Back in the day custom builders & rodders were using the Volare front suspension on the 53 thru 56 F100s and other makes of pickups. F100 being most popular. Today there are still low budget builders who may still want to use the Volare. I installed a Volare under my 56 F100, so I don't have information on Chevy's or other makes. Good things about the Volare: Can be purchased at any wrecking yard from $100 to $200.(based on Nevada Pricing) Cost to replace ball joints & bushings approx $300 Easy removal at the wrecking yard (no torch needed) Easy install at home. Very little cutting & welding. Just notch frame & install K-Member. Ease to adjust ride hight. Here are some things I learned, I call Draw Backs: You can adjust ride hight, but not without some sacrafice to ride & handling. The truck will want to sag in the direction of the turn. Soft ride, truck will sometimes bottom out. Fatman has 2" drop spindles for around $600. The K-Member were designed for 6 cyl & small block V-8s. If you are planning on using a big block. (I used a 383 Plymouth in mine) here are things to look out for. Box the frame. This is a must. Custom headers have to be made to keep from over heating the steering box. Mini starter has to be used when using headers. If you don't have the bucks for custom headers and are using a Mopar big block, you can use 440 exhaust manifolds out of a motorhome (these work great and don't add too much back pressure) If you plan on using a Ford or Chevy Engine, you're on your own, can't help you there. You can use the F100 radiator & fan as long as you keep the right valve cover about 1/2" or less from the firewall. I installed my 383 a little high so the oil pan could be removed without pulling the engine, so the firewall measurment may differ. The oil filter does not need to be relocated. A little tight but it can be removed & replaced. I hope this will help guys who are looking for ideas on front suspension. If you are interested in installing a Volare IFS I have copies of templates I can send you.
These days the biggest issue with the Volare sub is just finding one. There are not alot around anymore and this also affects the availability of repair parts. If you have one in a rig I suggest stocking up on wear parts. .
and the volare style front end was also under the Cordoba.. which could be had with a 400 b block. those were kinda a rare option though...
THE hot thing now is FORD 2003 and up crown vic. If you go on FORDIFICATION.There is a guy that very detailed infi including pictures. The suspention unbolts from the VIC and it is cast alum. SHOULD be easy to find. This for Ford trucks 50's thu mid 70's.
Sorry, but this is not true. The Cordoba's that had a big block were with the old straight torsion bar suspensions. The Cordoba went to the Volare style front end in the 80 model year, after the big blocks were gone. The Volare suspension system was used in the 80-89 rear drive Chrysler 5th Ave and Dodge Diplomats (same years as the 5th Ave, think 80s Mopar squad cars here) and the 80-83 Cordoba and Marada's. Mopar F, M, & J body styles. There are much better suspension systems available to use to upgrade your hot rod then the Volare system, and this is coming from someone that used the F, M, & J clip under 3 hot rods back in the 80s & 90s. Gene
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