Independent Suspension -
Continued
By Ronald J. Welch
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TRADE OFF's - Cont.
Some of these trade offs are apparent only after the
installation. A Camaro clip, by itself, sitting in your garage, may looks quit good until
you see it under your truck. Now I'm sure there are a lot of satisfied truck owners who
have donor clips on there trucks. They also can attest to some of the trade offs, which
include: engine sitting too low in the engine bay, poor handling, problems attaching sheet
metal, ride height, and a myriad of other problems.
TODAY'S OPTIONS
Today, there are many new choices for an IFS
solution. The unique feature of most of these kits are that they are engineered for your
application. Another nice feature of most of these kits, is that you do not have to cut
your frame to install them. There are also engineered stub frame clips that do require
frame cutting. Below, I have outlined briefly some of today's IFS options and the skill
required to complete each project.
Camaro/Firebird
Stub Frame: HIGHLY-SKILLED
There are really few advantages to this type IFS
system above the gain of power steering, disc brakes, and independent suspension.
Drawbacks are engine placement, ground clearance, sheet metal relocation and ride height
problems.
This type of installation requires the frame to be
cut and quit a lot of welding and frame boxing. So, this type project is not for the
mechanically or tool impaired. There also is extensive sheet metal remounting tasks that
have to be completed along with this type of project. Spring replacement is always
required to make the truck handle well. Don't think your saving any money on this type of
project, because the corrective measures put you in the kit area on price. Average cost
for this project would depend on how much work you farm out. $1,600 to $2,500.
If you really what this type of IFS system, then your
best bet is to find a shop that has experience doing this type of work. I don't mean some
welding shop. Look for a rod or custom fabrication shop that has a good record with this
type of work. Then check out their work through customer references and the local Consumer
Affairs Department.  [more]
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