Front Axle / Front Suspension: mustang IFS front clip on a 1955 E7 pickup

[alain]

Hello! i just need help from members about what will be the better choice? My first choice restoring my 55 E7 pickup was to rebuilt front suspension(new light duty spring leaves,Tie rods parts,etc)and installing Jim Turner deluxe Kit front discs brakes.Now my second choice will be installing a mustang IFS clip for a better ride.Having said that what will be the pros and cons in terms of cost,steering geometry,cutting front frame and welding??I will appreciate any help or suggestion for you out there that have tackled this problem.Thanks Also i would like to retain truck stock height

[PackardV8]

FWIW, I went through the same decision matrix and because mine is an E12 and wanted to retain the Budd wheels, I kept the OEM front end, with major improvements. It drives as well as an old truck needs to.

1. As you suggest, all new tie rod ends.
2. Steering gear rebuild or convert to PS using GM big car box.



3A. New main leaves and new spring eye bushings. The Stude bushings are absolute crap and will pound out in very few miles. If keeping the Stude springs, have new main leaves made up with large diameter bushings with steel sleeves inside.

3B. Convert to fiberglas springs.



4. Heavy duty shocks - I used Koni listed for motor homes.



I should have converted the rear springs to fiberglas at the same time, but I did double up on the shocks and change the spring eye bushings to internal sleeves. Those two changes made a huge difference in feel.



jack vines

[alain]

Thanks for your pictures.good job on your work ,there are good ideas to apply to my half ton and i certainly get with my mechanic to talk about them.Will let you know.

[studegary]

My last two Studebaker pickups had GM subframes in front. This gave mounts for GM engine, power steering, disc brakes, coil springs, etc. They drove and rode like a long wheelbase Camaro/Trans Am.

[bezhawk]

There was an article on putting a Ford Areostar van suspension on a Stude truck sometime back No welding, and it bolted in with a steel tubing spacer bolted to the stock frame.

http://studebaker-info.org/Tech/Frames/buddy/aerosusp.html