IRS

[1970Custom]

I've been thinking about swapping the suspension out of a Vette into my '70 F-100. (I know Chebby parts into a Ford..... I should be shot)

I've been concerned with the strength of the rear end being able to stand up to a very healthy 429.


Are my concerns valid or am I going to be okay?


Thanks
Eric

[xxxtina63]

I really don't know, but I would say you might be OK as long as you don't plan on doing any hauling. Plus, you're using parts designed for a vehicle that weighs half as much. I personally wouldn't, but if you must have IRS, here's a link. While they don't make a setup for your application, they may be able to help you out.

http://www.heidts.com/heiirs.htm

[akcowboy]

Depends on the year of the Vette i would think. The newer ones need to hold up to 500/500, but i don't know about the older ones. How's the width working out?

[xxxtina63]

I would say a Dana 44 or equivalent to be safe. By the way, I think you have my Avatar .

[rjewkes]

Actualy the Cheby Guys and Mopar addicts often bought their brand new rides and imediatley there after they replaced there rearends withg the 9" and 9" Banjo Rear Ends. They Were, Are the toughest behind the hi Performance Engines.

The only reason to worry is if yours is overly worn out.

[layedout72]

i was gunnas say, why not just a 9 inch?

[marz68]

I almost had a V8 TB irs for 80 dollars but the guy that was selling it was a A*# %&^! so I never got it. If I get a good deal on one later down the road I just mite get one.

[layedout72]

look for a lincoln LS rear. they fit perfect in rangers....(newer ones) may be an option for us marz.

[1970Custom]

No hauling, this truck's hauling days are over, pure street rod now.

All I've been able to find in the Vette stuff is the older Dana 36 IRS,

I like that heidts system but 4k is a bit steep for me.

This is just a thought right now, nothing more but I still wanted to ask.

I was also thinking about using the front clip out of the same vehicle just so I wouldn't have to mix and match to get the suspenions correct.

[Leadfoot]

Are you sure you want a vet rear end? The side mounted leaf spring looks hokey, and the in board rotors are a pain.

I personal don't see a hp problem with the vet rear end I had a 69 coup with a 427, 4 gear The only problems I ever had with rear end was the calipers.
One tip though with a performance engine do not use the U-joint with grease nipples they snap. for the center is hollow. only use a good sealed U-joint there way stronger.

but if you want something that looks cool I would personally look at a jag rear end. around here you can pick up a rusted Jag XJ6 or 10 cylinder cheep then rip the engine out. you keep the rear end. and sell the engine off as a core for more than you paid for the hole car.

[xxxtina63]

I too have seen numerous Jag IRS swaps, but mostly on 50's trucks and seriously expensive. Here are some more links you may find useful. But, like the heidts setup, they're expensive, unless you do most of the fabrication yourself.

http://classictrucks.com/features/0505cl_56ford/
http://www.kugelkomponents.com/index.html

[xxxtina63]

Another option is the Mustang Cobra IRS. I think this is similar to the Lincoln LS, if not the same. Yes, you got it first Layedout72. But expect to do some fabbing. Also, a lot of hardcore Mustang guys ditch their IRS in favor of a solid axle. Check this out.

http://www.spokanestreetracing.com/foru ... ac317942d3

[1970Custom]

Don't the early 90s T-bird super coupes have the IRS 8.8?

[325hotford]

I think most 4.6 birds have 8.8's

[1970Custom]

The one I've found has a supercharged 3.8