1981 Thunderbird IFS under a 1940 Ford

Okiedokie · December 05, 2008, 10:22:30 AM

Gerron, check your PM's.

38HAULR · December 07, 2008, 03:56:59 PM

Series 1,11,111 Jaguar front ends are a great choice for IFS. They also have a power rack . Decent brakes,[S2 &3 use vented rotors,4 spot calipers] Chev bolt pattern.......Frank.

Topsterguy · December 08, 2008, 12:27:41 AM

I just put a Chassis Eng front X-member in my 40 pickup, used all the stock Mustang IFS pieces with the V8 springs, 2" dropped spindals, and the power rack out of a '82 T-Bird, and it all seems fine.......so far! Cost wise it was pretty reasonable. That said, there's nothing wrong with a dropped I beam axle, monoleaf spring and split bones either!

Gerron · December 08, 2008, 07:12:25 AM

Hi 38hauler - Thanks for your input Frank, but I think I'll skip the Jag stuff.
Hi topsterguy - Other rodders have said as you have. Keep the solid axle. Unfortunately, my car is in progress and I have never driven a solid axle car. This is why I am back and forth as to what to do. Maybe I'll run the solid axle after the car is registered and see if I like it.
In case though, I assume you used a five lug spindle. From What?
Thanks every one for all your help. I've never got so many answers in such a short time. This is a great forum.
Ron

38HAULR · December 08, 2008, 03:13:40 PM

Hi Ron, These particular Jags run the Chev 5 lug bolt pattern. I have fitted one up under a 38 Chev chassis,as well as the Jag rear suspension unit,the chassis rails on these Chevs,and indeed 40,s Fords are Jaguar "friendly" for install.......Frank.

Okiedokie · December 08, 2008, 05:31:11 PM

Hey Frank, do you have any pictures to share of any of those installs. Seems like Frank Oddo had a story on such several years ago in Street Rodder magazine. Can't remember much about it, of course I don't remember lot's of stuff anymore. Joe

38HAULR · December 08, 2008, 06:24:15 PM

Hi Joe. I do not have photos of mine yet, but if you try this link,you will see some Chev, and a 46 Ford to give an idea . "www.ozrodders.com/board/viewtopic.php?t=22290." ..... Frank.

Topsterguy · December 08, 2008, 07:35:32 PM

Hi Ron! I used the Mustang ll dropped spindals from Speedway and I also got the 5 stud rotors from them.

Gerron · December 09, 2008, 06:50:29 AM

Thanks Frank for your recommendation. If I do decide to go with an IFS, I'll keep the Jag suspension in mind. I'll be on the lookout for a good donor.
Thanks again,
Ron