ooh ooh, can I jump in...
I really think that if a bolt is properly tightened, and maybe some
threadlock is used, that a weld would be more likely to crack (or mayb the
metal near it) then the bolt would be to back out.... After all, isnt' the
original front axel held in by 8 small nuts? I'd be more worried about my
front axel rolling down the road then I would be an after market
suspension. Either way, I really doubt that designing a front suspension
system is as much rocket science as you would have us believe. I could be
wrong though. It has been said before, modern software tools can allow you
to easily revise designs before you ever cut metal and test out the
system, thereby avoid the *YEARS and MILLIONS of dollars* the factories
spend on developing their front suspensions. BTW, I really don't buy the
argument about bolts backing out. If so, the rods in motor, and my
cylinder head would have fallen off long ago. Anyway, the reason I am
jumping in is that I'm planning on putting in a Pacer front
suspension.. Obviously, a front end that was not specifically designed for
my truck, but everyone I know who has done this particular conversion
seems very happy with it. Apparently you can bolt it or weld it in. I'm
gonna bolt it in because it is more reversable if I ever want to build a
show truck or go back to stock. Anyway, I just wanted to say, that I
really enjoy this discussion, but I don't think designing a proper front
suspension is beyond the means of normal man and should be left to the
superhuman engineers at the factorys.
-alfie
On Fri, 15 Sep 2000, Whittaker Bill G Civ ASC/SMY wrote:
> What you're talking about is a unibody sub-frame that has been designed and
>developed by a major auto manufacturer who spent millions of dollars along the
>way to ensure it works as advertised. The system has been extensively tested
>and the design was modified as problems surfaced over it's development cycle.
>That's why factory designed bolt on systems are safe for the vehicles they've
>been designed for.
>
> However this is not necessary the case with aftermarket IFS systems.
>Virtually none of the small shops that manufacture these kits have the money
>or capability to completely test a bolt on design. As an example, when you
>adapt a IFS like the Mustang II to an old frame, the conditions and stresses
>the suspension system is subjected to are different with each and every
>vehicle. It all depends on what modifications have been done to the original
>frame and how they have effected it's overall condition. Things like boxing
>and crossmembers that may have been added for transmission, engine, or rear
>suspension mounting will all add to or subtract from the frame's strength, and
>they all effect it's rigidity and how and where it flexes. Mods to the frame,
>the age of the metal, and its general condition are all factors that change
>the way the frame reacts under stress. Flexing and vibration are the two
>major culprits that loosen bolts, and they don't discriminate as to which
>bolts !
> they decide to covertly back off for you. Because each of these
>installations is subjected a unique environment there is really no way to
>accurately predict the installation integrity (over time) of any of the
>aftermarket bolt on IFS systems. Therefore, in the case of Mustang II and
>similar kits, it will almost always be safer to weld these systems in place
>rather than trust your life to 8 small bolts.
>
> Bill Whittaker
> '53 3100 Hemi
> Built Like A Rock
> With Mopar Stock
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Brian _ [mailto:pkupman57@hotmail.com]
> Sent: Thursday, September 14, 2000 6:53 PM
> To: ryan_border@hp.com; oletrucks@autox.team.net
> Subject: RE: [oletrucks] RE: IFS, but not to open any can or worms again
>
>
> list,
> i work for the ford dealer in town. ive changed several engines in vehicles
> and most all FWD cars and vans use a bolt on front sub frame. the ford
> windstar for example, uses 4 bolts to hold the front sub frame, engine,
> suspension, steering, tranny, everything onto theh body. makes it EZ to
> change engines tho, as you only undo 4 bolts, brake lines, and steering and
> shift linkage, and the whole shabang drops out from under the van. so i dont
> believe that the majority of bolt on front suspensions are unsafe.
> Brian M
> Atwater, CA
> '57 Chevy 3200
> _________________________________________________________________________
>
>
> oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
> oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
>
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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