I am a newbie. I have been doing some research about what my optionis are for putting a new front end into my '54 Packard Clipper. I also want to set up the car with Airbag suspension.

I have found out about the Mustang II Front end kits that are out there. Many are available with Air Bag suspension. From what I can tell the average price is $2,200. Are there other options for a front end other than the Mustang II (I am sure there are)? What are they? Is there a cheaper way to do it that I am missing?

Any and all advice/ideas would be greatly apreciated.

Thanks for your time.

JOgo

It's not the trend, but since it already has IFS, why not modify that to do what you want. The cost of a subframe and conversion labor make the options fairly broad in the upgrade area.

I agree totally with Woodz, I modified the stock stude suspension on my wagon to house airbags and I haven't had any problems with it. Don't ruin your ****** packard by "clipping" it

QUESTION,

How difficult do you think it is going to be to modify the front end to handle the air bags? I am a newbie, but also poor, is modifying the easiest and cheapest way? Is it the best thing to do in the long run? (if I am looking to put a new higher HP engine and tranny, and probably rear end)

drgnwgn289,

By the way, Your studie is, easily, my favorite car (that I have seen on this site). Out of Control! Who did you get your airbags through? What type of set up did you use? how hard was it?

Well, I have a "four way system"...that means that there is a bag at each corner and that each bag has its own guage and switch and there is no transfer of air between the bags. This is necessary, do not try to save money by putting two bags on one "circuit"...when you take a corner it will amplify the body roll and handle like crap. I got all of my stuff from Air Ride Technologies and I would reccomend them, they have decent prices and good service. I bought the bags, switches and solenoids and the wiring harness. I also got a sort of universal set up for the rear that includes a bracket the gets bolted to the frame and one that goes between the axle housing and the leaf spring, that part was easy. For the front I bought the tubing that they sell (I think it is 5.5" in diameter) and the plates to mount the bags to. I will post some pics of the set up in my photo album when I get a chance. I suggest that if you are serious about it, you should get an Air Ride Technologies catalog and look through it. I won't lie, its not cheap and its kinda hard, but I think it is worth it.