Hi, I have pretty much planned out the rear suspension for my 1929 Chevy truck project. It needs to be designed and built but the plans are done. Now I turn my attention to the front suspension. Current plan is a Jag XJS front suspension unit: But is has come to my attention there are more such units available from other makes. I for instance found this, from a Ford Crown Victoria: That seems to be used on rods often, too. Seems to be very easily mounted to ch***is rails, should they be in similar location Please advise, having found two in a few minutes of googling means to me there should be a lot more. Cheers, Hugo
I suspect your frame width will not match either one. The crown vic one will be much wider than the Jag, which will probably still be wide for a 29 era vehicle. There are lots of kits for the mustang 2 type front ends if you must have an independent front end, or use a dropped axle similar to what came originally on the car- much better looking and traditional to boot.
You need to know what track width will work for your build. Hub to hub at the wheel mounting surface. Then you can narrow down the donors that will work what will work.
Eh, guys? I can cut / weld / fabricate pretty much any axle to the right width. I am fully aware axles taken from other cars will not be a direct bolt on to a 1929 Chevy truck frame. That is part of the fun, fabricating and making stuff fit, right? I will have a look at the mustang front, thanks for the suggestion. Other suggestions are still welcome! Cheers, Hugo
It really doesn't work the way you say, however you won't see this until you are somewhere between "can't turn back now" and " ****itall"
Please, if you don't have an answer to the question, please don't answer. I have made everything fit since I was 16, on numerous UK, German and Japanese cars, also mixing them. Is the European saying: "If it ain't bolt on, Americans cann't fit it" really true? Please don't reinforce the prejudice. Cheers, Hugo
Sounds like you should be answering all the questions not asking them. When I picture a 29 sitting on that crown Vic clip - I puke
If you have any questions on BMW, Minis, Jaguars, Hondas etc, please feel free to ask. I'm just not familiar with USA parts, yet, as they are far and few between here. I did tinker on a 1965 Ford Mustang and a Chevy Camaro, but that was mostly replacing stock bits. I agree with you, a cast alloy front axle is not my preference for this car either. Hence my search. I would love something Chevy, I looked into Corvette suspension but that is nowhere near what I like. Apart from the airbags, I am also looking into this option: [youtube]Tsnyv_GtbIA[/youtube] [EDIT]Hmmmm, clip insert don't work... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tsnyv_GtbIA[/EDIT] But that is a side track in this topic. Hugo
Quick question...is there a reason that a regular beam axle and parallel leaves are not being considered? It would fit the best and look right, but that's my opinion. Not trying to be a ****, just wondering.
Valid question, and I am considering it. Hence the little youtube clip. There is plenty of info available about that, a simple search on e-bay teaches a lot (feel free to teach me even more). In actual fact, I've drawn up a DIY beam axle out of small IPE-HD material, using Chevy (or SKF replacement) bearing hub units. However, since I have chosen to use a Jaguar IRS unit for the rear, I also research the option for independent front suspention. Cheers, Hugo
Notice in that video he has a dropped beam axle. Instead of a spring - transverse spring ( ford) or parallel leaf (Chevy) he has air bags.
I believe it's "fat man" that has a split I beam suspension. It's not truly independent but I heard it works well, rides and handles better than a solid axle and should take airbags if you choose. Torsion bar setups are pretty neat, they can be done to look very nice too.
Check the width of a Jag front end from around 1961. I know they are narrower but I don't know the measurement.
I had to google that, thanks! Never seen that before. I'll have to do some sketches on that. But I think it will either be full IFS, or a real beam. Hmmmm... Oh, and no airbags for me. I like a firm ride. And nothing deflateble, I've fixed a few too many Citroens with hydraulic suspension. Fun, cruising down the freeway and suddenly something goes pop, and your **** is on the pavement! @BuiltFerComfort; yep, those are very narrow. And hard to come by. And REALLY expensive! But an option non the less. Cheers, Hugo
you could look into the 49-54 chevy p***. car frt. suspensions. similar to the Jag, but the Jag is probably a better choice and easier for you to find.
rear is IRS, i don't see any point in keeping the front an I beam. the Jag IFS would be my choice. keeps all the hardware in the family, wheel pattern can be the same, probably more available on your side of the pond. take how-ever many inches (mm) out of the middle and your golden. just had a thought, VOLVO IFS are an un-bolt type crossmember also........ mustang II/pinto IFS = american cookie cutter/belly****on, do you really want that?
Yup, and that is one of my pet peeves over at a tri five chevy site. If it's not "pre-engineered/bolt on" it's not good....... Here at least, most know how to cut/weld steel.
Early Jaguar xj6 should work and you will be able to find it easily in Europe. I have a custom IFS in my 29 Chev tourer but a Jaguar was my second choice because it is not too ugly. Also will give you power steering.
@cl***ic gary; thanks! The simple fact I wasn't boo-ed from this forum after my post makes me feel I am in the right place! Yeah, I was at a jaguar breaker last Saturday to collect the IRS, and I saw some nice IFS units there which I think I can make fit. I found this topic: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=451036 Gives some good idea of the possibilities and care points. Just a little pic because I like it: Yep, that's my four year old on the fork lift. My wife almost went berserk. I didn't tell her the key to the lift was in my pocket when I shot the picture! Cheers, Hugo
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