all is the bone yard.I close my case.Think it over,in the long I say you"ll go with the CHEVY idea.I told my wife trust me,now it's 37 years.

Hey again,
Thank all of you for your insights. I appreciate all of the responses I have gotten. I looked into the pacer/mustang IFS kits and only found ones that were quite expensive. As far as the Chevy front clip is concerned, I heard from a reliable source that there is a certain clip that is slightly narrower than the truck frame. This clip will pretty much just slide in and would then simply be welded into place. Is there any truth to this and, if so, what front clip is it? Thanks again to everyone, I'll try to keep posting to let you all know my progress.

Francis, I put a 68 camaro rear steer clip in my 39. The truck frame rests on the camaro clip where the camaro body rested. You can clamp the two frames together while you check all your measurements. This is a plus because you can get it all set up ahead of time if you have farm out a welder, this way your not paying him to hang around while you mock it up. The clip dropped my truck 5 inches and with 2 inch dropped spindles its nice and low. Plus with the chevy clip all rebuild parts are(and always will be) available when the time comes to rebuild. I rebuilt the entire front end added all new spindles rod ends calipers rotors lines bearings etc for half the price as a mustang 11 kit and as previosly stated was set up for the chevy motor and tranny. I know there are people who do not like to go this route, but for a guy on a budget this has definately worked for me...........Good luck,Dale

Francis-

Welcome aboard. Although I did not do the work, my rig has an early '70's Nova clip (also rear steer). Any of these GM X series cars will work and there are a lot of great parts available. Their width is pretty equal to the AD pickup frame. It is important to get the measurements correct before firing up the welder, so take your time.

If I had to do it again, I might go for the second generation, front steer. Better parts availability and less hassle with the steering components getting in the way. Lots of experience here at the Stovebolt.

Here are some photos: PhatBoy Phrame Photos

I put a TCI mustang 2 kit in my 55 2nd series,the kit came complete with power rack&pinion power, and disc brakes.It was quite simple to install,as with any conversion you have to measure just right.I think that kit runs around $2000.now It has worked out very well.On this kit they use Thunderbird power rack&pinion.If you use a GM PS pump you must reduce the pressure from approx.1100psi down to 7 or 800 psi.