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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 13
J
New Guy
New Guy
J Offline
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 13
I've read a few of the posts on the Mustang II IFS install on the 55-59 Chevy's. there's some good information in there. I had a few questions that no-one has addressed though. I've decided on the Heidt's version with the tubular A-arms, dropped spindles and power rack and pinion steering. My truck is a 59, I'm pretty sure it's a 3/4 ton.

Does anyone have any pictures of a completed install?

What power steering box do I need to make this install complete?

Aside from the power steering box, what other parts will I need to complete this install?

I've never tackled a job of this size before. If anyone can offer any suggestions or can address any issues that I haven't thought of yet I'd appreciate a heads up.

Thanks
johnwaynejeep
59 Chevy Longbed, fleetside
Crate 350



Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 434
R
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
R Offline
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 434
John Wayne:

You said you have the rack & pinion steering, so you don't need a power steering *box*, you need a power steering *pump*, right? Normally the standard GM PS pump will support the powered rack & pinion, if I recall correctly the early Mustang rack needs less pressure than the later rack so you may need a pressure reducer in the lines. So just ask Heidt's if you are running a GM pump, they will know what you need to do to make it work. In other words, run what PS pump you have on your 350.

On the kits, they usually come "hub-to-hub". They have all the components for a complete front end, new cross member, top shock mounts, springs, shocks, A-arms, spindles, bearings & seals, tie-rod ends, steering rack, caliper brackets, calipers, pads, rotors/hubs, and associated hardware. "hub-to-hub" means you connect the steering shaft, you bolt on the wheels and tires, you hook hydralic lines to the rack, the front end is complete.

So normal "extra parts" are PS lines, and steering shaft connectors. You need new wheels to match your new lug pattern.

Now if you did not buy "hub-to-hub" kit, then Heidt's will tell you what is needed to complete from what you did buy.

There is an article somewhere on a Heidt's install, maybe www.webrodder.com tech articles. Google IFS Heidt's install or something like that and you should find it.

From what I have read, all the MII IFS installs are basically the same. If you get your cross member and upper shock mounts welded on right, the rest of it is bolt-on simple.

The cross member should be level with the frame side-to-side, and level with the shop floor (assuming the shop floor is level). It should be centered to the original axle center-line.

The frame should be level side-to-side, and at the rake angle (front to back) you want the truck to run at, usually folks pick around a 3 degree rake with the back being higher. I'm thinking about zero rake on mine, as I am not going for the full-on "hot rod truck" look.

I know the guy at www.webrodder.com has a good article on a Fatman IFS on a 59, and it is worth it to order a printed version. Not much money and he ships quickly and is trustworthy from my experiences. At any rate, it should be applicable in some respects to the Heidts.

I would also ask, did you read the instructions from Heidts? Having said that, I will say I think the Fatman instructions are pretty bad, but they are about 10 miles from me, so I can always call or go over there and ask, and that is the big reason I bought my kit from them is they are local.


Hope this helps.

Last edited by R-Bo; 08/24/2008 6:04 PM.

R-Bo

1959 Apache 1/2 ton Big Window, Short bed Fleetside (under reconstruction)
1966 GMC 305V6 in the family
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 13
J
New Guy
New Guy
J Offline
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 13
Thanks R-Bo

this certainly addressed some of my concerns and misconceptions about the steering.

Thanks


59 Fleetside Longbed-350 Crate
76 Jeep J20 Ambulance
2007 Wrangler X

Moderated by  Fibonachu, KCMongo 

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