The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop ? about Welder Series Mustang II crossmember

Hey guys,
Has anyone used or have any info on the Welder Series Mustang II crossmember? It seems like a cost effective alternative to others like Heidt's and TCI. I do want to go with a Mustang II front suspension. I still need to sit down and add everything up to see if it will be cheaper in the long run to go with the Welder Series parts. Didn't the guys from "Trucks" tv show use one? I can't remember. Any comments welcome. TIA
Dan

Putting a suspension system designed for a subcompact car under a truck, even a pickup, seems to be a foolish decision, particularly if it's going to be used for anything other than a cruiser. Why not make a real truck system work, or at least go with a subframe like one for a Chevy Nova that's designed for a vehicle about the same weight as a stovebolt?
Jerry

They did. That episode is still available online.

You should look at Scott Danforth's S-10/g-body based system as an alternative to the MII stuff.

Hotrod Lincoln, I appreciate your input. But, after snooping around on here I have found that a few guys have Mustang II suspensions and have had no problems. My plan is to build a street cruiser. Nothing more. The added weight is a concern that I've had. But, once again, I haven't heard of any problems from guys that use them.
OldSub, thanks for your input as well. I'll have to check Scott Danforth's system out.
I just want a simple system that works. I like the Mustang II approach because I don't have to worry about any body mounts that are already on the truck. Don't have to remount the radiator ect...
Any more input would be greatly appreciated.

DAN

My Dad has a welder series crossmember in his 52. It works fine. That company is local to me and the owner used to own a hotrod shop. Paul Horton is a very nice man and builds quality parts. They have quite a pile of welder series products.

I did a Nova subframe about 17 years ago. dumb, dumb, DUMB.
Don't do it. Trucks with car frames are not fun.

I'd use the stock suspension and steering. Upgrade everything. That's what I'm doing on my 3/4 ton. It has a small block chevrolet mounted between the framerails hooked up to the original SM420 trans with a late 50's V8 bellhousing. Looks pretty stock.

I have 2 scott danforth Suspensions one is in a half ton and one in a 3/4 ton.

My Half ton is set up with tubalar uper a arms a 4 link rear suspension with coil over shocks a narrowed 9 " ford with disc breaks the whole 9 yards


The 3/4 ton is set up the same on the front tubular upper a arms and that is where i ran out of money GO FIGURE huh

SO i may sell my 3/4 ton to fund my 1/2 ton.

The Scott danforth kit is VERY STRONGLY built actually over built compared to the M2 kits.

Jaime

I have an OE Mustang 2 under my '40, including power steering. I haven't had any issues as far as durability or ride. From what I have seen, a lot of the aftermarket kits are heavier, and have available options such as coil overs, and tubular A Arms which would be nice upgrades.

I'm running an original stangII under my 37. Took it all out of a stangII myself at a salvage yard. I got it out of one that had the V8 engine as it had heavier springs. Although I did save some money I think if I did it again I'd go with one of the aftermarket set ups. There is just so much to be said for a kit that is precision cut and put together in some sort of permanent gig. It does take out a lot of work.
But, like britcon, mine does drive and ride good with the rack and pinion power steering and its been under mine for 10 years without problems. The crossmember we manufactured was probably a little overkill as the entire truck doesn't weigh but just over 2600 lb. (I officially weighed it at a truckstop)
.... but next time, if there is one, I think I'll go with the kit.

I have a 1973 Nova subframe under my 55 2nd series. Aside from the fact I have to have the frame lengthened, it seems to be ok. I won't know for sure until I build it. On a side note, a salvage yard here has a Corvette with the IRS still in it. I was thinking about buying it and using that under the rear. I may still go with a Nova rear axle.