Personally, I would go with the IFS. Steering
handleing will be better as well as ride quality.
Theirs nothing wrong with the I-beam setup even thou
it is said to not be as safe as IFS for various
reasons. Guess it depends on how much you are willing
to spend. A dual master cylinder would really help on
braking power...add a power booster and life just gets
sweater. The only thing that really stinks about the
stock drum brake setup is that it pre-dates the self
adjusters which are found on the newer vehicles. I
believe this started sometime on the 60's vehicles.
Meaning your brakes will occasionally need to be
manually tighted. On a positive note, drum brakes do
last longer. I would probably go with the weld in IFS
kit most definately. The suspension takes a real
licking and to me, stronger is better in this case.
Sorry, I don't have any experiance in installing IFS
in these old trucks as my truck has a totaled frame
and is getting a completely new frame with IFS and a
4-link setup topped off with air springs.
Just my 1 1/2 cents...
Jon
Mod 53 3100 Deluxe
P.S. Someday, I'll learn how to spell....everything
keeps coming out wrong...ahhh
--- Wayne Craig <wcraig@cfl.rr.com> wrote:
> I recently purchased a 1953 Chevy 1/2 ton PU. The
> truck has a 327 Chevy SB and
> a 72 Camaro Posi rear axle, but still has the
> original front suspension. It
> seems a shame to replace the original front
> suspension because it was recently
> rebuilt and is like new, but the brake system really
> sucks, and the steering
> system is out of phase. I'm weighing the options.
> Should I keep the original
> front suspension, but convert to disk brakes, or
> just bite the bullet and put
> in a modern front suspension? If I convert to an
> IFS, I've been looking at the
> Fat Man IFS Stage II Kit, and also am considering
> "RB's" bolt-in suspension.
> My welding skills are nil, but I could probably get
> a friend who is an
> excellent welder to help me with the Fat Man kit. I
> could probably do the
> "bolt-in" myself.
> I would welcome any opinions on the subject.
>
> Thanks,
> A.W.
> oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built
> between 1941 and 1959
=====
Jon
stkcode@yahoo.com
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oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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