Looking for suggestions on how to install a 78 Volare front suspension into my 46 Fargo(Dodge) pickup. I'll be going out later to measure the front and back of the volare K member and the frame width of the 46. My goals are as little changes to the frame as possible so eventually if I want to I can restore it with the stock components.
You are a brave fellow! Only because on this board, you resemble gunslinger Lee Marvin, stepping up to the bar...and ordering...milk! Now, as to the details of your question. I've done more extreme "hybrids" like running a small block chev on a corvair front end, so consider: mounting the front end so that the caster is at a mid-range value, so there will be adjustment in both directions. For steering you might want to look at rack & pinion if a traditional box won't do. Get one that matches the original front, or back location of the stock steering harware. Springs and shocks can be narrowed down, to tune in your setup. First get the "geometry" dimensions as close as you can. Then worry about "ride" . Make your brackets slightly heavier than the frame matl, and capture all mounting points. If you are bolting the front end, you may weld the brackets to the frame. Note that clean metal, good prep, bevels to lay the weld in for certain joint types, filler metal or rod type mean that it will serve the use intended. Do not overlook what are called "stress risers" in YOUR design. Avoid notches and sharp bends where peak stresses can cause a crack later. Look over as many road/years tested systems as you can find. It takes some time, but is well worth the effort.
Sadly this book is out of print and they are asking over $100 for it at Amazon. Check with the folks at the P15-D24 forum (either the Pilot House area or the P15-D24 area) - there are people who have done clips, swaps, etc. The last time this came up, people asked "Basically, the 78 Volare is now 30 years old, so 'why'? Why not find something newer/better like an early Dakota?"
A few years ago I wrote a book called "How to Volare Anything" which is self published and has been available as people need them. A lot of guys have written to tell me it was very useful. I believe some other HAMBers have bought and used the book. 35 pages and it is illustrated with clear line drawings. Should cover everything you need to know. I ask $22 with s&h. PayPal is good. Contact me if you are interested.
See I can get the Volare front clip for scot-free from my brothers parts car and really don't feel like paying the amounts I've seen on other front suspension setups.
Check your local library for the tex smith book.You would be suprised at all of the books that are available.
Yep,what Burl says. If they don't have it in their catalog,ask the librarian if they can conduct an Inter Library Loan (ILL). The circulation staff (librarians) at any site are a very educated,kind,courteous lot and are always glad to help any patron who is in need of edification. Don't get me started on the #!!^&!!#@! library director/administration types,tho! Haa haa
Re: Lee Marvin, I would guess, that most inquiries concern I-beam or tube axles. I haven't seen much discussion of "less traditional" front end work.
I posted some text and video on when I did it to my '53 Ford F-100 on my website: http://www.henrysrodshop.com Select the F-100 section, it goes in reverse chronological order. Here are the video posts... they might be of some help: First: <object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_ZenpeCnTnw&rel=0&color1=0xd6d6d6&color2=0xf0f0f0&border=0"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_ZenpeCnTnw&rel=0&color1=0xd6d6d6&color2=0xf0f0f0&border=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object> Second: <object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wTgnVyuVdyM&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wTgnVyuVdyM&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object> Third: <object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gSEcQqCYYJg&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gSEcQqCYYJg&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object> Fourth: <object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/aIQrBgmAxH0&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/aIQrBgmAxH0&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object> Fifth: <object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/i86LMShlMsg&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/i86LMShlMsg&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object> Sixth: <object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/U37Z6Qg_jOY&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/U37Z6Qg_jOY&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object> Seventh: <object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/eGkKfE1xjnA&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/eGkKfE1xjnA&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object> I used a video from No Limit Engineering for the specific dimensions, etc. but I'd be happy to answer as many questions as I can about it... hope this helps! Ben
The Jalopy Journal
