Which Mustang II IFS is of the best quality and fit. I have just completed the boxing of the frame for my '39 GMC 1/2 ton. Looks like there are several to chose from. I want a decent kit( as in not the most expensive) that fits well. Would like opinions on different kits ie; fatman, heidts, speedway. Thanks for any help.

You've asked an open-ended question and I'm sure most people who have installed these units have a favorite manufacturer and I'm no exception.

I prefer Heidts. Not because they are the cheapest, because they're not, and not because they have the best customer service, because they don't. It's because their design is, in my opinion, better than the competition.

Hiedts design duplicates Ford's geometry exactly. They haven't tried to improve on a design that Ford spent big bucks to come up with. Yes they do offer custom strut rod eliminators (which I don't recommend anyone use) and custom tubular upper and lower "A" arms but you don't have to use them. Stock Mustang II components will work perfectly and are much cheaper than the custom units.

When it comes to brakes there are several supply houses that offer Mustang II brake upgrades. Speedway offers the big 11" GM disk kits for just a couple hundred bucks and they are well worth the money.

Overall I have found Heidts systems to be easy to install and made of high quality materials. Once the front frame is prepared they can be completely installed in one day however a weekend would be better if you've never done one before (remember measure twice and weld once). Over all you can install a complete Mustang II kit using a power rack and the big GM disks for about a grand. Some of the other manufacturers systems may be a couple hundred bucks cheaper over all but in my opinion Heidts is the only one that hasn't modified the stock geometry in some way. Frankly I'd rather trust Detroit’s engineers designs than some mom and pop shop any day.

I'm sure you'll get some other opinions before this thread is over. Like I said everyone has their favorites.

Centerline
<a href="http://www.hotrodsandhemis.com" target="_blank">http://www.hotrodsandhemis.com</a>

[ March 19, 2003: Message edited by: Centerline ]</p>

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Centerline
HotRodsAndHemis.com

"Political Correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end."

[quote]Originally posted by Centerline:
<strong>Yes they do offer custom strut rod eliminators (which I don't recommend anyone use) and custom tubular upper and lower "A" arms but you don't have to use them.
[ March 19, 2003: Message edited by: Centerline ]</strong><hr></blockquote>


What he said!!

Thanks Centerline. I was leaning towards Heidts but I figured asking around would'nt hurt.

I just put in a kit in a '46 Chevy Panel. I got it from JPL in PA. They had about the lowest price and covered the shipping. The cross member is Heidts, not sure about the rest on the compents, no tags on the arms. Went togeather very nice, with no problems. I've got a pic of it in my photo album.

Bluepen, does jpl have a web site by any chance?

They don't have a site that I know of, but heres the phone number, 1-724-375-3940. I know not an 800 but the staff I worked with was very good. Just told them year and model of the truck answered a few more questions and done.

check out Street Rod Engineering. <a href="http://streetrodengineering" target="_blank">streetrodengineering</a> they use 1/4 inch steel instead of the 3/16 most others use, well designed and very reasonably priced. they also have many applications for different models of vehicles. the crossmembers, all front end parts, engine mounts, leaf springs and brackets fpr my 36 Ford came from this place. they're located in Arizona. good luck. Dan

street rod engineering?
i'll NEVER put another one of theirs in......
while they ARE heavier,they don't fit correctly and the welds are kinda gruesome.

heidts or subframe for me, haven't seen anybody else's that i'd use.

Just thought I'd mention that I used Fat Man which was supposed to be a perfect fit for all the tin, etc but was not. Also the springs were too big. Seems ok now but I would not recommend them. By the way my measurements were checked and double checked not only by me but buy another guy that has worked on cars for years. Good luck

I installed a FAt Mans in a 40 chevy.I was very impressed with the kit and the crossmember.When I ordered it the shipping company delivered the top hats and such but managed to lose the cross member.One call to Fat mans had a second crossmember shipped out that day.Brent has a good company and stands behind his product.

I have a FatMan in my truck, with upper and lower tubular A-arms ... I have a shimmy problem (at 50-60 mph) that I'm taking care of, but it's not the FatMan's fault so much as an improper installation. Other than that, the truck handles, steers and drives beautifully! I called FatMan and got a great response - very helpful and informative! Real nice guys there!

Alan Horvath
<a href="http://AlanHorvath.com/" target="_blank">http://AlanHorvath.com/</a>
Acoustic Rock ... for real.

I have used both Fatmans and Heidts. Fatmans works good but is crude and cheaper. If you want function and cheaper go Fatman. If you want showcar looks and works great go with Heidts. Many options SS,air,P/S. Ray

Used Jim Weimer rod garage equipment. Still working on rolling chassis. What is the problem with tube A arms? Do i need to do something differant. I am useing chassis engineering 4 link.

I've got a TCI (Total Cost Involved) front end.

It's a Mustang front end with tubular control arms but the whole thing is flipped around so I don't have the ugly rack in plain view (an issue with Model A's).