The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop 1955 GMC 100 tech swap

Gentlemen

Does anybody have information on Mustang II IFS front axle load capacity? Manufacturer cannot provide me any. Only application where it is designed to use.

Our local registration author would like to verify that new axle will handle new loads to get it title. Also with papers. Later inspector will put it to scales. We have little bureaucratic regulation but fair.

New happy GMC100 owner,

mukle

Today "Mustang II IFS" is a generic name for a suspension system built by Ford for a lightweight car in that era of time.
Many years ago, a hobbyist would cut a stock M2 IFS from a donor car in the wreck yard and adapted to fit another vehicle.
The unloaded front suspension will have a maximum of 2700 lbs. Look it up in the original Mustang specification sheets.

The M2 IFS of today is not used parts (unless you go cheap). It is a design that adapts new parts to a specific vehicle.
You select arms and springs based on weight of the engine and accessories.
Being the design is vehicle specific, it must (legal liability) be able to carry the same load as stock vehicle suspension (in your case GMC 100 suspension).
Most will not accept the original heavy and deep inline 6 cylinder engine.

You also need to ask the M2 IFS provider or manufacturer if they will cover damages if a failure of their part(s) results in an automobile accident.
Weld-in kits need to be welded by a professional.
If you lack the skills, I would find a "rod shop" that typically does this kind of work.

I don't know of anyone that has installed that type of front suspension that expects to actually use their vehicle for it's original
intended purpose. Such as hauling loads like a real truck. That is a compact car front suspension with small A arms, ball joints, and
other components. While they are a vast improvement regarding handling and drivability, it's still a light duty component.
Possibly upgraded springs and A arms are available to get to what is an acceptable equivalent.
I doubt that any of the aftermarket suppliers is going to provide any certification for what you need.
Fred

I do know that European countries have to be strict. Ever since the reunification/glasnost, there would have been an influx of a number of unsafe cars from ex-soviet state republics. They made the rules strict to keep potential disasters off their high speed highways. Once you make a rule, you have to stick by it for all vehicles. Classic American vehicles are tolerated as long as you don't make modifications from the original design. In a lot of ways this makes good sense.

I would look for businesses in that country that has had success in providing upgrades and retrofits.

Gentlemen thank you for your inputs. Really appreciated. I will try to go ahead with application only. No numbers as suggested. This vehicle is not going to be back in original #5000GVW carrying purposes. I understand that they are so related to how the axle has been used and how it is attached.

In case you are still reading this post. Don't give up searching for more information.

Listed in no priority of order:

Fat Man Fabrications
Heidts
Scotts Hot Rod
Scott Danforth (this website, address under his profile)

Thanks buoymaker for the encourage! Nope I will not give up. I have just started with this pick up.

Is there a compelling reason to change the original I beam axle suspension to a M-II? With a thorough rebuild, there's nothing wrong with the straight axle, and if you want to have power steering, an electric steering assist such as a Prius or other modern vehicle uses can be adapted without any modification to the basic suspension system. A front disc brake conversion can also be added for better stopping capabilities, also without modifying the basic steering and suspension system. The less you deviate from the original design, the more likely it will be to get past the inspectors. Good luck!
Jerry

Of course not. It is already there because previous owner has started tech swap and I am only finishing it. Otherwise it is already registered and there is modification to add to the title.


Main reason for the swap is better handling, brakes and power steering. Unfortunately this vehicle ain't such a gem anymore that full restoration would have been the reasonable choice. At least in our market area. This is still honour to old car to keep wheels rolling even it is with new tech.

OK- - - -understood. As long as the M-II kit is from a reputable source such as the ones listed above, the load carrying capacity is determined by the springs the builder installs. The basic structure is usually "over-built"- - - -made of thicker material than the rest of the frame. The load carrying capacity and to some extent the ride height can be altered by using different height and/or coil diameter of the springs. A supplier of round track racing springs such as Racer's Wholesale, JEGS, or Speedway Engineering offers a pretty wide selection of coil springs with different diameters, heights, and weight capacities. Good luck!
Jerry

Thanks Jerry. I am pretty confident that this will be awesome journey to remember.

A mission completed! I got truck under license with the new tech. I am pretty happy now. Thank you all with your valuable insights.